Air New Zealand Upgrade

Air New Zealand Upgrade

The Air New Zealand upgrade program allows you to upgrade your seat in 3 ways. The first option is to purchase an upgrade directly through the airline’s website, by phone, or at the airport. This option allows you to choose from a range of seats, including premium economy and business class. Another option is to bid for an upgrade within a certain range. The highest bidder will be awarded the upgrade if it is available. Finally, if you are a frequent flyer with Air New Zealand, you may be eligible to earn an upgrade through the airline’s loyalty program. 

How to Get an Upgrade on Air New Zealand?

Upgrading your travel experience on Air New Zealand is a great way to add some extra comfort and luxury to your journey. There are a few different options available for upgrading, depending on the type of ticket you’ve purchased and the availability of seats in higher classes.

  1. Purchase a Flight Upgrade 
    • If you’ve already purchased your ticket, you can buy an upgrade to move up to:
      • A premium cabin, i.e., Premium Economy or Business Premier, or 
      • An Economy Skycouch, i.e., your own row of 3 special seats that convert to a large couch
    • You can buy the upgrade online, through the airline’s app, by phone, or at the airport
    • All you need to do is pay the price difference 
  1. Bid for an Upgrade with OneUp

How Air New Zealand’s OneUp upgrades work

Air New Zealand’s OneUp upgrade bids allow you to upgrade for less than the price of a full international flight ticket.

  • An Air New Zealand upgrade bid can be used to:
    • Upgrade to the next-higher cabin class, i.e., from Economy to Premium Economy or from Premium Economy to Business Premier (but not from Economy to Business Premier), or
    • Upgrade to Economy Skycouch
  • Simply offer how much you’d like to pay for your seat. If your offer is accepted, you and the travel companions on your booking will move up to the next cabin class and you will be charged per the agreed amount. If your upgrade offer is not successful, you won’t be charged. 
  • You should place your OneUp bid at least 3 days before your flight’s departure. 
  • Depending on your membership status, the airline will top the offers made by Airpoints members (Silver by 10%, Gold by 30%, and Elite by 50%).
  1. Earn an Upgrade with Your Airpoints Membership

You can use your Airpoints frequent flyer membership points to earn the following types of upgrades:

  • Recognition upgrades
    • Elite and Gold status members are entitled to 2 recognition upgrades in a single membership year. 
    • Silver status members are entitled to 1 recognition upgrade in a single membership year. 
    • You can use your recognition upgrade to move up one class on a single flight sector.
  • Short-haul recognition upgrades for Elite members
    • Elite Airpoints members are also entitled to 1 such upgrade per membership year. 
    • You can upgrade from Economy Class to Business Premier on most trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands destinations. However, they don’t apply to flights to the following destinations: Bali, Honolulu, Perth, Tahiti: or flights between Rarotonga and Sydney.
    • You can use a short-haul upgrade yourself or gift it to another person on your gifting register.

You can request short-haul recognition upgrades online via My Bookings or by phone.

Membership StatusUpgrade Confirmation
EliteNo more than 355 days before flight departure, subject to seat availability
GoldUp to 6 days before flight departure after Elite upgrades have been confirmed.
SilverUp to 6 days before flight departure after Elite and Gold upgrades have been confirmed.
  • Elite Airpoints Dollar™ upgrades
    • Elite members who have used up their recognition upgrades can request an upgrade online at fixed rates with Airpoints Dollars. 
    • Such upgrades can be used to upgrade on both short- and long-haul flights on Air New Zealand.
    • To check the Airpoints Dollar rates, refer to the Elite Airpoints Dollar upgrade chart below.
    • If you don’t confirm before the day of travel, you can confirm your upgrade at the airport subject to seat availability.

For destination information, refer to the Zone chart below.

Note. Elite status members can upgrade up to 355 days before departure, subject to seat availability. If your elite recognition upgrade cannot be confirmed due to high loads, your upgrade request will be prioritized at the airport.

