Spring School Holidays Are Taking Off!

It’s that time of year again when airports will be busier than usual during the school holiday period. To help you prepare for the Term 3 school break, here are our top travel tips: 


Plane Get ready for take-off

Prepare for your trip in advance so you can relax as soon as you check in.

  • Download the Air NZ App to stay up to date and check in 24 hours before departure. Double-check your contact details are up to date in your booking and Airpoints account, so we can keep you in the loop of any changes. 
  • Remember each checked bag can weigh up to a maximum of 23kg. Plan ahead and prepay extra bags online before you check in.  
  • To avoid any delays at security, ensure you’re across what you can and can't take on holiday with you. 
  • A window or an aisle? Lock in your preferred seat or treat yourself to an upgrade.  
  • Is travel insurance top of your list? Whether you're travelling around Aotearoa or internationally, make sure you're prepared for the unexpected.
  • It’s important to check visa entry requirements for the country that you are travelling to. Make sure you have the right documentation for your holiday destination, including any transiting countries. Use this link: International Travel Requirements | Air New Zealand
  • Heading back to New Zealand? Zip through arrivals by completing your New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) 24 hours before you fly. You can also download the NZTD app if you are a frequent overseas traveller.

🧒 Taking care of your precious travellers 

If your tamariki or furry whānau are travelling with us these holidays, they're in caring hands. We're also here to help if you need additional assistance.

  • Our Airband service allows you to track the journey of your tamariki as they embark on solo travel. Give yourself an additional 20 minutes to complete check-in at our Special Assistance counter, and be sure to have the contact details of the pick-up person. It’s important that you remain at the airport until the flight is airborne. We take the responsibility of your Tamariki seriously, so please don’t be offended if we ask you for your photo ID at pick up.
  • We care about the safety and comfort of your furry and feathered family members. See what our cage requirements are to ensure your pet’s cage is safe to fly. It must allow them to naturally stand, sit up, turn around and lie down, and it should be fitted with a small water container, so that we can provide liquid refreshments to your pet if needed. Please make sure your pets are not wearing any clothing while in their cage; save their fancy outfits for their holiday destination.  

📦 Travelling with important equipment

Stay ahead of the game with these luggage tips:

  • You can check in your mobility device and choose to transfer into one of our Air New Zealand wheelchairs, or you can take your mobility device directly to the aircraft door. Either way, our staff and crew will be by your side every step of the way. Check our wheelchair and battery specifications to confirm if your mobility device is suitable to travel with you. 
  • Travelling with children and infants? Your younger family members need to pack a few more items to ensure their comfort and safety and you’ll be relieved to know that you may pack two additional child items free of charge.         

🎒 Heading to the airport and boarding your flight

A smooth journey starts with smart prep, and there’s no such thing as being over-prepared!

  • To help your trip start off smoothly, your allowance includes one carry-on (up to 7kg) and a small personal item. Carry-on bags may be weighed at the gate. Find out more about weight and size allowances. 
  • Planning on checking in a bag? Make sure it's no more than 23kg and is within our dimension ⁠requirements. If you're bags are on the heavier side, excess bag charges will apply.
  • Travel is always easier when you’re not rushed. Check traffic before you leave, and allow plenty of time for check-in and bag drop.
  • Wondering when you can check in? Domestic check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, and international check-in closes 90 minutes before. During school holidays, check-in at Auckland and Wellington opens 3 hours before your flight.
  • Don't forget your valid ID for domestic travel or passport and all required documentation for any international journeys. 
  • If you’re travelling with fragile or oversized items, check this in at the Oversized & Fragile Desk so your items are handled with care. 
  • If you need assistance to board, arrive at the gate early and let an Air New Zealand team member know. They'll be happy to help.


💜 We're here to help

  • Need a little extra support? We offer special assistance for travellers who may need help during their journey. Learn more here and see how we can support you.
  • As you’re getting ready to disembark, please take a quick look around your seat and pocket for any belongings. If you leave something on board, we’ll be happy to help, let us know by completing our aircraft lost property form.
  • We’re always here to support you, whether it’s over the phone, through Live Chat, or another messaging channel. Our Customer Care team is here for you 24/7. 

Safe travels and happy holidays!