Air New Zealand Revamps Booking Options for Short Haul Flights

Air New Zealand is set to refresh its travel across the Tasman and to the Pacific with significant updates to its short-haul flight booking options. The airline announced that it will make changes to its ‘Seats to Suit’ and the new offering will be introduced in June, including a new suite of booking options for travel between New Zealand and the Tasman or Pacific Islands.

Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Short Haul, stated that the airline recognises customers value the Air New Zealand experience and desire choice and flexibility when they fly. The improved and simplified fare options are designed to meet these needs.

“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. Seat-only customers will now be offered one of our incredible new snack options,” said O’Brien.

The changes will see the introduction of the following fare types:

• seat
• the works
• worksflexi
• premium economy
• premiumflexi
• business premier
• businessflexi

Key changes to the ‘Seats to Suit’ include:

• All customers can now access the complete inflight entertainment offering, a snack or a meal, tea, coffee, water, and juice.
• New flexibility fares include worksflexi, premiumflexi, or businessflexi, allowing customers to travel with peace of mind while using a fully flexible and refundable fare option.
• The seat+bag product will be discontinued; however, customers who purchase a seat fare can add one bag for $30.
• Now that everyone receives a snack or a meal, purchasing inflight bites on board will be discontinued. Customers will still be able to buy a range of beverages.
• Customers can no longer purchase vouchers at the airport to buy items onboard. All transactions will take place in flight, and customers will need a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card, or they can use Airpoints.

The refreshed ‘Seats to Suit’ offering will be live from 11 June 2024 for new bookings on flights between New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The change fee is waived, but the fare difference will apply.

O’Brien concluded, “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. The new ‘Seats to Suit’ updates are based on customer feedback and changes our passengers sought. We’re excited to make these a reality for those jumping onboard for short-haul international travel and can’t wait to see them introduced in June.”