Check-in pointers

Air New Zealand recommends that passengers traveling to, through or from the United States arrive at the airport three hours before the flight's scheduled departure.

The airline recommends checking in at least 30 minutes beforehand for domestic flights that depart Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, or 60 minutes for departures connecting to international flights.

Electronic kiosks are available at Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Hubs

• Auckland International Airport
• Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport

Frequent-flier program

Passengers can apply points earned on Air New Zealand flights to the frequent-flier programs of Star Alliance carriers, including Air Canada, ANA, Asiana, Austrian, bmi, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Thai, United Airlines, US Airways and Varig.

Airport club or lounge

Access to Air New Zealand lounges is available to first- and business-class customers, Koru Club members, Gold status Airpoints members and Star Alliance Gold customers. See a list of lounge locations

Carry-on limits

On all flights to, from or through the U.S., passengers are allowed only one carry-on bag, which cannot exceed 45 inches (115 centimeters) or 15.4 pounds (7 kilograms), along with one personal item such as a purse, laptop computer or briefcase.

In-flight meal options

Enjoy New Zealand wines selected by the airline's panel of wine consultants. More than 20 special meals designed to meet cultural or dietary needs are available on request for passengers on long-haul flights. A vegetarian meal is available on domestic flights.

Unaccompanied children

Children ages 5-11 can travel as unaccompanied minors, and will be escorted to and from their seats by airline staff. The airline charges an extra fee.

Pets

Pets must travel as cargo on international flights. Domestic pets up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms), including the cage, may be carried as checked baggage on all flights within New Zealand for NZ$75.

Cool or useful amenities

On-demand video and audio are available on many long-haul flights.