After four years of absolutely no business class award space on its transpacific and transatlantic longhaul routes, Air New Zealand has suddenly decided to open business class award space to its Star Alliance partners. It is too early to tell whether this is a temporary fluke or a new pattern, but right now limited business class award seats are available across much of the Air New Zealand route network.
Air New Zealand Business Class
One of the most elusive prizes in the frequent flyer game is business class space to New Zealand, though with United Airlines and American both adding New Zealand flight this year, it has become much easier. Perhaps due this new competition, we are seeing longhaul business class award space on Air New Zealand from its three west coast destinations — Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Space on the new Buenos Aires to Auckland route also has award space in both directions. Space on the Fifth Freedom Los Angeles to London and Los Angeles to Rarotonga routes also have award space.
All Air New Zealand Award Space in April 2016 Right Now
Historically (prior to about four years ago), Air New Zealand would release space like clockwork 60-days prior to departure. Noting that we are only seeing business class award space in April 2016 at the moment and that is about 60 days away, we may be seeing a return to that old trend.
Air New Zealand Business Class Cost with Miles
Air New Zealand Business Class space can be booked with all the major Star Alliance loyalty programs.
US to Auckland:
- Aeroplan charges 80,000 miles one-way, no fuel surcharge
- United Mileage Plus: 80,000 miles one-way, no fuel surcharge
- Avianca LifeMiles charges 81,000 miles one-way, no fuel surcharge
- ANA Mileage Club: 120,000 miles round-trip (no one-way) with fuel surcharge
US to London:
- Aeroplan charges 55,000 miles one-way, no fuel surcharge
- United Mileage Plus: 70,000 miles one-way, no fuel surcharge
- Avianca LifeMiles charges 63,000 miles one-way, no fuel surcharge
- ANA Mileage Club: 88,000 miles round-trip (no one-way) with fuel surcharge
CONCLUSION
This is really an encouraging sign and gives me hope that Air New Zealand is trying to be a good Star Alliance partner again. Let’s watch this trend and see if space continues to be made available later into the year. For now, if you’re going to London or Auckland in April and looking forward award space, book now.
(tip of the hat to View from the Wing, photo credit to Pursued Adventures)
So I find a four leaf clover google it &?
Have you actually flown Air New Zealand Business Class? I ask because I am flying it to Auckland from Los Angeles in a month’s time, and then back from Auckland to Houston on the return trip. When I looked at the seat layout, I was kind of surprised at how … awkward it is. If you’ve flown on it, which seat position is the best one to have?