Airline Sale Alert: Discounted Air NZ, Jetstar Airfares In Selected Destinations

Jetstar and Air New Zealand are offering low airfares in selected domestic and trans-Tasman destinations! Christmas is a very busy time for travel, but you can score up to $39 on your one-way ticket even at the busiest and most expensive times of the year.

As the government recently lifted travel restrictions in Auckland, more and more flights are now available, mostly in the busiest domestic route of Auckland-Christchurch. If predictions are correct, one-way tickets may even be cheaper than pre-pandemic rates!

Trans-Tasman travel may soon be available as early as February 2022. Airlines are expected to drop huge airfare sales in the trans-Tasman route for the travel period of February to July 2022. 85,000 seats are available with Jetstar alone!

How much can you save on airfares in NZ this Christmas?

During the holiday peak period from December 17-27 and January 2-12 in the Auckland-Christchurch route, Jetstar has a much lower airfare at $87, while Air NZ charges $123, an analysis by Newshub reveals. However, the high price tag from Air NZ also offers a fully refundable or changeable ticket.

For return flights from Christchurch to Auckland during this peak period, the price gap is much lower. Air NZ charges an average airfare of $95, while Jetstar charges $55. 

How much are NZ airfares on off-peak dates?

During the off-peak period from December 19-21 in the same route and return flights on January 6 or 11, your airfare will cost around $176 return on Air NZ and $99 return on Jetstar. These fares are only half what they would normally cost before the COVID-19 outbreak.

While Air NZ’s airfare is more expensive, it has more flights scheduled. During this on-peak period, they have as many as 17 flights per day for this route.

Jetstar on the other hand has two flights available per day. 

Previously, over 85,000 were sold in Jetstar’s last airfare sale

Jetstar sold over 85,000 seats across the country and the Tasman for dates as early as February 2022. The four-day sale happened last 9 November, but Club Jetstar members had early access to these discounted fares.

Domestic one-way airfare:

• Auckland to Christchurch from $25
• Auckland to Dunedin from $39
• Auckland to Wellington from $25
• Auckland to Queenstown from $50
• Christchurch to Wellington from $25
• Wellington to Queenstown from $39

International one-way airfare:

• Auckland to Melbourne (Tullamarine) from $139
• Auckland to Gold Coast (Coolangatta) from $129
• Auckland to Sydney from $139
• Christchurch to Melbourne (Tullamarine) from $139
• Christchurch to Gold Coast (Coolangatta) from $129
• Queenstown to Melbourne (Tullamarine) from $199
• Queenstown to Sydney from $199
• Queenstown to Gold Coast (Coolangatta) from $189
• Wellington to Gold Coast (Coolangatta) from $129

If you’re one of the lucky ones who have secured a seat during the sale, make sure that you secure your vaccination, too. It’s a strict regulation by the airline for all international passengers over the age of 12 to be fully vaccinated.

Will international travel fully reboot in 2022?

It’s a tough call. Recently, Air New Zealand cancelled over 1,000 flights across Tasman because of border uncertainty. This is in effect until December 31, 2021, or until further instructions from the government, affecting about 20,000 customers. 

“This will be particularly tough news for families and friends who were hoping to catch up over Christmas. I appreciate how difficult this news will be, but our hands are tied until border restrictions ease, and we receive further clarity from the New Zealand Government,” Air NZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said.

Moreover, there’s no announcement on any flight cancellations so far. There’s also no mention of when quarantine-free travel will resume. However, there has been an ongoing effort to allow vaccinated travellers to return to NZ without going through quarantine, as early as the first quarter of 2022.

Frequently asked questions when travelling

Before travelling around NZ this Christmas, take note of the following for a smoother and hassle-free trip.

Do you need to be fully vaccinated?

• Air NZ - Travellers aged 12 years and over will be asked for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. Kids 11 years and under aren’t required to present vaccination proof or a negative test result.
• Jetstar - Domestic travellers don’t need to present vaccination proof or a negative COVID-19 test result. 
• Air Chathams - Passengers need to present vaccination proof.

Read: Status Of COVID-19 Vaccination In New Zealand: Uptake Rates By District And Demographics

What vaccination proof is accepted?

For travellers needing to present proof of vaccination, the government’s My Vaccine Pass is commonly accepted. To complete the process, you need your My Covid Record. You can initiate the process at least 24 hours before travelling or boarding the plane.

For those that don’t have a smartphone, you need to print your vaccination records or store a QR code. As My Covid Record isn’t available for 12-15-year-olds, they need to request a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Health’s website.

How can you get COVID tested?

If you’ve only had your first dose and are travelling by Air NZ, you have to get COVID tested for at least 72 hours before departure. You need to present the negative test result via text message or a letter from a medical professional. 

How can you save more on your travel?

Holidays mean that there are plenty of deals that you can take advantage of!! Here are some airline sales in NZ you can get during Black Friday!

• Booking.com: 30% off to popular Australian getaway destinations and discounted bookings, valid until 30 June 2022.
• Jetstar: Return for free sale starts at $65 for Kiwis living in Australia who want to return for the holiday season.
• Oaks: 30% off your stays in selected Australian and New Zealand destinations available from 18 November 2021 to 30 March 2022.

Watch out for the best deals on Power, Broadband, Mobile, and more here at glimp!