Air New Zealand extends credit option until end of September

Air New Zealand customers booked to fly up until the end of September who can no longer travel are able to change their bookings or opt into credit, with the airline further extending its Covid flexibility policy. The airline first re-introduced the policy in July, amid a surge in Covid cases and other winter illnesses. While it was initially only set to be in place until the end of July, it was extended until the end of August, as the widespread disruption continued. An Air New Zealand spokesperson confirmed the policy has now been extended for a third month. The policy applies to all domestic and international flights departing before September 30. For customers who need to make changes to their booking, the change fee is waived, while those who no longer wish to travel for any reason can opt for a credit. The airline earlier this month announced it would be operating a reduced schedule over the next six months, to deal with high rates of staff sickness. The airline said the changes would ensure there could be crew on standby to cover illness, reducing the need for short-notice flight cancellations. Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the airline had seen the highest rates of crew sickness in over a decade. <br/>