Summary
- New Airpoints features add more rewards and a new tier, enhancing the program for 4.6 million members.
- Immediate improvements include a new-look dashboard, easier sharing of points, and simplified tier reviews.
- Air New Zealand plans to continue upgrading its loyalty program to provide a more rewarding travel experience.
Deep in the South Pacific Ocean,
Air New Zealand
is looking to rejuvenate its popular ‘Airpoints’ program with a range of new enhancements for its 4.6 million members. The loyalty program, which spans far beyond just accruing through domestic and international flights, looks to remain transparent for its members, with improvements regarding where they can earn and redeem Airpoints Dollars.
New features and better rewards
Over the next 12 months, members are expected to see more earning power with new partners and get more rewards and a new tier for frequent travelers. The program’s value will be enhanced with new benefits for the airline’s loyal fanbase. Nikhil Ravishankar, Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer, noted:
“What does not change is that our Airpoints programme will remain transparent and member-centric, with our members being able to redeem their Airpoints Dollars™ across all Air New Zealand flights and our Airpoints Store.”
Photo: Air New Zealand
The airline has reiterated that investment into technology to make these enhancements is underway, with members already being advised of a scheduled maintenance period. This system is now in place; in the next 12 months, improvements will be made to the program itself, with better benefits for its members’ different tiers, which include jade, silver, gold, and platinum. Alongside these four tiers, a new tier is expected to provide better recognition, an easier upgrade process, and more.
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From today, members will already notice a modern look when logging into your Airpoints account, with the ability to share your Airpoints Dollars with up to ten different other members, which will look to pool your points to encourage group travel and be more inclusive with others.
Photo: Air New Zealand
A simplification of tier review dates will mean you can retain your tier and begin your new membership year with benefits received immediately. The airline has stressed they will continue to improve this space for members, and the rewarding travel experience for those loyal to the airline will continue to accelerate. Here are four key changes members should take note of:
|
New dashboard |
With a new modern look and feel, reviewing your benefits and recent activity is easier. |
|---|---|
|
Sharing Airpoints Dollars with others |
Previously, you were limited to sharing points (Shairpoints), with only four people at the same address. This is now up to ten members anywhere in New Zealand. |
|
Tier Reviews |
Elite, Gold, and Silver members had their dates reviewed and then a different end-of-membership year date. This will now be your tier-end date. This will enable members to track their status more easily. Tier upgrades will happen when you have enough Status points to jump. |
|
Kiwibank Airpoints Dollars top-up |
Previously, New Zealand bank Kiwibank had the ability to enable members to top up Airpoints dollars using their Kiwibank Airpoints credit card. The online functionality has been temporarily removed. However, you can contact the airline, and they can process this for you. However, it could take several days to process. |
Those holding Airpoints credit cards with several banks will still be able to automatically earn Airpoints Dollars on all eligible purchases made with these cards, subject to any changes with their issuing bank.
No stopping yet
Air New Zealand has reiterated its excitement about ‘the first of many’ improvements to its loyalty program. As the airline adds more local and international partners, members will continue to see more earning power over the next 12 months. Ravishankar explained:
““Our customers have told us what they love about the Airpoints programme, but we’ve also heard that we need to make some changes. We’re not slowing down, we’re committed to creating an even more rewarding travel experience for our members, so watch this space.”
Photo: Air New Zealand
Already, the Air New Zealand Airpoints program enables its passengers to spend Airpoints Dollars for:
- Flights and upgrades
- Koru program membership (to access its domestic and international range of lounges)
- Onboard food and drinks (for trans-Tasman and Pacific services)
- Extra baggage allowances
- Car rentals and travel insurance
Those without enough points and not holders of the Kiwibank Airpoints credit card (noted above) can also use Airpoints Flexipay, which, during the booking process, enables travelers to top up their points balance. However, this does incur a fee depending on the points you need to purchase.
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Thinking of joining?
If you’ve recently traveled and the airline’s latest announcements have you intrigued, do not fear. The airline will honor your recent travel within the last 30 days of becoming a member, and as soon as your points are loaded into your account, you can start booking, sharing, and spending Airpoints Dollars. The airline also has Airpoints for Business, which allows your business an extra opportunity to earn points when flying for business.
The Air NZ app makes it easy for everyone with a simple click of a button will make it easier to manage and review their upcoming flight bookings, check in, see their digital boarding pass, and stay updated with real-time flight details, including gate numbers and estimated departure times. When visiting participating
Lounges
, you can pre-order your favorite coffee at your fingertips and collect it from the lounge barista.
Photo: Seth Jaworski I Shutterstock
Airpoints members can use the app to see their points balance, recent activity, and status points to see how far away they are from their next tier. Within the app, you can preview your digital membership card, which you can present in participating stores.
The New Zealand flag carrier shows no signs of slowing down in improving the overall customer experience, and this has all members excited about what other enhancements we are set to see in the next 12 months.
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