AIR NEW ZEALAND REVEALS NEW SEATS TO SUIT ON SHORT-HAUL INTERNATIONAL

Once upon a time, booking an airline seat was a straightforward affair, particularly on an international flight where pretty much everything was included in the ticket price, and the choices were limited to first, business or economy class. The arrival of low-cost carriers changed everything when bundled fares were introduced in the name of giving passengers more choice, which was usually code for paying for what was previously included in the ticket.

Something for everyone

Today, the full-service airline Air New Zealand has stepped back in time by simplifying its booking options for short-haul flights between New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. In the name of giving passengers "more choice and greater flexibility," Air New Zealand has unveiled changes to its Seats to Suit offers that come into effect in June this year.

Having recently traveled across the Tasman on an Air New Zealand Airbus A321neo, I know the array of options onboard can confuse the uninitiated. The first was when the meal service started, and I received a full meal and drinks while none of my fellow economy passengers in the same row got anything until much later and had to pay for what they wanted.

I had not realized my 'theworks' fare entitled me to the meal and drinks while my new companions had just paid for their seat, which seemed a little odd to me on an international flight with a full-service carrier. Perhaps I am not the only one because Air New Zealand will now include inflight entertainment and a snack or meal in all bookings, with seven options available depending on the aircraft type.

Air New Zealand uses the full complement of its aircraft on short-haul flights, so passengers can board a single-aisle Airbus plane or a widebody Boeing, depending on the schedule. For example, a typical flight across the Tasman from Auckland to Melbourne Airport can be operated with an Airbus A321/321neo, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner or a 777-300, depending on the time of day.

Air New Zealand Airpoints: The Simple Flying Guide

Air New Zealand is a Star Alliance member with a loyalty rewards program worth considering.

More full-service than low-cost

General Manager Short Haul Jeremy O'Brien said the airline knows customers value the Air New Zealand experience and want choice and flexibility when they fly, so the improved and simplified fare options are designed to give customers just that.

The new short-haul fare types include seat theworks, worksflexi, premiumeconomy, premiumflexi, businesspremier and businessflexi. All types include inflight entertainment, and everything from theworks onward includes a bag, meal and full beverage service, while the flexi fares offer a fully flexible and refundable fare option.

The existing seat+bag product will be discontinued; however, customers who purchase a seat fare will be able to add a bag for NZ$30 ($18). With snacks or a full meal available throughout the aircraft, inflight bites will not be available for sale, but customers can purchase beverages.

Premium Economy On Air New Zealand: Everything You Need To Know

A perfect option if your budget can stretch for more than economy, but far less costly than business.

The final change is that passengers will no longer be able to buy vouchers at the airport to purchase items onboard. Inflight transactions will be processed on Visa, MasterCard and Amex cards or by using Airpoints. Air New Zealand said the changes are in response to customer feedback and will be introduced in June for new bookings on flights between New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Australia.