Air New Zealand MEL-LAX reward seats

[theevilmuppet]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experiences that they're willing to share regarding redeeming Velocity points on Air New Zealand for MEL-LAX?

I'm looking to bring some family members along for a trip to the US and I'd like to look at all the available options for getting them over in a class above Y.

Thanks to all who reply.

 

[Mattg]

I don't think I've ever seen Air NZ release Y+ or J award seats on the AKL-LAX route.

(They do have some fairly competitive premium cabin fares ex Australia though.)

 

[theevilmuppet]

I don't think I've ever seen Air NZ release Y+ or J award seats on the AKL-LAX route.

(They do have some fairly competitive premium cabin fares ex Australia though.)

That's my observation as well. Oh well.

 

[Mattg]

That's my observation as well. Oh well.

Yeah, they're pretty stingy I'm afraid...

I do recall them releasing a few J seats on the AKL-PVG route, but that's about it.

 

[theevilmuppet]

Yeah, they're pretty stingy I'm afraid...

I do recall them releasing a few J seats on the AKL-PVG route, but that's about it.

Air New Zealand are seemingly hell-bent on ensuring award space is as profitable for them as possible.

The only ways one can seemingly get a J seat is via either payment or AirPoints and AirPoints is a shockingly bad loyalty program!

 

[Mattg]

Air New Zealand are seemingly hell-bent on ensuring award space is as profitable for them as possible.

The only ways one can seemingly get a J seat is via either payment or AirPoints and AirPoints is a shockingly bad loyalty program!

The other option could be to book a PE seat and bid for an upgrade. Though that's not guaranteed, of course. (Not sure if NZ allows two-step upgrades from Y to J on 3 class routes - they may do.)

 

[adame]

Hello

How can I search for Air NZ long haul award availability? On the Velocity website it says to call Virgin to book reward seats but I'm not sure how to check what flights are available.

Thanks

 

[Mattg]

Hello

How can I search for Air NZ long haul award availability? On the Velocity website it says to call Virgin to book reward seats but I'm not sure how to check what flights are available.

Thanks

Try searching on the United Airlines website.