[Phil46]

We are planning to emigrate but thought it wise to go and have a look first. So we are planning a trip out there in August and are looking to book flights all 6 of us (not cheap is it!?!). However, I am a bit confused about the difference in taxes and fees that airlines put onto the cost of the tickets. Air New Zealand wanted to add £1300 on tax and fees but Emirates only wanted to add £300. Can any one tell me why this might be? I'm terrified of booking the flight only to find some hidden cost waiting for me at the airport.
I have also been reading that some countries charge you for leaving the country (I read that NZ charged about $25). Again can anyone clarify this for me as it is amazingly difficult to find this info on the web. Is this kind of charge payable by every traveller (kids) or just the adults?
As you can probably tell, we are not seasoned travellers beyond these shores and this will be the first time I have taken my family on a plane ever. If you have any info or advice then it would be most welcome.

Thanks

Phil

[IanW99]

...
I have also been reading that some countries charge you for leaving the country (I read that NZ charged about $25). Again can anyone clarify this for me as it is amazingly difficult to find this info on the web. Is this kind of charge payable by every traveller (kids) or just the adults?
...
Thanks

Phil

Yep, you are charged NZ$25 (Departure tax) per person (aged 12 and over) to leave the country.

"New Zealand departure tax must be paid by every international passenger, with the exception of children under 12 years of age and transit passengers in Auckland for less than 24 hours.

Departure tax is payable at Bank of New Zealand in the check-in area on the ground floor, or departure area on the first floor at the international terminal. Credit card facilities are available."

Are you sure you want to visit in August? You do know this is winter time, right?

Ian

[Pip]

Hi,

from my brief experience working in the travel industry, some airlines build most of the tax into their price (Singapore are a good example of this) and others don't. Therefore often some airlines will show up top in a search engine, but actually they are more expensive than others further down the list, once taxes are included. It also depends what countries your airline hub is located on, e.g emirates and singapore airports have low taxes being based in Singapore/Dubai, but Australia airports and European (e.g Qantus or Lufthansa) will have much higher taxes. Airlines taxes are made up of a whole combination of things such as fuel surcharges, airport taxes etc.

If you fly though Hong Kong, you have to pay about 33 HKG departure tax also! - departure taxes are separate and payable at the airport, so nothing you can do about those.

always ask for any agent quotes to include all taxes and surcharges so you can compare like for like and concentrate on the bottom line. I often use travelmood
http://www.travelmood.com/site/hotoffers/flight/nz/nz_MAIN.asp as a guide

as their prices include taxes. Hope that helps!

[IanW99]

Yep, you are charged NZ$25 (Departure tax) per person (aged 12 and over) to leave the country.

"New Zealand departure tax must be paid by every international passenger, with the exception of children under 12 years of age and transit passengers in Auckland for less than 24 hours.

Departure tax is payable at Bank of New Zealand in the check-in area on the ground floor, or departure area on the first floor at the international terminal. Credit card facilities are available."

Are you sure you want to visit in August? You do know this is winter time, right?

Ian

Just thought that I would mention that the departure tax from Auckland is meant to be scrapped this July (2008) so you may not have to pay it when you get to the airport (although the cost may just be added onto your ticket). Not sure if a date has been confirmed yet, or if the other international airports will do the same?

Ian

[ourquest]

Also flew emirates and agree that the lower taxes quoted by them seem inconsistent with other carriers, but can confirm that apart from the departure tax in Auckland the price we paid for those tickets covered everything (ie no sudden surprises with additional taxes or anything).