We have our PR here, and we love it-
However, we wanted to warn people about some very unfriendly policies of Air New Zealand so you don't get zapped with hundreds of dollars of additional surprise fees. Air New Zealand makes big money off unsuspecting travelers- so here is a warning to you.
Please spread the word so other expats and visitors- including your family and guests don't get zapped!
Air New Zealand will charge you lots of money for every pound of over-age that you have and their baggage limits are pretty low- 44 pounds or 20 kg.
They will weigh everything- your purse, laptop bag, back-pack, diaper bag - all carry on baggage and your checked baggage is included in this 44 pounds. Anything you bring to the counter when you check in- is weighed and included in this limit.
If you are overweight even a pound or more, you may have to pay many hundreds of dollars for baggage overage- so beware. The cost seems to vary depending on the mood of the person who checks you in. We have been hit up for at least $200 every time we fly into New Zealand.
If you are flying in on Qantas or United or a Non Air New Zealand flight and you happen to miss your connection out of Auckland or Christchurch... they will not put you on the next flight for free or a nominal fee. You are likely to have to pay $300 US or more for a brand new flight.
Unfortunately, you have no option but to fly Air New Zealand, internally, at this point. So make sure you have plenty of time to connect from your international flight and pack light! Or be prepared to donate some of your hard earned cash to Air New Zealand!
If you have had a bad experience and need someone to contact, - the email address is
flightcomment@airnz.co.nz, and the contact person is Judy McDermit. Don't expect much, but it is worth a try.
Cheers,
Wendy