Air New Zealand’s Dreamliner goes year-round to Adelaide

Air New Zealand is pleased to advise its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will now operate year round between Auckland and Adelaide.  The move will increase capacity on the route by more than 30 percent over the Northern Summer season and allows customers to now access Air New Zealand’s premium products Business Premier and Premium Economy - year round on the route.

The aircraft was initially scheduled to operate the route three times per week over the peak period from 26 October 2017 - 25 March 2018, complemented by A320 services.  The aircraft will now operate on a year-round basis and will continue to be supplemented by A320 flying in peak travel periods.

Double the seating for new Dunedin lounge

Air New Zealand’s new regional lounge at Dunedin Airport has today opened its doors to customers.

The Dunedin Regional Lounge is situated on the upper floor of the airport terminal and caters to more than 120 customers.  The lounge features Air New Zealand’s signature sleek design with four different seating zones to suit the needs of customers, including a café as well as business, lounge and quiet areas.  A self-service food buffet and drinks station are also available.

The new Dunedin lounge is part of Air New Zealand’s four-year $100 million programme to develop its network of lounges and follows the opening of lounges in Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Nadi, Melbourne, Wellington, Queenstown, Hamilton, Invercargill and Palmerston North.

Air New Zealand Wellington International Lounge closure

Air New Zealand wishes to advise of the closure of the Air New Zealand Wellington International Lounge from 30 October to December 2017 while it undergoes a soft refurbishment.

During this time members are invited to access either the Regional or Domestic Air New Zealand Lounges at Wellington Airport, before proceeding through security screening and customs to enter the international departures area of the terminal.

Passengers are advised to be aware of the boarding time for international flights and allow enough time to get to international departure gates.

When the refreshed lounge reopens it will offer 20% more seating, with most seats having direct access to power/USB charging facilities. It will feature different seating zones including quiet, lounge, and business areas. Members will also enjoy a new self-service food buffet in the updated space.

We apologise for any inconvenience during the time the Wellington International Lounge is closed.

Additional security measures for international flights to the U.S.

July 17, 2017.

Beginning later this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require additional security measures for all international flights to the United States.

These measures include enhanced screening of travelers, as well as heightened screening of electronic devices larger than a standard smartphone. Travelers may need to remove these devices from their protective cases or outer packaging for inspection.

For international flights, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight, allowing time for the additional security measures.

Our top priority is the safety of our customers and employees, and we will continue to work with DHS to comply with the new security directive. For more information and to read a fact sheet about the new directive, please visit the DHS website.

Air New Zealand Weather Disrupt Policy

Air New Zealand wishes to advise that due to anticipated adverse weather for New Zealand between the 20th and 23rd July 2017 the following flexibility will be permitted on all fare types for customers ticketed to travel domestically within New Zealand up to midnight Sunday 23rd July.

Options for customers are as follows:

Defer/Travel Earlier
Customers ticketed on or before19 July 2017 for travel domestically within New Zealand up to midnight Sunday 23 July may:

Transfer their flights up until midnight, Tuesday 25th July 2017 without penalty.
If International travel is also affected, travel in a higher cabin class on international services is permitted, however the applicable fare difference and taxes will apply.

If they are unable to travel within these dates, then the value of the ticket may be held in credit for payment towards travel within the same 12-month validity.
Normal refund rules apply and non-refundable fares remain non-refundable.

Change Destination
Customers ticketed on or before 19 July 2017 for travel domestically within New Zealand up to midnight Sunday 23 July may change their travel to another Air New Zealand Domestic destination within the normal fare rules. This includes additional collection of any applicable fare differential or taxes.

Refund
Normal refund rules apply and non-refundable fares remain non-refundable.

Travel As Planned

Any customers who opt to commence their journey as planned must be advised that they do so at their own risk. Air New Zealand will not be liable for any costs associated with weather disrupted travel should a customer opt to travel as planned.

A customer who is in transit and is disrupted as a result of this weather event will be offered accommodation by the airport.

Incidental Costs
Incidental costs and penalties such as accommodation and or meals are the customer’s responsibility unless disrupted while in transit. In this instance accommodation would be provided.

Customers should be referred to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs.

Important note for all scenarios

Please endorse any changes "Invol reroute due adverse NZ weather"
Customers should be referred to their travel insurance policy to see if they are covered for any incremental costs

Air New Zealand will continue to monitor the situation and advise any changes to these guidelines accordingly.

These guidelines will expire as per the dates above unless further updates are communicated.

What kind of travel does Target Travel organise for our customers?

