Why is there additional amount to pay if I upgrade?
The UK government imposes an Air Passenger Duty in relation to each passenger travelling on flights originating from London. The Air Passenger Duty on the lowest class of travel (Economy) is charged at a reduced rate, and the Air Passenger Duty on the higher classes (Premium Economy and Business Premier) is charged at a higher rate. When you upgrade from Economy class to the higher classes, the higher Air Passenger Duty rate applies and we will collect the difference from you.
We will collect this amount through our contact centre if your upgrade is confirmed before your departure from London Heathrow, but if we can’t contact you or if your upgrade isn’t confirmed until time of departure, then you will need to pay this amount at our service desk at London Heathrow.
I’ve requested an upgrade from Premium Economy to Business Premier. Will I have to pay an extra amount?
No. We will only collect the additional amount if you are upgrading from Economy Class to either Premium Economy or Business Premier.
When will it apply?
It will apply for all upgrade requests received by Air New Zealand from 5 December 2011.
How much will I need to pay?
For flights from the 1st April 2012, UK Air Passenger Duty increases and the following rates will apply:
The amount payable for upgrades from Economy Class into Premium Economy or Business Premier on flights leaving London Heathrow vary depending on your destination as follows:
London to Los Angeles = £65
(includes all flight connections* within 24 hours of arrival in Los Angeles through to all US destinations, Canada and China).London to Hong Kong = £81
(includes all flight connections* within 24 hours of arrival in Hong Kong through to Japan, Korea, Mexico and Thailand).London to New Zealand = £92
(includes all flight connections* within 24 hours of arrival in Los Angeles or Hong Kong to New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island, all Pacific Islands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan and Singapore).
If two or more international flights are connected, it is the final destination of the connected flight which determines the duty liability.
* Flights are considered to be ‘connecting flights’ if they are within 24 hours and are detailed on the same ticket, or if purchased online, must be purchased at the same time through the same portal.
Are children included?
Yes. If a child is upgraded from Economy class to one of the higher classes, the higher Air Passenger Duty will apply (at the same rate as for an adult) and the difference is payable before the applicable flight.
What happens if I’m travelling with an infant?
There will be no additional charge for Infants below the age of two who are not occupying a seat. If a seat is purchased for the infant then on upgrading from Economy to Premium Economy or Business Premier, the higher Air Passenger Duty will apply and the difference is payable before the applicable flight.
Are there any other exemptions?
Passengers who are on EU inbound connecting flights (within 24 hours) e.g. Copenhagen to London then London to Hong Kong, are not liable to pay Air Passenger Duty. The connecting flights must be detailed on the same ticket, or if purchased online, must be purchased at the same time through the same portal. If you have paid Air Passenger Duty (GB) on your original ticket for economy class, then you need to pay the additional amount if you upgrade into one of the higher service classes.
How do I pay?
If your upgrade is confirmed prior to check-in, we will endeavour to contact you. Payment will then be taken via credit card.
If we can’t contact you or your upgrade isn’t confirmed until date of travel, you will need to pay the additional amount at London Heathrow at time of check-in via credit card.
If your upgrade cannot be confirmed until the departure gate, your credit card details will be taken at check-in, but only processed if you are successfully upgraded. You will be given a receipt prior to departure.
Can I pay in advance?
No. You can only pay once your upgrade is confirmed.
What currency will I be charged in?
If your upgrade is confirmed prior to departure and we are able to make contact with you, then the additional amount will be charged in the currency that your original ticket was purchased with. For example, if you purchased the ticket originally in New Zealand Dollars (NZD), then the additional amount will be charged in NZD, using the current Bank Selling Rate to convert the applicable charge from British Pounds (GBP).
If your upgrade is confirmed and we are unable to contact you, or your upgrade is confirmed on the day of departure, then you will be charged in GBP at London Heathrow at time of check-in.
