[Timbo]

Feel free to call me daft, but on checking the air new zealand website, I see they offer a baggage allowance in total of 64KG per person when flying via LA. This is based on two pieces each at 32KG.
The other airlines I have checked only seem to offer 30KG max.
So, am I reading this correctly, or have ANZ made a mistake?
I cant reach them on the phone at the moment, so thought I would ask you kind people. When we flew this route last year, I am sure we were told 32KG each.

[kiwidebs]

You're right. If flying through the States you are entitled to two bags, maximum 32kg per bag, per person. If you fly through Asia you are entitled to 20kg per person (although some on here have managed to swing a bigger allowance if emigrating on a one way ticket!). If luggage allowance is an issue then flying via LA is the way to go - but you do have to deal with LA transit (when I last did it it was horrible, and that was before 9-11!!). I also think (IMHO) that the Asian airlines have much better service and are a more comfortable way to travel, but that's personal choice again. It's only one day out of your life when all is said and done!!


Hope this helps Timbo.

Debs

[ShakerMike]

Timbo

I'm pretty sure you have to have a machine readable (barcode) passport to travel through the US. Best to check as I think only the newest UK passports are machine readable.

[Timbo]

Thanks folks. That pretty much means that ANZ via LA is the way to go for us. Especially as they are currently offering £599 return.
I cant say we really enjoyed the LA experience last time round, but, like you say Debs, it is just a day in our lives.

[kiwidebs]

We'll probably go Emirates via Dubai or Singapore Airlines via Singapore - as we have friends in Dubai and Singapore, both of whom we'd like to catch up with (not possible to do both so it'll depend on the cheaper airline at the time I think!). ANZ via LA def has the baggage allowance advantage though!

Debs

[Smiler]

Timbo we came ANZ and we were allowed 64 kg each plus carry on do dah's. G had a briefcase and bag, I had a carry one bag and handbag and other bits and pieces hanging off me and they:clap didn't bash an eyelid.


Debs is right LAX is one day in your life. We booked an airport hotel for the stopover and it made all the difference. The Crowne Plaza.

I was dreading the transit Immigration stuff but it was fine, we filled out our forms on the plane and had everything out and ready. The staff were grumpy and gruff (who wouldn't be working there) but we were our normal pleasant selves! we needed our bed.......

Deborah
ps my pp is 7 years old and is machine readable.

[Going2NZ]

Not sure why but if you fly out from LAX as an American, there is no extra luggage allowance. I checked several times with ANZ and got the same answer and ended up paying $8USD for mine last week. Its great that it works for some but I wanted anyone coming from the US to be prepared to spend the money or pack lighter. I should have packed lighter...

;-)

[Jo and Andy]

Anyone know how you sort out the stop over, when I have looked at the prices with Singapore Airlines the prices jump dramatically when you stay. Plus there is a direct flight from Singapore to Christchurch but you don't seem to get it with a stopover.

Very Very confused. Plus how do you get the extra allowance for baggage?

[Timbo]

Jo. I believe that you have to submitt a copy of your passport or at least prove you have the visa, before you can get extra baggage with the SA/Emirates etc.

[Bailers]

In the Stopover/Multi City option on the Singapore website type in LHR to Singapore as the first leg and then Singapore to Christchurch. Just tried it out for 16th/20th November and works out at £1,843.60 for 2 adults and 2 kids compared to £1,739.20 straight through.

Hope this helps.

Mark

[Alex]

Hi Everyone,

Just phoned AirNZ regarding flying out from London to Christchurch via LAX in January. The price of a one way, mid-Jan was £624, and return was £1026. However, if you can wait until after the 1st Feb, the prices come down to £543 and £866.

The other things to note are that (as said above in thread), via LAX, you get 2 x 32kg each. Also, if going via LAX, ask for a "direct flight" (i.e. the same plane) from LON to AKL (you then change at AKL to go to CHC). That way, you don't have to carry your baggage through LAX, it stays on the plane whilst refuelling. Makes the transit easier. There are some good web deals at the minute for "premium economy" seats - you sit in the bubble on the 747 and get more leg room and bigger seats. You also get access to the business class snack bar. Final thing I learnt (and also from the expo), if you get a Bank of New Zealand credit card, you can collect air miles with AirNZ, so should get some nice freebies on the other side. :nice1

[Miffy]

Agree with Alex - you get x2 peices at 32kg.
Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take more items of luggage but still keeping within the 64kg limited.

booked through Trailfinders who were brillant. (we did first go via Air NZ at NZ house but they weren'f all that helpful and amazingly the price of the ticket was more than from Trailfinders!!!!).


We flew via LAX. If we had gone on the direct route from LA to Auckland then our bags could stay on the plane and we just get off and on again.

We transferred planes as we were stopping in the Cook islands for a few days relaxation. So we had to collect our bags and then check them in, this was at a special place just where the bag collection was. Then zip outside the airport to check in.
Had about a half hour wait then we could load back onto the planes.

Air NZ have just upgraded their long haul planes so you all get seat back tv with games consol etc.

[Smiler]

We booked via trailfinders too. They were excellent. They also took care of booking our flights from LAX to Vegas, dead cheap with United Airlines and our overnight hotel too.

When we came out in Feb we used Austravel, they were good as well. This time TF were cheaper and had the available flights ( always helps) :D

It was abit of a pain hauling our 2 tons of baggage but we were just so excited at being on our way to NZ, it didn't matter in the great scheme of things.

LAX is just such a soulless place though and I didn't think much to the new Air New Zealand lounge, over hyped.

Plane was great with all those gizmo's and more movies etc than you could shake a stick at. We were also behind the pilot in those new supercool beds, with a proper quilt and pillows. Bliss. Me and my 5mg zopiclone crashed out til brekkie. :raebanana
Deborah

[Timbo]

Miffy. I may have mis-read the anz web site, but I thought the upgraded planes were not coming into action until 6th Nov. and even then, the seatback vids etc only apply to Pacific economy and not standard. Not that it would bother us one way or the other, as sleep sleep and more sleep is usually the order of the day.

[Miffy]

AirNZ are advertising them like a good un over here, especially on their London flights.

I beleive they are being rolled out to the other flights as and when over the next few months.

But the main NZ1 London to Auckland flight should* have them as standard in their Pacific class, which is their economey / cattle class.








* disclaimer ;) not having flown with AirNA since April and as I do not actually work for them I can only go with what I have seen / been told via their adverts etc etc

[Miffy]

Just checked Air NZ website and it looks like you should be okay on the London - LA - Auckland as that will be in the 747.

"We are currently transforming every aspect of our long-haul service to set a benchmark in comfort, convenience and style. Our new long-haul experience will be introduced progressively on our Boeing 747 aircraft from August 2005 and on our new Boeing 777s from October 2005."