Air New Zealand considering radical new perks for frequent flyers
Friday, 1 March 2024
Air New Zealand is considering an extensive list of new perks for frequent flyers.
One of the suggestions is a new Elite Lounge at Auckland Airport.
Some flyers could also check in their bags from home.
The changes could be officially unveiled this year.
Air New Zealand is considering a massive upgrade of perks for frequent flyers, which could see new VIP lounges and even the ability to have your bags picked up from home.
For the past couple of years, the national carrier has had a secret project underway to improve its Airpoints scheme.
To reach Gold or Elite status, flyers need to earn a certain number of Status Credits, which are accrued by flying and through some credit cards.
Several radical concepts are being considered for the revamp, and the airline recently sent a survey to a select group of frequent flyers to rank the ideas. Stuff Travel has obtained the survey, designed for Elite members, and can reveal the extensive list of ideas they were asked for their opinion on.
One of the significant improvements being mulled is a series of new VIP lounges at Auckland Airport — in both the domestic and international terminals — which would only be open to its top-tier flyers.
These new Elite Lounges would aim to combat the longstanding complaints about overcrowding at the current Air New Zealand lounges.
Another eye-brow-raising idea is being able to check in your bags from home. The survey explains flyers could 'choose a pick-up slot at a time that's convenient for you up to 24 hours before your flight, and we'll collect from your home, hotel or office and check it in for you.'
The survey also asked if top-tier flyers would enjoy sampling new food and amenities before they are officially released, and whether they'd like free or early access to new aircraft features like Skynest - a bunk bed-style sleeping cabin that’s set to roll out on some long-haul aircraft over the coming years.
Another perk members were asked about is a 'fly home sooner' option - allowing travellers to change their flight to an earlier one free of charge. This was being considered alongside free regional parking.
The airline also asked for feedback on the idea of some members being able to pick up their checked bags beside the aircraft on regional routes — meaning people wouldn't have to wait at the carousel.
Other perks being considered for Elite members include:
Giving top-tier members two free checked bags in their bookings, rather than the existing one.
The earlier you make a booking, the more Status Points you earn.
Waiving flight change fees.
The ability to earn a Lifetime Elite status.
Being able to gift a one-off Elite pass to other flyers, so they could experience what it’s like.
Being able to check in sports equipment for free.
Hotel and rental car Status Match - where you would be given Gold or Elite status with 'global hotel and rental car partners'.
Only some of the ideas will make the final cut of changes — and it’s understood final decisions haven’t been made.
While the perks in the survey were for Elite flyers, Stuff Travel understands extra perks are being considered for Gold and potentially Silver members too — but we haven’t obtained that list.
Air New Zealand is staying tight-lipped about the changes and won't give a timeline about when they might roll out. The airline's head of Loyalty, Kate O'Brien, provided a short statement in response to questions, saying, “We regularly engage with our customers regarding different products. This survey is a check-in to better understand our Airpoints customers' experience and get their feedback on what they value from our loyalty programme.'
It's understood, however, that the official list of new perks could be unveiled this year.
What do you think of the perks? What's your favourite, and has Air NZ missed anything? Let us know in the comments below.