  • Star Alliance Upgrades
    • If you’re flying overseas on a Star Alliance airline, you can purchase an upgrade with Airpoints Dollars on eligible booking classes, subject to seat availability.
    • Star Alliance upgrades are generally limited in number.
    • Your upgrade options will depend on the airline you’re flying. 
    • Star Alliance upgrades are typically confirmed at the time of upgrade request.
      1. On ANA flights, upgrades can be requested starting 28 days before departure. 
      2. On Singapore Airlines, upgrades aren’t available to Business and First Class (on B777-300ER aircraft) and Business Class (on A380 and A340-500 aircraft).
    • For details on the number of Airpoints Dollars needed for an upgrade, refer to the Star Alliance upgrade rates and information.
    • You can request an upgrade online through the Star Alliance upgrade request form or by phone.

Air New Zealand Business Class Upgrade

How Air New Zealand upgrade to Business Class works?

A view of Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Cabin on long-haul flights

A Business Class upgrade on Air New Zealand features: 

  • Premium check-in and priority baggage handling 
  • Free lounge access
  • A lie-flat or leather armchair with additional personal space
  • Free seat selection (standard seats)
  • A free baggage allowance of:
    • 2 carry-on items with a combined weight of up to 30.8lb/14kg, with one bag weighing up to 22lb/10kg.
    • 3 checked bags of up to 50lb/23kg each 
  • Inflight entertainment
  • Complimentary meals and drinks 
  • Additional Airpoints Dollars and Status Points 

How to upgrade. If you’re looking to upgrade to Business Class on Air New Zealand, there are a few ways to go about it. The first option is to redeem your Airpoints Dollars or upgrade credits through the airline’s loyalty program. Another way is to bid for an upgrade using the airline’s OneUp program, where you can make an offer for an upgrade (at least 72 hours before departure) and find out if it has been accepted. 

You can also purchase an upgrade through the airline’s website or at check-in. Finally, if you have elite status with a Star Alliance partner, you may be able to receive complimentary upgrades on Air New Zealand flights. Whatever method you choose, upgrading to Business Class on Air New Zealand is sure to enhance your travel experience with luxurious amenities and exceptional service.

Air New Zealand Upgrade to Premium Economy

Air New Zealand Upgrade to Premium Economy

Air New Zealand Premium Economy seats are available on all Boeing 777-300 and 787-9 long-haul flights operated by the airline. An upgrade to Premium Economy includes several benefits, such as priority check-in and boarding, additional baggage allowance, and more personal space, thus ensuring that you can start your journey stress-free. Plus, with delicious meals and premium beverages served throughout the flight, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey to your destination. 

On long-haul flights, an upgrade to Premium Economy will get you:

  • More space
    • Extra legroom and 50% more recline than Economy Class
    • A 104.1cm/41in pitch 
    • 49cm/19.3in seat width 
    • 12.7cm/5in wide armrest
  • Free seat selection (standard seats)
  • A free baggage allowance of:
    • 2 carry-on bags with a combined weight of up to 30.8lb/14kg, with one bag weighing up to 22lb/10kg.
    • 2 checked bags of up to 50lb/23kg each 
  • Inflight entertainment
  • Complimentary meals and drinks 
  • Extra Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points earnings

Air New Zealand Premium Economy upgrade cost. The exact cost of an Air New Zealand Premium Economy upgrade will depend on many factors, such as the route, availability, and time of booking. However, it is more affordable than a Business Class upgrade and provides a significant enhancement to the overall flying experience. With wider seats, extra legroom, premium dining options, and priority check-in and baggage handling, Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy is a popular choice for travelers looking to add some extra comfort to their journey without breaking the bank. 

  • For pricing information on Airpoints Dollar Upgrades, refer to the upgrade charts above. 
  • For Airpoints dollars required for an upgrade on Star Alliance.
  • If you’ve already booked your flight and wish to upgrade with cash or Airpoints, access your flight via Manage Booking and use the upgrade option to know the price of an upgrade. 
  • Alternatively, check with Air New Zealand directly or consult with a travel agent.

