Air New Zealand revamps short-haul booking options with enhanced flexibility

Travelers venturing across the Tasman Sea or to the Pacific Islands can expect a more personalized and flexible booking experience with Air New Zealand’s upcoming revamp of its short-haul flight options.

The airline announced on Monday, April 22, a series of updates to its “Seats to Suit” system, set to launch in June 2024, aimed at providing greater choice and a consistently enjoyable onboard experience for all passengers.

“We want every customer to have an exceptional experience onboard. Part of our promise is to provide manaaki to all who fly with us so we’re excited that everyone onboard will now be treated to full in-flight entertainment.”

Air New Zealand General Manager of Short Haul Jeremy O’Brien

Under the revamped structure, all customers will receive complimentary inflight entertainment, snacks or meals, and beverages like tea, coffee, water and juice, regardless of the fare type purchased. This is a change from the current system where such amenities are tied to specific fare classes.

A new tier of flexible and fully refundable fares will also be introduced across each cabin class: worksflexi in economy, premiumflexi in premium economy, and businessflexi in business premier.

“Our customers have told us affordable flexibility is important, especially for many of our frequent fliers, so we’re introducing a new fully flexible and refundable fare option in each cabin,” O’Brien explained.

The existing ‘seat+bag’ product which includes a checked bag will be discontinued. However, customers purchasing just the basic ‘seat’ fare can add one checked bag for a flat fee of $30.

Purchasing additional snacks, beverages and other items onboard will also no longer be available, since all fares will include complimentary food and drink options.

Another change is that airport vouchers for buying items inflight will be phased out. Customers will need to use credit/debit cards or Airpoints dollars to pay for any extras once onboard.

The new Seats to Suit options available from June 11, 2024 will be: seat, theworks, worksflexi, premiumeconomy, premiumflexi, businesspremier, and businessflexi.

Air New Zealand says the updates are designed to align with customer preferences for more choice, value, and flexibility when travelling on short haul international routes.