Fare play over refunds on no-frills services

By DENISE McNABB

Travellers who paid for a full-service Air New Zealand flight, but will now get a "no-frills" service, can claim a refund for meals they will not be served. That's if they are prepared to do the paperwork. The money will not be refunded automatically.

On August 1, Air NZ announced the introduction of its express service, starting from November 1, which will do away with meal and bar services.

Airline spokeswoman Rosie Paul said travellers who paid for full service before the announcement would be refunded $10 a segment if a meal was served on that segment.

That means, for example, a traveller on a direct return flight between Auckland and Christchurch would receive a $20 refund. For an Auckland-Christchurch-Auckland flight that stops at Wellington on the way there and back the refund would be $40 as both those legs have meal services.

Ms Paul said passengers should fill in an "express claim", available from travel agents or Air NZ offices. Refunds would be paid to the person's credit card or credited for future air travel.

One agent, who declined to be named, said her firm would not process the claims because Air NZ had cut agent commissions on domestic flights. She was unaware of the rebate.

Business-class travellers downgraded to economy would also get refunds if they had booked before August 1 for travel after November 1.

Travellers can book airline tickets one year in advance, so the rebate system will apply until August 1 next year.