Air New Zealand Upgrade to Skycouch

Air New Zealand Upgrade to Skycouch

Air New Zealand offers an innovative feature called Skycouch that allows you to upgrade your Economy Class seat to a comfortable and spacious bed by joining all the seats in a row. This is perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants a little extra space on their long-haul flight. Booking a Skycouch means not sharing your seats with a stranger. You’ll get the entire row, whether you book a Skycouch for yourself, or 2 or 3 passengers. 

With Skycouch, you can stretch out and get some much-needed rest, even if you don’t have the budget for Business or First Class. The Skycouch is created by folding up the footrests of three adjoining seats and adding a cushioned extension to create an additional flat surface. The result is a comfortable and flexible space that you can use to sleep, relax, or just enjoy the extra legroom. 

Cost-effective. You won’t need to pay the full price for all the 3 seats, but you’ll get the comfort of a 3-seat couch. The Skycouch prices will depend on how many passengers will be using it. The fee is higher if only 1 passenger uses it than if it is occupied by 2 passengers. Like all fares, the prices will vary based on the demand for the flight.

If you’re looking for a way to make your next flight more comfortable and enjoyable without upgrading to Premier Economy or Business Class, consider upgrading to Skycouch on Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand Upgrade with Points

Upgrading on Air New Zealand with points is a simple and easy process. First, you need to make sure that you have enough Airpoints Dollars or credit card reward points to cover the upgrade cost. Then, log in to your Air New Zealand account and select the flight you want to upgrade. If there are seats available for an upgrade, the upgrade option will appear next to your booking information.

Click on the upgrade link/button and follow the prompts to complete the upgrade process. You can choose to pay with either Airpoints Dollars or credit card reward points, depending on what you have available. Once you’ve confirmed your payment details, your booking will be updated and you’ll receive a confirmation email.

It’s important to note that upgrades with points are subject to availability, so it’s best to book as early as possible to increase your chances of getting an upgrade. 

Air New Zealand Auction Upgrade—OneUp

Air New Zealand’s auction upgrade (OneUp) offers a unique opportunity for passengers to bid for an upgrade to the next higher class of service. Instead of paying the full price for a premium seat, passengers can enter the airline’s online auction and bid (at least 72 hours before departure) what they’re willing to pay for the upgrade. The highest bidder wins the upgraded seat and gets to enjoy all the luxuries that come with it, such as more legroom, better food, personalized service, increased baggage allowance, etc.

This innovative approach to upgrading allows Air New Zealand to fill empty seats in premium cabins (or Economy Class via Skycouch) while giving passengers the chance to experience the added comfort and convenience of a higher class of travel. 

How Air New Zealand’s OneUp upgrade Works?

Air New Zealand’s OneUp upgrade allows passengers to bid for an upgrade to the next higher class of service. This innovative approach to upgrades gives passengers more control over their travel experience and allows them to bid on the upgrade amount they are willing to pay. 

OneUp upgrades are available up to 72 hours before departure, and successful bidders will be notified via email at least 24 hours prior to their flight. The program is available for flights operated by Air New Zealand and select partner airlines, making it a convenient and accessible option for travelers looking to elevate their flying experience. 

Air New Zealand Upgrade Cost

Without knowing the specifics of the upgrade being requested, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to the cost of an Air New Zealand upgrade. The Airlines offers a variety of upgrade options, including upgrades to Skycouch, Premium Economy, and Business Class. 

The cost of the upgrades can vary depending on factors such as the route, availability of seats in the upgraded cabin, and the fare class of the original ticket. You can check your eligibility for an upgrade and receive a quote for the cost by logging in to your Air New Zealand account or contacting the airline’s customer service team.

However, the upgrade cost with Airpoints Dollars for Elite members is provided in the tables below.

