Air NZ Question

[FrankC]

Hi

I understand that as a member of UA Mileage Plus, no accrual on L, G, S and K class on Air NZ. Can someone let me know what do these codes mean? Or what class is Smart Saver, Flexi Saver and Flexi

In particular, I'll be travelling between SYD and various part of NZ.

Many thanks

[Kiwi Flyer]

Hi

I understand that as a member of UA Mileage Plus, no accrual on L, G, S and K class on Air NZ. Can someone let me know what do these codes mean? Or what class is Smart Saver, Flexi Saver and Flexi

In particular, I'll be travelling between SYD and various part of NZ.

Many thanks

Air NZ LGSK booking classes earn no miles on any frequent flyer program. Another super discount booking class P doesn't earn miles on frequent flyer programs either, but a (untested) theory of a couple of people is it just might on Mileage Plus.

Those fare names are used for NZ domestic, tasman and pacific flights (excluding PPT and HNL).

Smart Saver fares are the cheapest fare classes, and are very inflexible and earn no miles. Equivalent to QF red e-deals if you are familiar with those.

Flexi Saver is non-refundable but can be changed for a fee and do earn miles (for most FFPs this is at the discounted economy earning level).

Flexi are refundable and changeable (no change fee but fare difference will be charged) and earn full economy miles.

For more info check out the relevant pages of the NZ website.

[FrankC]

Thanks

I was worried that I might not earn anything with Flexi Saver. It's good to know that LGSK are all Smart Saver. It should be easy to avoid

Cheers

[Kiwi Flyer]

There is also P booking class as non-mileage earning. NZ uses P for the daily grab a seat sale.

[stryker]

Smart Saver fares are the cheapest fare classes, and are very inflexible and earn no miles. Equivalent to QF red e-deals if you are familiar with those.

Hey Kiwi,
Can you tell us why anyone would fly on these NZ fares when you can fly on similar QF fares and get mileage credits?

Seems they are determined to lose some business no matter what (yes, we know it's only low-end dross, but it's still business).

[serfty]

NZ people in general are quite loyal to Air NZ; not much different to how most in OZ are loyal to Qantas; despite their regular program enhancements.

Also, AirNZ's only real domestic competition is Jetconnect (QF) who really do not have a presence, unless you travel AKL/CHC/WLG.

Imagine what it would be like in Oz if there was no DJ; well that's about the case on NZ .

FWIW Kiwi Flyer is a top level elite in both oneWORLD and StarAlliance.

[Kiwi Flyer]

Hey Kiwi,
Can you tell us why anyone would fly on these NZ fares when you can fly on similar QF fares and get mileage credits?

Seems they are determined to lose some business no matter what (yes, we know it's only low-end dross, but it's still business).

Fares are generally similar and with similar conditions, but lots of reasons - here are just a few specifically for domestic flights (there are other considerations for international).

Many places in NZ where QF doesn't fly to.

QF schedule not as good as NZ - eg NZ flights at least every hour but not QF.

Corporate discount may be higher (may not be too).

Connecting to international flights - where flying NZ internationally makes more sense (either not served by QF/OW or need to transit through Australia vs direct or less $ or ...).

NZ lounges are much better than QF ones.

NZ lounges at ZQN where there is no QF lounge.

QF less reliable - much worse ontime performance and some risk of lengthy delay (lack of a/c to substitute if there is a problem).

I can bring 5 guests into KC but only 2 into QC.

Many business travellers have KC paid membership - no access unless flying.

If travelling with others there may be a need to fly on same flight to continue working.

[Kiwi Flyer]

NZ people in general are quite loyal to Air NZ; not much different to how most in OZ are loyal to Qantas; despite their regular program enhancements.

Also, AirNZ's only real domestic competition is Jetconnect (QF) who really do not have a presence, unless you travel AKL/CHC/WLG.

Imagine what it would be like in Oz if there was no DJ; well that's about the case on NZ .

FWIW Kiwi Flyer is a top level elite in both oneWORLD and StarAlliance.

QF flies the following routes domestically

AKL-WLG, AKL-CHC, AKL-ZQN (direct and via CHC)
WLG-CHC
CHC-ROT, CHC-ZQN

Generally only AKL-WLG and AKL-CHC have reasonable schedule (plus maybe AKL-ZQN for leisure travel). The other routes have minimal flights.

Yes I have several top or high tier statuses in OW & *A.

[Kiwi Flyer]

An example how minor delays can snowball. Today the weather is showery but not too bad at CHC, WLG and AKL.

Taking QF flights ex-AKL, first 2 flights each to CHC & WLG left on time. First ZQN flight 50 minutes late. Next CHC flight is running 50+ minutes late. Next flight to WLG showing as on time, but inbound a/c was late leaving WLG so bound to be late for the next flight (turnaround too short to make up any time). The following flight to CHC also showing 35 minute delay (at the moment - flight is 3 hours away so scope for further delays). The following WLG and 2 more CHC flights showing as on time right now - but I bet they will also be delayed.