[ad_1]
KIRK HARGREAVES / Stuff
Air New Zealand is also eliminating change fees for domestic flights booked for travel through March 31, 2021.
Air New Zealand offers over 180,000 of its cheapest fares available for sale at the 20 ports it flies to.
It follows Monday’s announcement by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that physical distancing is no longer necessary on airplanes.
The national airline says 160,000 of the fares will be available for less than $ 50, with 9,000 of these available during the upcoming school holidays.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran says it’s a way of thanking customers after a tough 2020.
READ MORE:
* PM Jacinda Ardern: ‘We have an obligation to let New Zealanders come home’
* Coronavirus: What we know about the government’s ‘unprecedented’ steps to curb the spread of the virus
* Coronavirus – Travelers Get All Air New Zealand Special $ 9 Fares in Minutes
“While our borders are closed, we know that Kiwis are eager to get out and explore or visit friends and family, so we want to make traveling as easy as possible, and this is great news for local tourism too,” Foran said.
“We had planned physical distancing until the end of this week, so this news allows us to immediately make those seats available to those who want to travel in the coming days.”
Physical distance requirements on planes, buses, and trains will no longer be needed under Covid-19 Alert Level 2, to allow more seats to be filled in transportation. Clients must still wear masks and covers.
The elimination of physical distancing has also been welcomed by the New Zealand Airline Pilots Association (NZALPA).
BROOK SABIN
Discover the best travel experiences close to home with us at Stuff Travel.
NZALPA President Captain Andrew Ridling said the change will help put more planes in the air and help local tourism.
“This effectively restores the use of the middle seat and will now increase the availability of rides,” Ridling said.
“It is a well-known fact that filtered air on board planes is safer than even the air in hospital operating rooms. This means that the risk of Covid-19 transmission through cabin air is very low. “
John Hawkins / Stuff
The airline offers more than 180,000 of its cheapest fares.
Air New Zealand is also waiving change fees for domestic flights booked for travel through March 31, 2021, which, according to Foran, will allow customers to “book with confidence in the coming months knowing that if their circumstances change, we will We will take care of them. “
Meanwhile, Jetstar says it will resume domestic flights from September 17. The airline will offer 75 flights on six domestic routes, roughly 60 percent of its pre-Covid-19 schedule.
For inspiration on what to do in New Zealand, check out our Back your Backyard section and subscribe to Stuff Travel on Youtube.
Where are you going? Let us know in the comments.
