Air New Zealand is changing up the airfare structure for its flights between Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
The new structure kicks in in June and will see every passenger have access to in-flight entertainment and snacks or a meal, as well as adding the option of paying for flexibility in all cabin classes or leaving it off to keep the price down.
The airline said its 'Seats to Suit' changes are based on customer feedback and offer a "simplified" set of options.
From June 11, Air NZ's short haul fares will include:
- Economy: seat
- Economy: the works
- Economy: the works flexi
- Premium economy
- Premium economy flexi
- Business
- Business flexi.
That will replace the current offerings of:
- Economy: seat only
- Economy: seat plus bag
- Economy: the works
- Economy: works deluxe (narrowbody aircraft only)
- Premium economy (widebody aircraft only)
- Business (widebody aircraft only).
"We want every customer to have an exceptional experience onboard," said the airline's general manager short haul Jeremy O'Brien.
"Works customers will continue to receive the same great inclusions currently on offer including one checked bag, a full meal and drinks, entertainment and free standard seat selection.
"Our customers have told us affordable flexibility is important, especially for many of our frequent fliers, so we're introducing a new fully flexible and refundable fare option in each cabin. We're excited to make these a reality for those jumping onboard for short haul international travel and can't wait to see them introduced in June."
If a customer wishes to add a checked bag to the new seat only option, it will cost them $30 each way.
As the snacks and soft drinks are free in the new structure, passengers won't be able to buy them onboard, but the option to purchase alcohol will still be there on some airfares. However, buying vouchers at the airport to use onboard is being axed, meaning only a credit card or Airpoints will be accepted.
The announcement was made on the same day Air NZ announced a drop in its profit forecast for the 2024 financial year of $40 to $50 million.
