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Air New Zealand

New Zealand's flag carrier, from Auckland to the world

  • New ZealandCountry
  • NZIATA Code
  • ANZICAO Code
  • Star AllianceAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is New Zealand’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, flying around 20 domestic destinations and to Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America. Short-haul fares range from seat only (7 kg carry-on) to theworks with a checked bag, and since December 2025 power banks must stay out of the overhead lockers. This guide covers the fares, baggage, power bank rules, the Skycouch, Airpoints Dollars and how Air New Zealand compares with Qantas and Singapore Airlines.

Air New Zealand began in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), flying boats between Auckland and Sydney, and took its current name in 1965. It is known for creative safety videos, friendly Kiwi service and the Economy Skycouch.

Air New Zealand flights to Auckland
Photo: Josh Tere / Unsplash

Air New Zealand Power Bank Rules

Since December 2025, Air New Zealand applies these rules on all flights:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, each 100 Wh or less.
  • Keep them in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat, never in the overhead lockers.
  • Do not use power banks during taxi, take-off or landing.
  • Recharging a power bank from in-seat power is not allowed.
  • Power banks are never allowed in checked bags.

Check-In at Auckland

Online check-in is available on the website and app, and many domestic airports have self-service kiosks and bag drop.

At Auckland, the domestic and international terminals are separate buildings linked by a walkway and shuttle bus, so allow time when connecting.

Families and Special Assistance

Families can book the Skycouch for a young child to lie down. Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Pets cannot travel in the cabin apart from assistance dogs.

How to Find Cheap Air New Zealand Flights

Air New Zealand flights to Wellington
Photo: Sulthan Auliya / Unsplash
  • Travel light domestically: seat only fares are cheapest if 7 kg is enough.
  • Avoid December and January, New Zealand’s summer peak.
  • Watch Grabaseat for domestic deals.
  • Book the Skycouch early, as only a few rows are available.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Air New Zealand next to Qantas, Singapore Airlines and others.

Air New Zealand vs Qantas vs Singapore Airlines

All three compete on flights to New Zealand and across the Pacific.

Air New ZealandQantasSingapore Airlines
HubAucklandSydney, Melbourne, PerthSingapore Changi
AllianceStar AllianceoneworldStar Alliance
Economy carry-on7 kg7 kg7 kg
Power banks2, not in bins, no in-seat charging2, no use on board2, no use on board
Best forNew Zealand and the PacificAustraliaAsia connections

See our Qantas guide and Singapore Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Auckland

Auckland Airport is about 20 km south of the city centre. The SkyDrive bus and AirportLink connect the airport with the city and the rail network, and taxis are available.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Air New Zealand a Good Airline?

Yes. Air New Zealand is regularly ranked among the world’s best airlines, with friendly service, a comfortable long-haul product and the Skycouch. Domestic fares are cheap if you travel with only a carry-on.

For more options, see our Fiji Airways guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Air New Zealand’s short-haul fares page and Travel Daily on the power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Air New Zealand website before you travel.

Star Alliance & Airline Partnerships

Air New Zealand has been a Star Alliance member since 1999. You can connect onto partners such as United, Singapore Airlines and ANA on one ticket and earn Airpoints and Status Points on many Star Alliance flights.

Learn more about Star Alliance

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Air New Zealand works closely with United across the Pacific and codeshares with several Star Alliance and regional partners in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Auckland is Air New Zealand's main hub for international and domestic flights. Wellington and Christchurch are key bases for flights around New Zealand and across the Tasman.

Popular Air New Zealand Routes

Air New Zealand's busiest routes connect Auckland with Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, across the Tasman to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and long-haul to Los Angeles. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Air New Zealand Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

On flights within New Zealand, to Australia and to the Pacific Islands, Air New Zealand sells Economy as seat, the works and worksflexi, plus premium economy and business premier on some routes. The cheapest seat fare includes only carry-on baggage; the works adds a checked bag and worksflexi adds the most flexibility. Long-haul flights have their own fare options in each cabin.

The more flexible the fare, the cheaper it is to change. Flexi fares let you change without a change fee and get a refund, while the cheapest fares carry fees or are non-refundable.

