When variable points pricing with Airpoints can offer good value

January 27, 2020

A common critique of Air New Zealand’s Airpoints programme is that its points offer poor value on flight redemptions.

While this is a myth in some scenarios, particularly where you use Airpoints on partner redemptions, it is true that using Airpoints Dollars for Business Class seats with Air New Zealand itself is usually not the way to go.

However there are exceptions where variable points pricing does come out ahead.

How I have underestimated Airpoints

December 2, 2019

A key principal to understand with award travel is that not all frequent flyer programmes are created equal.

The complete guide to American Express Offers and Benefits

November 27, 2019

Having an American Express card can bring you a world of benefits, including room upgrades at hotels, free wine or appetisers at dinner, cashback on everyday spend, and car hire discounts.

We thought we’d compile a list of current known offers that are able to be accessed by American Express cardholders in New Zealand, in the absence of there being one elsewhere.

How to use the free flight benefit that comes with the Amex Platinum Edge

November 20, 2019

One of the headline benefits of the American Express Platinum Edge card is the free domestic return flight on Air New Zealand that’s offered each cardholder year.

There are a few things to know to be able to use the flight for maximum value, so I thought I’d run through some of the detail on how to redeem the flight and do so most effectively.

Air New Zealand Airpoints Visa Cards Guide

October 7, 2019

Air New Zealand have three of their own branded credit cards (Low Fee, Standard and Platinum), which are issued by Kiwibank.

These cards have the lowest international transaction fee of all the Airpoints earning cards – a low 1.85% of the New Zealand dollar amount once converted. Continue reading…

Travelling on international flights with children and infants

October 3, 2019

While travelling in New Zealand with an infant is a relatively painless process, the same cannot be said for international journeys, particularly those which can span 12 hours or more.

All airlines have some version of an infant policy, but these can vary depending on the route and class of travel. We’ve compiled a list of twelve major international airlines which fly from New Zealand, and can be easily booked with frequent flyer points.

Our guide to travelling with children and infants domestically

October 3, 2019

Every parent who has travelled with an infant is well aware of the challenges. Solid planning and preparation are essential to a parent’s ability to not only retain their sanity during air travel but maybe even to enjoy the experience.

A little bundle of joy doesn’t have to mean the end of your dreams to use your points for premium class travel, though. The difficulty, however, is deciding which airline, flight, or even type of aircraft is best for infants – and subsequently finding the right seats for the best price.

Buy LifeMiles for cheaper Star Alliance redemptions: best price [targeted]

September 20, 2019

Avianca’s frequent flyer program LifeMiles is offering an up to 145% bonus on miles purchased until 2 October. However, some readers may only see a 130% bonus, so check your account to see which bonus you’re eligible for.