Air New Zealand Cancellation Policy

Travel plans change, emergencies happen, and sometimes you simply need to adjust or cancel your flight. Understanding the Air New Zealand Cancellation Policy helps you avoid unnecessary fees, maximize refunds, and ensure smooth trip management. Whether your journey is domestic or international, Air New Zealand provides multiple cancellation and refund options based on the fare type, booking method, and timing of your request.

This comprehensive guide covers every important detail, including refund eligibility, 24-hour cancellation rules, fare-based restrictions, travel credit policies, weather disruptions, involuntary cancellations, medical exceptions, and how to cancel step-by-step.

1. Overview of Air New Zealand’s Cancellation Policy

Air New Zealand offers flexible cancellation options depending on:

• Your fare category

• Whether the ticket is refundable or non-refundable

• The time left before departure

• Whether the flight was purchased directly or through a third-party agency

• Whether the cancellation is voluntary or caused by the airline

Key highlights:

• Refundable fares → Cash refund

• Non-refundable fares → Travel credit (Airpoints credit or credit voucher)

• Airline cancellations → Full refund or free rebooking

• OTA bookings → Must cancel via the booking agency

2. Air New Zealand 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

Air New Zealand allows a 24-hour grace period for cancellations under certain conditions:

✔ You receive a full refund if:

• The flight was booked directly on the Air New Zealand website/app or call center

• You cancel within 24 hours of purchase

• The departure is at least 7 days away

❌ Not eligible if:

• You booked through third-party websites

• The flight departs in less than 7 days

• You booked using Airpoints rewards

If you qualify, the full amount is returned to the original form of payment.

3. Cancellation Policy by Fare Type

Air New Zealand offers several fare classes across domestic and international routes. Each has specific cancellation rules.

A. Economy Saver / Seat Only

• Lowest-budget fares

• Non-refundable

• If canceled, you receive no cash refund

• In many cases, only taxes may be refundable

• Some Saver fares allow credit vouchers (conditions apply)

B. Economy Flexi

• More flexible than Saver

• Refundable in some markets

• May receive refund or credit minus a cancellation fee

• Ideal for travelers expecting possible changes

C. Premium Economy

• Flexible and semi-flexible fare versions

• Refundable depending on fare family

• If non-refundable, travel credit is issued

D. Business Class / Business Premier

• Highly flexible

• Full refund permitted before departure

• Minimal or no cancellation fee

E. Airpoints Reward Bookings

• Cancellation rules depend on reward fare conditions

• Points may be redeposited with a fee

• Taxes are usually refundable

4. How to Cancel an Air New Zealand Flight

Air New Zealand allows multiple methods to cancel your booking.

A. Cancel Online (Recommended)

1. Visit the Air New Zealand website

2. Select “Manage Booking”

3. Enter booking reference + last name

4. Choose Cancel Booking

5. Review refund or credit details

6. Confirm cancellation

You will receive an email confirmation with the refund or credit voucher details.

B. Cancel Through Customer Support

Best for:

• Multi-city itineraries

• Group bookings

• Partner airline segments (e.g., United, Singapore Airlines)

• Complex international itineraries

An agent will explain refund value, credit options, or fees.

C. Cancel Through Third-Party Agent / OTA

If purchased through:

• Expedia

• MakeMyTrip

• Priceline

• Skyscanner

• Trip.com

• Travel agencies

→ You must contact the agency, not Air New Zealand.

The airline cannot override OTA rules.

5. Refund Policy — Cash Refund vs. Travel Credit

Cash Refund Eligibility

You can receive a full cash refund if:

• You purchased a refundable fare

• Air New Zealand canceled or significantly changed your flight

• You canceled within the 24-hour risk-free window

• Medical or compassionate exceptions apply with documentation

Refunds typically process within 7–14 business days.

Travel Credit Eligibility

You receive a credit voucher instead of refund when:

• The fare is non-refundable

• You cancel voluntarily after the 24-hour window

• Your ticket type includes credit-only rules

Credits usually have:

• 12-month validity

• Ability to be used on most Air NZ flights

• Non-transferability in many cases

6. Airline-Initiated Cancellations (Involuntary Cancellations)

If Air New Zealand cancels or changes your flight significantly due to:

• Weather

• Mechanical issues

• Operational disruptions

• Crew shortages

• Route cancellation

• Government restrictions

You are entitled to:

✔ Free rebooking

✔ Full refund

✔ Travel credit (if preferred)

In some situations, passengers may be offered:

• Hotel stays

• Meals

• Alternative transport

Eligibility depends on route, delay duration, and local laws.

7. No-Show Policy

If you do not show up for your flight without canceling:

• The entire fare may be forfeited

• Remaining itinerary segments may be canceled

• Refunds are generally not allowed

• Credits may not apply

Always cancel before departure to avoid losing your ticket value.

8. Same-Day Cancellations & Date Changes

Same-day cancellations may result in:

• Higher administrative fees

• Loss of fare value for low-cost tickets

• Limited refund options

For flexible fares, same-day cancellations are easier and often cost-free.

9. Special Circumstances — Refund & Cancellation Exceptions

Air New Zealand may offer refunds or free changes in the following cases:

✓ Medical emergencies

✓ Death of passenger or immediate family

✓ Government travel restrictions

✓ Jury duty or court summons

✓ Serious illness (with documentation)

Supporting documents will be required.

10. International vs. Domestic Cancellation Rules

Domestic Flights (New Zealand)

• Saver fares: mostly non-refundable

• Flexi and higher: refundable or credit-eligible

• Travel credits commonly offered

International Flights

• Rules differ by region

• Many international fares offer higher flexibility

• Refunds depend heavily on the fare code

• Partner airline segments may require extra approval

11. How Long Do Refunds Take?

• Credit card refunds: 7–14 business days

• Bank transfer refunds: 10–20 business days

• Travel credit: usually issued immediately

Refund time may be longer for:

• Third-party bookings

• Multi-airline itineraries

• High-volume seasons

12. Tips to Maximize Refunds & Avoid Fees

• Book Flexi or refundable fares when plans may change

• Cancel within the 24-hour window if unsure

• Avoid no-shows at all costs

• Keep emails and cancellation receipts

• Use travel insurance for extra protection

• For international trips, check partner-airline rules