Passengers making new economy bookings on Air New Zealand’s services to Tahiti, Perth and Honolulu will benefit from a full inflight service from October 30.
The offering will include a meal, inflight entertainment and 23kg baggage allowance.
Air New Zealand is getting rid of its ‘seat’ and ‘seat + bag’ fares on these services, offerings that include a 7kg carry-on bag or a 23kg checked bag but no inflight entertainment or food and beverage service.
From October 20 those booking an economy ticket for flights to Perth and Tahiti departing after October 30 will be presented with ‘The Works’ (a full-service economy offering), premium economy and business premier options.
Meanwhile, flights to Honolulu will move to a full-service offering from October 30, with passengers able to pick between economy, premium economy and business premier.
Those who purchased the cheaper fares prior to this date will receive a full meal and beverage service and IFE if travelling after October 30.
Air New Zealand general manager short-haul airline, Jeremy O’Brien, commented:
“From talking with customers we’ve heard loud and clear there’s a need for a consistent Air New Zealand experience, so the changes to our Seats to Suit product have been made to enhance the customer experience.
“The majority of our customers on these services already purchase The Works, with only 13% of customers buying just a seat fare. Ensuring everyone can enjoy a meal from our delicious new menu gives an overall better onboard experience and streamlines the process for our crew and customers.
“As for Honolulu, moving this service to our long-haul offering brings it in line with our other North American destinations so customers will now be able to choose between Economy, Premium Economy and Business Premier on these flights.”
Airpoints and Status points will remain based on the original ticket purchased, but the airline says that “For tickets sold and travel booked after October 30, the Status points and Airpoints dollars earned on these destinations will be based on the long-haul fare structure (booking class booked and flown)”.
The airline recently announced plans to launch a refreshed app to enhance the customer experience.