Air New Zealand’s cabin crew took care of me when I was seriously ill with dengue fever on a flight from Fiji to Auckland. That above-and-beyond attitude reflects the ethos of the airline, inspired by the Māori word Manaaki, meaning to show respect, generosity and care to others. Headquartered in Auckland, this Star Alliance member operates more than 400 flights a day to 49 domestic and international destinations, including 20 domestic destinations across New Zealand, with a state of the art fleet, friendly staff and multiple awards for safety and service.
Domestic flight classes
Air New Zealand offers flexible options with four domestic fare classes. The seat fare includes only a carry-on bag at the most economical price, while seat+bag adds a checked bag.
Flexichange offers free seat selection and lets you change your flight’s date, time or route before departure without admin fees (you’ll pay any fare difference if you book ahead). If you change to an earlier or later flight on the same route the day of travel, there’s no charge even if the new flight costs more (subject to availability).
Flexirefund adds the ability to cancel for any reason and get a full refund.
Long-haul flight classes
Economy
Air New Zealand’s modern fleet means even standard Economy delivers sculpted upholstery and flexible headrests. I rate them as some of the more comfortable economy seats I’ve flown on.
The Economy Skycouch offers a budget-friendly luxury option. You and up to two fellow passengers get a full row to yourselves, with footrests that lift up to create a flat surface where you can stretch out or sleep.
Economy Stretch seats on flights operated by 777-300ER between Auckland and Los Angeles, Auckland and San Francisco and select services to Houston (routes may vary) sit in the first four rows for quicker disembarkation. You’ll get up to 39 percent more legroom with a 35-inch seat pitch, complimentary premium headset and a proper pillow.
Premium Economy
If you have more to spend, Premium Economy is well worth the investment. Expect free seat selection (handy if, like me, you have a strong preference for an aisle seat), more personal space and a leather seat with a leg rest and extendable foot support.
You can also bring two carry-on items (up to 15 pounds each) and two checked bags (up to 50 pounds each).
Business Premier
Business Premier represents the premium option on long-haul flights. Each leather seat converts into a lie-flat bed complete with a duvet, two pillows and a memory foam mattress, so you can arrive rested and refreshed. Fares also include premium check-in, courtesy lounge access, a gourmet dining menu and an increased luggage allowance.
Baggage rules
Carry-on bags must measure 46 linear inches or less (length plus width plus height). Standard passengers get one carry-on up to 15 pounds, while Premium Economy, Business Premier, and Airpoints Gold or Elite members can bring two items with a combined weight of 30 pounds (heaviest item up to 22 pounds).
For checked luggage, domestic seat+bag and flexichange fares include one bag. International Economy fares include one bag (though some routes allow two). Flexirefund and Premium Economy get two bags, while Business Premier allows three. Always check your e-ticket for your specific allowance.
Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds, or up to 70 pounds with an excess charge. If you’re carrying a lot, purchase a Prepaid Extra Bag in advance (up to 90 minutes before international flights, 30 minutes before domestic). You’ll get an additional 50 pounds for not much more than paying overweight fees for 20 pounds.
When I first traveled to New Zealand at 18 for a two-month camper van adventure, my bag was significantly overweight. I hadn’t yet learned the art of packing light.
Food and drink
Air New Zealand’s long-haul food and drink offerings consistently impress me. Menus focus on local New Zealand produce complemented by the country’s well-known wines, with 14 special meal options covering most dietary preferences. On my Auckland to Los Angeles flight, I appreciated the distinction between vegetarian and vegan meals, though regional Australia and Islands flights only offer vegan as the meat-free option for Economy and Premium Economy passengers. Domestic flights keep it simple with snacks only.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free for all fare classes on equipped aircraft (777-300ER, 787-9 including V2/V4, A321neo and A320neo in the international fleet; not yet enabled on the domestic fleet). Check the Air NZ app for the Wi-Fi icon next to your flight to confirm availability. The service handles low-data activities but not voice calls, video calls or high-res video streaming.
Long-haul flights feature touchscreen entertainment with the latest films, series, music and games. The screens work gate-to-gate, which is a major bonus with small children since you won’t wait for the seatbelt sign to turn off. There’s a Kids section with age-appropriate content and cabin crew can help implement Parental Locks on programs.
Having been separated from my partner on a full flight before, I appreciate the Screen Chat function that lets you communicate freely with people sitting several seats away.
Flying with kids
Air New Zealand lets you reserve baby bassinets at booking time, which I love. These safe sleeping spaces make all the difference with an infant, yet many airlines allocate them first-come, first-served on travel day. You’ll pay a small Seat Select fee, but it’s worth it in my opinion.
The airline serves children before adults when possible, letting you help kids with their food before enjoying your own. This contrasts sharply with airlines that leave parents juggling multiple full trays. You can order special baby or child meals in advance on flights with meal service.
Bring your own formula, baby food or snacks (there are no sterilizing, heating or refrigerating facilities onboard). Breastfeeding is permitted anytime during the flight, including take-off and landing, which helps babies cope with cabin pressure changes. For equipment, you can bring two of these at no extra cost per child under 12: a bassinet or portable cot, a car seat, or a foldable stroller.
Loyalty program
Airpoints is the free loyalty program from Air New Zealand. You’ll earn Airpoints Dollars on eligible Air New Zealand, Star Alliance and partner flights, plus affiliated hotel and rental car bookings. Use these dollars toward future flights, car rentals and more.
Status Points determine your membership tier (Silver, Gold or Elite), with each level unlocking more benefits. Gold and Elite members enjoy upgrades, increased baggage allowances, frequent flyer seating, priority check-in, and privileged access to Air New Zealand and global partner lounges. Silver members receive recognition upgrades and two single-entry lounge eVouchers valid only for Air New Zealand owned lounges.
If you’d rather skip the points chase, purchase a Koru membership for one, two or five years using Airpoints Dollars or regular money. This gives you similar benefits to premium status holders without accruing points.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
