Air New Zealand reintroduces credit option for domestic passengers

Air New Zealand has reinstated its flexible credit policy for some domestic passengers as it prepares for Omicron to disrupt flights over the coming weeks. Introduced during the early days of the pandemic, the airline’s flexible Covid-19 policy enabled travellers to change their domestic bookings for free or get credits if something went wrong. Since October 31, 2021, however, domestic flyers had not been entitled to a refund or credit unless they had booked one of the most flexible – and more expensive – fare types. Customers with bookings as of 11:59pm, January 23 for flights set to depart before 11:59pm on February 28 will now be able to change their flights for free or get a credit if they are unable to travel no matter what type of fare they hold. Air New Zealand chief customer and sales office Leanne Geraghty said the airline expects to see flights disrupted as the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads in New Zealand. “Based on what we’ve seen happen to other airlines around the world, and the modelling we’ve seen here for New Zealand, we’re anticipating Omicron will have a considerable impact on our customers and employees over the next few weeks. Providing the option for credits allows customers who are feeling unwell or are isolating, to change their booking to travel on an alternative date.” Geraghty said the airline wants the “thousands” of customers who may have to deal with Omicron in coming weeks not to have to worry about their flights. The airline could decide to extend the credit option beyond February 28, and is planning to reassess the situation as that date approaches.<br/>