We have learned in recent years that there is a perception that Target Travel is an expert in business travel (we are) and that that is our focus.

We have also learned in recent years that there is a perception that Target Travel is an expert in leisure travel (we are) and that that is our focus.

The simple fact is that we are experts in organising your travel. Whether it is business or corporate, flying you to your meeting in China, or taking you and your family to enjoy the sun in Rarotonga. We do both. And we do it well.

We love sending groups of people to the Philippines for their Christmas holidays. We loved flying the Got A Trade? Got It Made! future leaders from all over New Zealand to attend their future leaders forum and awards night.

We love sending school groups on adventures to all sorts of destinations.

We love flying missionaries to and from their mission fields.

If you already use us for your business, tell us where you want to go for your next holiday with friends or family. If you use us for your leisure travel, could you please refer us to the correct person in your business?

^sd

Have you been thinking about Vietnam?

There are many tour packages available for South-East Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos as well as Thailand. We have some great partners that we work with to ensure you will have the trip that you want - and need.

One of our friends recently visited Vietnam. I was curious as to why she went there out of all the destinations available to her, and more importantly I wanted to know about her experience. She was generous with her time to help me tell her story:

1) Why did you choose Vietnam?

I had been thinking about going to Vietnam to do some cycling, and it seemed just a little bit of a different destination from the other South East Asian countries friends had been visiting. I wanted a place that would push me out of my comfort zone and experience new and interesting things. Air New Zealand had some travel deals on so I found a tour that fit with what I wanted to do and went with it.
 

2) What were your expectations?

I had no expectations other than adventure, and with around 500kms covered in total on two wheels, including some rugged terrain, extreme temperatures and a 1700m hill climb, it certainly delivered that!
 

3) What did you get out of traveling there?

A fantastic and deeply enriching experience that I'll never forget. Stunning scenery from city to sea, meet many beautiful, humble and kind-natured people and taste the most amazing and delicious food.

I toured on bike from Saigon through to Hanoi for 15 days and got to truly push myself in a day to day adventure while immersing myself in the dynamic contrasts that Vietnam represents. I got to experience the local side of Vietnam, taste sensational food and really discover a magical place that has left a huge impression on me.

4) Any final comments?

It is a brilliant, safe and rewarding place to visit. Do your research on basics like currency and customs but other than that it is a really wonderful place and I'll definitely be returning soon.

* All images courtesy Jennifer Corbett | @msjencorbett

Flying around New Zealand?

Did you know that you pay no more for your seat if you book through your Travel Agent, and it’s a whole lot less hassle for you?

Agents also have the ability to hold seats or change them (with conditions) and it won’t cost you any penalties.

We send our clients all over New Zealand - for work, for fun, for surprise weekend getaways (although that’s a little trickier with the airline’s apps not keeping secrets!).

Where do you want to go next?

Let us do it for you. We can book your flights, cars and accommodation. We’ll make it easy.

South African Airways - Update

SAA in New Zealand has been very proactive with regard to the new visa requirements for people traveling on a NZ passport to South Africa. More detail can be found here.

Their new Airbus A330-300 planes have arrived and are now flying on selected routes.  With impressive technology, a world-class entertainment system and comfortable surroundings, the new planes make long-haul flying a joy. This aircraft is not currently on the Perth to Johannesburg route, however if you're looking to fly with SAA to Europe or USA you'll be able to enjoy it!.

If you're interested in learning more about SAA's global reach, you can download their flyer.

Meet South Africa!

Qantas Short Term fares to UK/Europe - Available until 30 Jan 2017

Qantas has short life Economy and Business fares to the UK and over 35 points in Europe, available for sales until 30 January 2017.

Including. . .

London Economy return from:
$1772* Low season ex AKL (travel on Qantas services via MEL)
$1972* Low season ex AKL/WLG/CHC

London Business return from:
$7401* Business ex AKL/WLG/CHC

And Europe Economy return fares from:
$1497* Low season to OSL ex AKL/WLG/CHC

* Add $50 to Economy for outbound travel Thu - Sat and $250 to Business Fri - Sun

Economy filed travel dates:

Low: 16 Jan - 04 Apr, 24 Apr - 13 Jun, 02 Oct - 30 Nov 17
Shoulder: 05 Apr -23 Apr, 14 Jun - 15 Jun, 01 Sep - 01 Oct, 01 Dec – 06 Dec 17
High: 16 Jun - 31 Aug, 07 Dec – 13 Dec 17

Business filed travel dates:

16 Jan – 13 Dec 17