Elite Airpoints Dollar Upgrade Cost on Long-haul Routes on B777 and B787 Aircraft
(with Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Premier)
One-way trip betweenEconomy to Premium Economy Upgrade Cost 
(in Airpoints Dollars)
Premium Economy to Business Premier Upgrade Cost 
(in Airpoints Dollars)
New Zealand 🡨🡪 Perth, Tahiti, Bali, Honolulu,180340
New Zealand 🡨🡪 Asia290580
New Zealand 🡨🡪 Americas 1350695
New Zealand 🡨🡪 Americas 2395890
New Zealand 🡨🡪 Americas 3450990
Los Angeles 🡨🡪 Pacific Islands290580
Eastern Australia 🡨🡪 Pacific Islands290580
Elite Airpoints Dollar Upgrade Cost on Tasman and Pacific Island Routes (B777 and B787 aircraft)
From Economy to Business Premier
One-way trip betweenEconomy to Premium Economy Upgrade Cost 
(in Airpoints Dollars)
Premium Economy to Business
Upgrade Cost 

(in Airpoints Dollars)
Economy to Business
Upgrade Cost 

(in Airpoints Dollars)
New Zealand 🡨🡪 Eastern Australia9595190
New Zealand 🡨🡪 Pacific Islands (excl Honolulu and Tahiti)95190

Zones

ZoneCountries or Cities included in the Zone
Eastern AustraliaSunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney, Gold Coast,
Pacific IslandsTongatapu, Rarotonga, Nadia, Apia, Noumea
AsiaSingapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei, Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul
Americas 1San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver
Americas 2Chicago, Houston
Americas 3New York

How to Place an Upgrade Request on Air New Zealand?

Air New Zealand’s Manage Booking section

If you’re looking to upgrade your Air New Zealand flight, there are a few ways to make an upgrade request. The first option is to log in to your Air New Zealand account and go to the Manage Booking section. 

After entering your Booking Reference number and Family name, you’ll be able to access your flight details and see if any upgrade options are available for your flight. If they are, you can make a request directly through the website (or mobile app). 

Another option is to contact Air New Zealand customer service by phone or email and request an upgrade that way. 

Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to availability, so it’s best to make your request as early as possible. Upgrades come with additional fees or requirements, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before making a request. 

Air New Zealand Skycouch upgrade

Air New Zealand’s Skycouch upgrade is a unique seating option that allows passengers to turn a row of 3 seats into a comfortable bed-like surface. This innovative feature is perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants to stretch out and relax during their flight. 

The Skycouch is available in Economy class on select Air New Zealand flights and offers an added level of comfort and convenience for passengers. By raising the footrests and using the cushions provided, passengers can transform their seats into a flat surface, making it easier to sleep, watch movies, or simply lounge during their flight. 

What is Air New Zealand’s Skycouch upgrade cost?

The cost of Air New Zealand’s Skycouch upgrade is not fixed and can vary based on a number of factors, including the type of fare purchased, the destination, and availability. However, the cost of upgrading to a Skycouch is typically less than purchasing additional seats outright.

Benefits of Air New Zealand Silver Recognition Upgrade

Air New Zealand Silver Recognition upgrade offers a range of benefits that can enhance the travel experience for Silver status passengers. Some of the major benefits include:

  • 2 complementary single-entry lounge eVouchers per membership year, one of which you can gift to a travel companion on the same flight. 
  • 1 recognition upgrade during the validity of the membership year. The upgrade can be used to request an upgrade to the next higher cabin class on a single sector. However, if a flight has only 2 cabin classes, the upgrade can be applied to move up from Economy to Business Class.
  • OneUp upgrades where a Silver member’s OneUp offer is up-weighted by 10% by the airline on international Air New Zealand flights.
  • Discounted Business Award fares on select routes, such as:
    • Auckland 🡨🡪 North America 2,790 Airpoints Dollars
    • Auckland 🡨🡪 Tahiti 710 Airpoints Dollars
    • Auckland 🡨🡪 Honolulu 1,830 Airpoints Dollars
    • Auckland 🡨🡪 Bali 1,830 Airpoints Dollars
    • Auckland 🡨🡪 Asia 1,980 Airpoints Dollars

For flights departing from other cities within New Zealand, you will be charged a fee of 75 Airpoints Dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions on Air New Zealand Upgrade 

Air New Zealand upgrades offer passengers the opportunity to elevate their travel experience with a range of options, from upgrading their seats to accessing premium lounges and more. If you’re considering an upgrade with Air New Zealand, you may have some questions about the process. Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process.