  • seat Carry-on only (up to 7 kg); a snack and drink; the most restricted change and refund rules; seat selection paid.
  • the works Includes a checked bag, meals and drinks; changes for a fee.
  • worksflexi Changes without a change fee and refundable.
  • Perth and Tahiti The seat only fare can't be booked on these routes.
  • premiumeconomy and businesspremier Premium cabins with flexible options.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on airnewzealand.com or the Air NZ app.

Air New Zealand Seat Selection & Additional Services

On seat fares you can pay to choose your seat, while higher fares include standard seat selection. On long-haul Boeing 787s and 777s, you can book the Economy Skycouch, a row of three seats that turns into a flat space, ideal for couples or a parent and child.

Premium Economy and Business Premier passengers get extra baggage and priority services, and eligible travellers can use Air New Zealand lounges.

  • seat fares Seat selection for a fee.
  • the works and above Standard seat selection included.
  • Skycouch Three Economy seats that convert into a flat surface on long-haul aircraft.
  • Business Premier Lie-flat seats on long-haul flights and lounge access.
  • Premium Economy Wider seats, two carry-on bags and two checked bags.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Air New Zealand Baggage Allowance

Air New Zealand allows a carry-on bag of up to 7 kg on all fares, plus a small personal item. Checked baggage depends on your fare: seat fares don't include a checked bag (you can add one), while the works and worksflexi include one 23 kg bag.

Premium Economy includes two carry-on bags and two checked bags of 23 kg, and Business Premier two carry-on bags and three checked bags of 23 kg on short-haul routes. Long-haul allowances are shown on your booking.

  • Carry-on (Economy) 1 bag up to 7 kg plus a small personal item.
  • Carry-on (Premium Economy and Business Premier) 2 bags up to 7 kg each.
  • seat fares No checked bag included; add one online.
  • the works and worksflexi 1 checked bag of 23 kg.
  • Premium Economy (short-haul) 2 checked bags of 23 kg.
  • Business Premier (short-haul) 3 checked bags of 23 kg.
  • Koru members No extra bag allowance on seat fares.

Koru: Air New Zealand Loyalty Programme

Koru is Air New Zealand's frequent flyer programme. Members earn Airpoints Dollars, where one Airpoints Dollar is worth NZ$1 towards flights, and Status Points that unlock higher tiers.

There are five tiers: Koru Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Black. Star Alliance flights can count towards Status Points for Silver and Gold.

  • Koru Bronze Entry tier for members.
  • Koru Silver 450 Status Points, including 225 from qualifying flights.
  • Koru Gold 900 Status Points, including 450 from qualifying flights.
  • Koru Platinum 1,500 Status Points, including 900 from qualifying flights.
  • Koru Black The top tier, 3,200 Status Points.
  • Airpoints Dollars 1 Airpoints Dollar = NZ$1 to spend on Air New Zealand flights.
Join or log in on the Air New Zealand website

Air New Zealand: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Air New Zealand’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is NZ. It appears in flight numbers (for example NZ 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is ANZ, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Air New Zealand part of?

It is a member of Star Alliance. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Air New Zealand headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand.

04When was Air New Zealand founded?

The airline was founded in 1940.

05What are Air New Zealand’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Auckland (AKL) – Main Hub; Wellington (WLG) – Hub; Christchurch (CHC) – Hub.

06What is the Air New Zealand carry-on allowance?

Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag of up to 7 kg plus a small personal item. Premium Economy and Business Premier passengers can bring two 7 kg bags.

07Does an Air New Zealand seat fare include a checked bag?

No. Seat fares include carry-on only; you can add a checked bag for a fee. The works and worksflexi include one 23 kg bag.

08What is the Air New Zealand Skycouch?

Skycouch is a row of three Economy seats whose leg rests lift up to create a flat surface, so two people can lie down. It's available on Air New Zealand's long-haul widebody aircraft.

09What are the Koru status tiers?

Koru has five tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Black. You move up by earning Status Points from flights and other activity.

Air New Zealand, its logo and trademarks are the property of Air New Zealand Limited and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Air New Zealand unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.