Air New Zealand slashes domestic fares

Air New Zealand has this morning slashed its cheapest domestic airfares by an average six per cent. File photo

Air New Zealand has this morning slashed its cheapest domestic airfares by up to $10 as it launches new low-cost seats for travellers with carry-on only luggage.

The national carrier said its 'seats to suit' style fares would be an average six per cent less than its airfares which include baggage allowance of up to 23 kilograms.

"Seats to suit is the flexible fare structure Air New Zealand introduced 14 months ago on Tasman and Pacific Island flights and its outstanding success means we are extending it to include our domestic services as well," said Air New Zealand group general manager Australasia airline Bruce Parton.

The airline also announced today it was launching nationwide $59 stand-by fares until June 30 next year, following trials in Dunedin and Christchurch.

The standby seat only fares are available on many of the airline's 27 domestic destinations on any non-stop off peak (10am - 3.30pm) flight, with the two longest routes of Auckland-Dunedin and Auckland-Queenstown available for $79 one way.

Standby fares including a bag are available for $10 more per person per one way journey, Air New Zealand said.

"This means thousands of last minute, bargain basement seats on regional and main trunk routes every week," said Parton.

Air New Zealand said it was important to note that under the stand-by fares passengers could only fly if there were spare seats available on specified off peak flights.

Blackout periods would be put in place on peak travel days when the likelihood of passengers getting a seat was small, Air New Zealand said.

- NZ HERALD STAFF