Sign up

Hearing and vision support

If you’re blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind, we’re here to help you understand what support is available.

Before you fly

If you need support for vision, hearing or communication, please let us know before you fly. This helps our airport teams and cabin crew prepare for your journey. 

You can choose special assistance when you book online. If you missed this when booking or your situation has changed, please contact us. 

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also contact us using the New Zealand Relay Service, including New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), Text Relay, Caption Relay and TTY services. 

If you’re deaf or hard of hearing

Our airport teams and cabin crew can help you with information during your journey, including boarding times, departure gates and meal services. 

Our onboard safety video has captions, and you can review the aircraft safety briefing cards before you fly. 

Our inflight entertainment system has a selection of content with captions in English and other languages.  

You can also choose to wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, pin or bracelet to discreetly let our teams know you may need more support during your journey. 

If you’re blind or low vision

Our airport teams can escort you through the airport and help with boarding where needed. 

Once you’re on board, our cabin crew will provide a safety briefing. They can also help you become familiar with the onboard facilities and services if needed. 

Our inflight entertainment includes audiobooks and a wide range of audio content. 

If you have a preferred way of being guided, please talk to our team when they assist you.

If you’re deafblind

You may already travel with a companion or safety assistant, who can support you with guidance and communication. 

You may be able to travel independently if we can communicate with you on board, either verbally or with safety briefing cards, or if you can meet the conditions below. 

Before you go to the airport, you’ll need to: 

  • review the aircraft safety briefing card for the aircraft you’ll be flying on  
  • carry a communication card that says you have reviewed and understood the safety briefing card for your flight  
  • confirm on your communication card that you can and will follow the gestures of our crew in an emergency  

If you cannot meet these conditions, safety regulations require you to travel with a companion or safety assistant.

More accessible travel support

For more information about accessibility support when flying with Air New Zealand, visit our accessible travel page. 

If you’re flying with a service dog, please see our flying with a service dog page for more information.