Air NZ customers now able to request a seat online

Media Release
28 March 2007

Air New Zealand customers now able to check-in and request a seat online

Air New Zealand domestic passengers will now be able to select their own seats and then check-in over the internet, with the launch of Air New Zealand's new service on airnewzealand.co.nz.

Launched today and available across all domestic flights, the innovative new service allows customers to select their own seats, check-in and then create their own boarding passes with their printer at work or home.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Norm Thompson said Air New Zealand was thrilled to be one of the first airlines in the world to offer a robust online check-in facility that will save customers time and money.

"By shifting some of the conventional check-in procedures online, customers will be able to shave valuable time off their travel journey. Customers travelling without any luggage will be pleased to know they can head straight to the gate with their printed boarding passes, by-passing the need to visit the check-in counters altogether," said Mr Thompson.

"Customers can also use the new online system to carry out tasks that were previously only possible through our contact centres such as changing their flight dates and times, or cancelling Flexi fares that were booked online.

"But by far, the most attractive feature is the ability to select your own seats. This is one of the most common requests we receive and now as part of the online check-in process, customers will be able to manage all of this online over the internet with the click of a mouse," said Mr Thompson.

Air New Zealand's new online enhancements are just one of a series of internet-based initiatives introduced by the airline in the last 12 months such as the hugely popular "grabaseat" campaign which has been extremely successful since its launch in July 2006.

"Internet bookings now account for more than 50 percent of all domestic bookings. There is clearly a demand for online services and we're working hard to deliver them," said Mr Thompson.

Air New Zealand's online booking engine was built by an in-house team who are also tasked with developing innovative services that add value for customers.

The launch of domestic check-in online follows a successful seven month trial of the service on direct flights between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

"The trial has been extremely successful with more than 33,000 online check-in bookings over the trial period. We are confident of achieving the same result across our domestic network."

Air New Zealand's new online services are available from the 'Manage Bookings' section of www.airnewzealand.co.nz or as part of the online booking process for customers booking online.

It is available to all customers who book domestic travel directly through Air New Zealand's website, the Air New Zealand contact centre or an Air New Zealand Holidays Store.

Online check-in customers travelling without baggage can go directly to the gate up to 20 minutes before check in. Customers with luggage simply drop it off at the baggage kiosk no later than 30 minutes before their departure before heading directly to the gate.

Air New Zealand will continue to offer over-the-counter check-in services and kiosk check-in for all domestic flights.

ENDS

© Scoop Media