Air NZ cuts domestic baggage limit

By CHRIS DANIELS

Baggage allowances on Air New Zealand domestic flights are being cut 20 per cent from November 1, when airline staff will also start rigorously enforcing weigh-in limits.

The airline did not mention the change when it launched its no-frills Express service in a blaze of publicity.

From November 1, Air New Zealand is axing business class seats on all domestic flights and stopping meals and alcohol services, with the service reduction matched by a big reduction in fare prices.

But tickets now being issued to passengers reveal the baggage allowance for domestic flights will drop from 25kgs to 20kgs.

The airline also has said passengers will be levied $5.60 for each kilogram over the limit.

The new allowance will not apply to passengers travelling on a domestic leg of an international flight.

Qantas allows only 20kg of luggage on domestic routes.

When the Air New Zealand Express service starts, fares will drop by an average of 20 per cent over the whole domestic network. Air New Zealand's 737-300 aircraft will be fitted with 136 seats, compared with 122 now, after business class seats are removed. Business travellers were previously allowed to check in 30kg of luggage.

A spokeswoman said the new baggage allowance was not a money-making exercise. "We are simply enforcing what our policy dictates. With excess baggage, people may or may not have had the experience of having it charged. Now it will be."