Air NZ Family Seating Options
Air NZ offers a range of seating options for families, including the popular 'Skycouch' which can be purchased for $200-$300 per sector, depending on the route and time of year. For larger families, the 'Family Zone' is a great option, with seats grouped together to keep everyone close.
Baggage Allowance for Families
- Adults and children over 12 years: 1 x 23kg checked bag
- Children under 12 years: 1 x 23kg checked bag (except for infant tickets, which have no checked baggage allowance)
- Infants: 1 x 23kg checked bag for parents, plus 1 x 23kg bag for infant gear (e.g. stroller, car seat)
Seat Selection Strategies
When selecting seats for your family, consider the following strategies: book seats together as soon as possible to avoid being separated, choose seats near the front of the plane for quicker exit, and opt for seats with more legroom if you have taller kids.
Comparison of Popular Domestic Routes
| Route | Flight Time | Frequency | Price (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland to Wellington | 1 hour 20 minutes | Every 30 minutes | $100-$200 |
| Auckland to Christchurch | 1 hour 25 minutes | Every 30 minutes | $150-$300 |
| Wellington to Queenstown | 1 hour 20 minutes | Every 2 hours | $200-$400 |
Driving vs Flying: When to Choose Each
For some routes, driving may be a more economical or convenient option. For example, driving from Auckland to Wellington takes around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and the route you take. In contrast, flying takes just 1 hour 20 minutes, but you'll need to factor in check-in time, baggage fees and airport parking. Use our NZ Family Travel Budget Calculator to compare the costs of driving vs flying for your next family trip.
Get the Most Out of Your Family Flight
Air NZ Koru Club for Families
If you're a frequent flyer with Air NZ, consider joining the Koru Club for access to airport lounges, priority check-in and extra baggage allowance. Membership costs $551 per year, but can be a worthwhile investment for families who fly regularly.
Plan Your Next Family Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the baggage allowance for children on Air New Zealand?
Children over 2 paying full fare get the same baggage allowance as adults (1 checked bag up to 23kg on most fares). Infants under 2 on a lap ticket get a 10kg allowance. Car seats and pushchairs don't count toward your luggage allowance.
Can you bring a car seat on Air New Zealand?
Yes, Air New Zealand allows car seats to be checked in for free or used on board (if it's FAA-approved and fits the seat). Most families check car seats in the hold in a protective bag. Bassinets are available on select aircraft for infants under 1 year — request when booking.
How early should you arrive at the airport with kids in NZ?
Allow 90 minutes before domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures from Auckland. Most NZ domestic airports (Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown) are compact — 60 minutes is often enough for experienced travellers, but 90 minutes is safer with children.
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