Elite short haul Recognition Upgrades

It can be used to move from Economy to Business class on services between New Zealand and applicable east coast Australia or Pacific Island routes. This type of upgrade doesn't apply to flights to Perth, Honolulu, Bali, Tahiti or between Sydney and Rarotonga.

Who can use this type of upgrade

If you are an Airpoints™ Elite member, you can use this upgrade for yourself or gift it to someone on your gifting register.

How to request an Elite short haul Recognition Upgrade

To request a short haul Recognition Upgrade, sign into your Air New Zealand Airpoints account and go to the My Bookings section, or through the Air NZ App. Alternatively, you can call our contact centre.

To improve your chances of having your upgrade confirmed, it's best to request a Recognition Upgrade at the time you book or at least seven days before your flight. This will allow us to assess your request before we process any OneUp upgrades. 

Upgrade reviews

Your upgrade request can be confirmed up to 355 days in advance of your flight, if the upgrade booking class is available. Upgrades are subject to availability and high load factors may prevent us from confirming Recognition Upgrades in advance. When this happens, Elite upgrade requests are prioritised at the airport for any remaining seats.

If your upgrade request isn't able to be confirmed, your upgrade will be refunded back into your Airpoints account, providing it hasn't expired due to retaining or changing your tier status.

Please note: Airpoints upgrades are not guaranteed. Due to operational requirements, we may need to make changes which could result in a change to your seat number or cabin, even if you hold a confirmed upgrade.

Other things you should know

Air New Zealand upgrades are only available on Air New Zealand operated and ticketed flights. Airpoints members will earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points according to the earn rate of the original fare purchased. Upgrades are subject to availability.