How do Air New Zealand bid upgrades work?

The bid upgrades work by allowing passengers to make an offer for an upgrade to Skycouch, Premium Economy, or Business Class when booking a flight or later up to 72 hours before departure. The bid amount that a passenger makes is kept confidential and is only accepted if there are unsold seats available in the higher class. 

If the bid is successful, the passenger will receive an email confirming the upgrade at least 24 hours before departure. Bid upgrades allow passengers to enjoy a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience without having to pay the full price of a premium ticket. It also allows Air New Zealand to maximize revenue by filling any unsold seats in higher classes. However, it’s important to note that not all flights are eligible for bid upgrades and that the success of a bid is not guaranteed.

Does Air New Zealand offer free upgrades?

Air New Zealand may offer free upgrades to certain passengers, depending on their eligibility and availability of seats. Passengers with Elite status or frequent flyer miles may be eligible for complimentary upgrades. Additionally, Air New Zealand may offer free upgrades to passengers who have experienced travel disruptions or issues with their original booking. For example, if there is an overbooking situation in Economy Class and there are open seats in Premium Economy, Air New Zealand may offer a free upgrade to some passengers.

However, it is important to note that free upgrades are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.

How does Air New Zealand’s upgrade at the airport work?

Air New Zealand upgrade at the airport is a great way to enjoy a more luxurious travel experience without breaking the bank. The process is simple: if there are available seats in the next class, you can request an upgrade at the check-in counter or gate before your flight. The airline offers upgrades on a first-come, first-served basis and for a fee, which varies depending on your ticket type and destination. If you’re lucky enough to secure an upgrade, you’ll be able to enjoy all the perks of that class, including more comfortable seating, better food and drink options, and priority boarding.

How do I make an upgrade offer on Air New Zealand?

If you’re looking to bid for an upgrade on Air New Zealand, first make sure that your flight is eligible for upgrades. You can check this by logging into your Air New Zealand account and looking for the upgrade option. If it’s available, click on it and follow the prompts to submit your offer no later than 72 hours before departure. 

The success of your bid will depend on how many passengers are bidding and how much they are offering. To increase your chances of success, be sure to submit a reasonable offer based on the value of the upgrade and the amount you’re willing to pay. Also remember that the airline will top your offer by 10% if you’re a Silver tier member, 30% if you’re a Gold tier member, and 50% if you’re an Elite tier member.

How can I upgrade an Air New Zealand ticket?

If you’re looking to upgrade your Air New Zealand ticket, there are a few options available to you. First, you can try bidding for an upgrade through the airline’s OneUp program, which allows passengers to bid for available upgrades using cash or Airpoints Dollars. Another option is to use your Airpoints Dollars or Elite Status to request an upgrade. Finally, you can also contact Air New Zealand directly and inquire about purchasing an upgrade with cash or points

Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to availability and certain restrictions may apply based on your fare class and other factors. It’s always a good idea to check with the airline directly for more information on upgrading your ticket.

How much does it cost to upgrade on Air New Zealand?

The cost to upgrade on Air New Zealand will depend on different factors, such as the class of your original ticket, your destination, and the availability of seats in the higher class. In general, the upgrade cost can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s also worth noting that Air New Zealand offers different types of upgrades, such as bidding for an upgrade or using frequent flyer miles

• If you’ve already booked your ticket, access your booking via the Manage Booking tab and use the upgrade option (if available) to check the cost of upgrading with cash or points. 
• If you haven’t booked your ticket, go through the steps to book a ticket. The upgrade cost (in cash and points) will be displayed on the payments page before you pay for the trip. 
• Another option is to check with Air New Zealand directly for specific pricing and options based on your itinerary.

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