Travel alerts

US Government shut down impacts on TSA at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)

We’d like to advise customers travelling from or transiting through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) that processing times at the airport are currently significantly extended.

Security screening and border processing wait times are currently extended and may increase further in the coming days.

This is due to reduced staffing levels for US security and border agencies during the ongoing federal government shutdown, combined with higher passenger volumes over the Spring Break travel period.

Customers may experience significant queues for check-in, security screening, and immigration processing. In some cases, wait times have exceeded seven hours.

• If you are travelling from Houston, we recommend arriving at the airport as early as possible and checking the George Bush Intercontinental Airport website for current checkpoint wait-time estimates to help plan your journey

• Air New Zealand check-in will be open from 5:05 pm to 8:05 pm in Terminal E. 

• If you’ve checked in online, you must still arrive early to allow extra time for security and immigration processing.

• If you are transiting through Houston onto another airline, please allow additional time between flights to complete security and immigration requirements.

• To help reduce processing time, we strongly encourage customers to travel with minimal carry-on baggage where possible. Fewer and smaller cabin bags can assist with faster security screening.
  
  
  

For the latest information, please see the Houston Airport website.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

School's Out, Bags are Packed – Hop into April Holiday Adventures! 🐇

The Easter bunny isn’t the only one on the move this April! With school holidays in full swing, airports and terminals will be busier than usual. To help your journey stay smooth, we’ve rounded up our top travel tips:

Get ready for take-off

A little preparation before you arrive at the airport means you can settle in and relax as soon as you check in.

• Stay one step ahead by downloading the Air NZ App to stay up to date and check in 24 hours before departure. 
• Make sure the contact details in your booking and Airpoints account are correct so we can keep you informed of any changes. 
• Travelling with a few Easter extras? If your fare is eligible, save time by pre‑purchasing additional baggage online before check‑in.

• You can also request a seat or treat yourself to an upgrade. 

• Make sure strollers, car seats and loose items are travel‑ready, with all straps safely tucked away. For added protection, we recommend packing them in your own travel bag. Please be aware that we no longer supply cover bags for loose items—don’t forget to bring your own!

• Travel with peace of mind by ensuring you have travel insurance in place. Whether you're exploring Aotearoa or heading overseas, it's the best way to be prepared for the unexpected.

Taking care of your precious travellers and equipment

From Easter adventures to school‑holiday getaways, your Tamariki and furry whānau are in great hands with us. Need a bit of extra help? Just let us know.

• Our Airband service keeps whānau informed when children travel alone. Adults must bring valid photo ID that matches the contact details on the child’s booking. Our staff will check this at both drop‑off and collection. Be sure to allow an extra 20 minutes to complete check-in. The adult dropping off your Tamariki must remain at the airport until the flight has departed.
• The safety and comfort of your furry and feathered friends is important to us. Be sure to double-check our updated cage requirements before you get to the airport. Your pet's cage must allow them to naturally stand, sit up, turn around and lay down, and should be fitted with a small water container that is easily fillable from the outside. 
• Let us know beforehand if you're travelling with a wheelchair or walking frame. When you check in, get the team to add a bag tag so you can take it through the airport - the same goes for your stroller. When you reach the boarding gate, let our ground staff know, and they'll take it from there. When you arrive at your destination, your walking frame or stroller will be waiting for you on the baggage carousel. For those with wheelchairs, please be guided by the crew on board.

Making your way to the airport and ready to hop aboard

We're excited to welcome you on board. Make sure you've got everything you need so you can breeze through check-in and security.

• Double-check traffic conditions before you leave home to allow enough time to get to the airport.
• Don't forget your valid ID for domestic travel or passport and all required documentation for any international journeys.
• Make sure you don't go over your carry-on allowance. Each customer can take a 7kg carry-on bag along with a small personal item. Find out more about weight and size allowances.
• Checking in a bag? Ensure it's no more than 23kg and is within our size requirements. If you are traveling with more than your allowance, see here for further information.
• Get to your departure gate early - we recommend 30 minutes before your domestic flight and at least 45 minutes for an international journey. Some gates are farther than they appear—please ask for help if you’re concerned about reaching your flight on time.
• What can you bring on board? If you’re travelling out of New Zealand, here’s a quick reminder of AVSEC’s powder, liquids, aerosols and gels restrictions. This also applies to your favourite snacks you wish to travel with.
• Need assistance to board? Arrive at the gate early and let an Air New Zealand team member know. We'll be happy to help.

We’re here to help every hop of the way

• With holiday excitement in the air, remember to check your seat pocket before leaving the aircraft. If you've realised you left something on board, let us know by completing our aircraft lost property form.
• School holiday travel can be busy—if you need support at any time, our Customer Care team is here 24/7, whether that’s over the phone, Live Chat, or messaging.

Middle East Airspace Disruptions

Due to widespread airspace closures and airport shutdowns across parts of the Middle East following recent conflict activity, some partner airlines operating to or through affected airports - including Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Doha (DOH) - are experiencing significant operational disruptions. Several major airports in the region have suspended operations until further notice.

If your journey has been impacted, we recommend you reach out to the airline scheduled to operate your flight who will be able to discuss your rebooking options.

If you’ve booked your travel to the Middle East through Air New Zealand, and you'd like to make a change, we have the following options available for travel up to and including Monday 20 April. This includes our domestic services within New Zealand that connect to or from partner airline services, provided your ticket was issued by Air New Zealand.

Looking to defer your travel?

You can make one date change to travel before Sunday 31 May, with no penalty, service fee, or a standard fare difference.

Alternatively, if you choose not to travel before your departure date, you can hold the full value of your fare as credit, which will remain valid for 12 months from the date the credit is issued.

Prefer to reroute your travel?

You're welcome to reroute to travel before Sunday 31 May, to avoid travel through the Middle East and no penalty fee, service fees or fare difference will apply.

Holding your travel in Credit?

You're welcome to hold the unused value of your ticket in credit should you choose not to travel. Your travel must be held in credit prior to your booked departure, and this credit is valid for 12 months from the date the credit is issued.

Fare Refund

Normal refund rules apply as per ticket fare conditions.

To confirm any changes to your travel plans, please contact us to do so.

If you are due to travel over the next few days, we recommend you:

We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Thank you for your understanding as we and our partner airlines navigate this uncertainty.

Disrupt Reimbursement Consideration

If your journey has been disrupted for a controllable reason, e.g. engineering, or crew shortages, and your new itinerary requires you to stay overnight in a place you do not reside, our airport team will be working hard to secure accommodation for you.

Over peak travel periods, availability is extremely limited and you may be required to source your own accommodation.

As a guideline, we recommend $250.00 per room and $90.00 per person, per night for meals. This is a recommended amount only, and all expenses must be reasonable and supported by itemised tax invoice receipts. Please retain all itemised tax invoice receipts, as they are required for reimbursement consideration.

To submit your reimbursement request, please visit here to do so. Alternatively, you can visit here for details on how to submit your claim through our messaging channels.