Air New Zealand Extends Covid Credit Expiration To 2026

Customers still holding Air New Zealand travel credits will be breathing a sigh of relief with the Auckland-based carrier announcing that it has extended the expiration of its travel credits by two years.

Air NZ had expected passengers to redeem their travel credits by booking before January 2024, hoping to travel between now and the end of that year. However, the latest extension will allow passengers to ponder where their next journey will take them, with a final rebooking date of January 2026.

Photo: Airbus

According to the airline, 85% of passengers have already redeemed their COVID-19 credits, attained during the multiple lockdowns countries saw throughout the pandemic.

Easy to rebook online

Customers who already have credits directly from the airline can rebook online quickly, with a credit redemption option at checkout when purchasing flights on the airline’s website or over the phone with their customer call center. You must contact those travelers holding credits with travel agents for further terms and conditions.

Air New Zealand advised that credit extensions apply only to tickets issued before October 2022.

Air New Zealand’s chief financial officer, Richard Thompson, reiterated to 1News that currently, over NZ $200 million ($119) was still yet to be redeemed by customers, which was part of the reason the airline extended its credit expiry, stating it ‘was the right thing to do,’ to allow customers more time to reconsider rebooking flights.

Since the pandemic has subsided, carriers are facing continued scrutiny regarding credit expiration, with neighboring carrier Qantas having recently abolished its expectation that customers redeem almost AU $400 million ($255) in credits before the end of the year.

With just 15% of Air New Zealand’s credits remaining, the airline will hope that the new two-year deadline will allow passengers ample time to rebook, with the carrier launching recent sales looking to lure passengers to the Pacific Islands for under NZ $300 one way ($179).

Be patient at Auckland Airport.

Air New Zealand’s home at Auckland Airport isn’t immune to the pressures of increasing travel demand; the nation’s busiest airport has been under the magnifying glass with increased complaints from disgruntled passengers and airlines due to waiting times for screening in international arrivals.

Photo: Chris Melville/Shutterstock

Recent reports have explained airline frustrations where long queues have formed as the airport grappled with staffing and resource shortages that restricted the airport capacity of 2150 international passengers arriving hourly. While it is expected for airports to see waves of passengers, subject to peak arrival times, such as early morning, the airport has acknowledged it hasn’t been delivering to the level it expects.

Sources: 1News – Air NZ Credits, Executive Traveller, 1News – Auckland Airport