[Jo_b]

Hello,

I'm going to be making 2 flights back to the UK this year (don't mention the Co2 budget!)

Does anyone have any experience of if it's worth signing up for Airpoints with Air NZ?

Thanks.

Jo

[Ana&Steve]

My personal experience has been, that out of the 3 flights I've booked with AirNZ, none have been eligible for air points because they were "super saver" fares:roll I'd say go for it, though, if you are eligible!
Ana

[Trigirl]

definitely go for it if you can. even with the cheaper eceonomy seats you should earn over $400 to spend on flights - enough for a return domestic or maybe even a return to oz?

[Jo Jo]

My personal experience has been, that out of the 3 flights I've booked with AirNZ, none have been eligible for air points because they were "super saver" fares:roll I'd say go for it, though, if you are eligible!
Ana

I think they've recently changed the rules on their cheapest fares earning air points - from 6 December 2006.

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/airpoints_news/default.htm

But these could be different to the fares you were talking about - I find all the airlines have ways of trying to reduce the points you earn!

The other thing to consider is whether it is worth joining another frequent flyer programme for which Air NZ is a partner (because sometimes you get points through a partner programme that you wouldn't be eligible for through the airline's own frequent flyer programme, and sometimes you get more points for the same flight with the partner - though this might be applicable mainly to BA who are terrible at giving points on their cheap economy flights in their own programme, while Qantas happily give you credit for the same BA flights).

Air NZ is a partner in the Virgin Frequent Flyer programme, so it may be worth comparing the points you'd earn on these flights through Virgin and Air NZ and seeing which is better.

[Ana&Steve]

I think they've recently changed the rules on their cheapest fares earning air points - from 6 December 2006.

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/airpoints_news/default.htm

Thanks for that...when I booked for our upcoming trip the website said 'ineligible", but now I think I'll ask about it at check-in and see if they'll give them to me!:nice1
Ana

[urban78]

Hello,

I'm going to be making 2 flights back to the UK this year (don't mention the Co2 budget!)

Does anyone have any experience of if it's worth signing up for Airpoints with Air NZ?

Thanks.

Jo

Hi Jo,

Yes from last December all Long Haul fares are eligible to earn Airpoints, so if you're planning 2 trips to the UK I'd say go for it cos you'll be accumulating a good chunk of points :nice1

There are quite a few catches you'd need to know but it's fairly simple. Every points has a dollar value (1 airdollar = 1 NZ$), each one of them has a life expectancy of 4 to 5 years (so make sure you use them before that) and because it's a loyalty program, you'd need to fly at least once with Air NZ per year (even on non earning flights) or you'll get charged an annual account fee :roll

The good thing is that airpoints can be used on any flight you like, even the cheapies or sale fares so with 2 trips to the UK you'd prob get a trip to OZ or to the Islands with your points. You can also do car hires and hotels within OZ or NZ.

Have a look at the earning chart, it gives you an idea of how many points you can accumulate:

http://www.airnz.co.nz/airpoints/earning_airpoints_dollars/airnz_earn_accrual.htm

If you think of anything else give me a shout, I work for them so might be able to help a bit more :D

Hope this helps,

Jen

[Super_BQ]

I've been collecting Air NZ airpoints for several years. The only problem I have is they expire in 6 years. Doing 1 long haul trip every year, there simply not enough to save up in a 6 year time frame to get a free ticket (to the same destination).

However it's well worth it as you can use it on domestic flights or to Australia.

What I don't understand is since Air NZ is part of the "Star Alliance" network of air points, then how come other airlines (ie. Air Canada) don't have air points that expire?

[KerryS]

I've managed to get myself a trip back to the UK with my airpoints. All on work! I had to travel to Australia almost weekly at one point, and often have to go to Welly or Christchurch for the day. The points soon add up if you do this, so for me it's been totally worth it.

[kanatakiwi]

I saw a post in a forum called Flyer Talk that rated airline points flying in and out of NZ. I think it was Air Canada, Air NZ and United that were compared, and United offered the best value, allowing you to wrack up those points more quickly. Air Canada came second and Air NZ third. I think it was something like 5 trips (Akl to LA) on United earns you a free trip, compared to seven on Air NZ. (so that's quite a difference) As these are all members of the Star Alliance, you might want to check out whether its better to post your points to one of these other airlines. I still get my points accredited to Air Canada. However you have the opportunity to earn extra airmiles from other loyalty program in NZ and those can only be used for Air NZ, and also I think (no proof , just a gut feeling) that Air NZ is more likely to upgrade someone travelling on an NZ airpoints card rather than a United card or Air Canada card.

[Park City Partner]

It is also more expensive to book flights on United than Air NZ so you have to keep that in mind...