Air New Zealand to launch half-price airfare club to entice spontaneous travel

Air New Zealand is to launch a discount airfare club, which could slash fares by 50%. The national carrier is launching a subscription service that provides heavily discounted last-minute fares. It will be called the Grabaseat Gotta Getaway and will initially be run as a trial. For a $95 annual fee, travellers will receive up to 50% off return domestic flights around New Zealand when booked within seven days of travel. The scheme is designed for those who want a getaway at the drop of a hat. The year-long trial will be open to 1000 people, who can apply from Wednesday May 12. To be eligible, you will need to be registered with Grabaseat, be an Airpoints member and have travelled on the airline in the past 12 months. Those who meet the criteria will be emailed today asking if they would like to register interest. Air New Zealand's chief customer and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty, expects the scheme to be hugely popular. “Our customer research is telling us there is growing demand for spontaneous travel coming from Kiwis. Typically closer to travel, because of the dynamics of demand and supply, prices are sometimes a little bit higher – which might dampen the ability for some of that spontaneous travel. So we have been working to come up with a concept that would help us meet that market.”<br/>