In unexpected news, both Australia and New Zealand’s flag carriers have announced a new domestic codeshare deal that will commence in late October, once Air New Zealand’s current partnership with Virgin Australia ends. Here is what we know so far.
Included routes
From 28 October 2019, 30 Air New Zealand routes in New Zealand will see a Qantas (QF) code attached:
and 85 Qantas routes in Australia will see an Air New Zealand (NZ) code attached.
How about Trans-Tasman and international flights?
This codeshare offering will exclude flights between Australia and New Zealand, as well as flights outside of Australia and New Zealand.
Points & status
Frequent flyers with Qantas and Air New Zealand will have the ability to earn Qantas Points and Airpoints Dollars on the respective codeshare routes, as well as Status Credits. We do not have the numbers on this yet.
There is no word on redeeming Qantas Points for Air NZ services—that may not end up being an option.
Lounge access
This codeshare deal will open up the 13 domestic Koru Lounges in New Zealand to Qantas Frequent Flyers travelling on Air New Zealand-Qantas codeshare flights, with the locations in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington being the largest.
Qantas lounges will be available to elite Airpoints members.
What is happening with Jetstar in New Zealand?
While Qantas’ low-cost carrier Jetstar has gradually ramped up operations in New Zealand over the past decade, they still come a distant second behind Air New Zealand in terms of routes and frequency.
While Qantas will continue to codeshare on all connecting Jetstar New Zealand services, they will also now have their code on most Air New Zealand domestic flights, which is a boon for Qantas loyalists.
For example, this Jetstar flight from New Plymouth to Auckland sold in conjunction with a connecting Qantas flight to Australia will remain available for purchase:
Qantas also sell a connection with Air New Zealand on the same route, which from 28 October will see a QF number attached to it:
Summing up
This is a sleek move by Qantas to attack its main competitor (Virgin Australia) by cosying up with another competitor (Air New Zealand).
This is a big win for elite Qantas members, who will enjoy Air New Zealand lounge access when travelling on Qantas codeshare services within New Zealand.
All Qantas members will be able to earn points on Air New Zealand-Qantas codeshare flights within New Zealand from 28 October 2019.
Codeshare tickets will go on sale in late July.
Will this deal work better for travellers in Australia than the existing Virgin Australia partnership with Air New Zealand? Let us know your thoughts below.
Supplementary images courtesy respective airlines.
then fly Sydney to Jakarta By QF 041 ETD 13.50
if possible My Bags Check in Thru AKL-SYD/CGK
we buy ticket separately website
If not the bags check thru / 03 hours 20 minutes enough time or not
do u think we must pass the immigration again ??
thank u from Jusac Lie sariputra / Jakarta
Generally, if you purchase separate tickets (ie different PNRs), bags are not checked through to your intended final destination, just the final destination of the same ticket when travelling with the one airline or if a codeshare or interline arrangement exists if using multiple airlines.
The codeshare only applies to domestic flights that are an onward connection from a Trans-Tasman flight. Neither Qantas nor Air New Zealand has the rights to sell domestic only fares in the respective partner’s home country, which is why SYD -> MEL alone is not coming up on the Air NZ website. However, if you were looking to book, say, AKL -< SYD -> MEL return, then SYD -> Mel return would show up as an NZ coded flight operated by Qantas.
Australians can only make redemptions via the phone and not online, the latter is restricted for NZ residents only.
Let me know if there are specific dates you want checked for availability and I’ll have a look online for you before you call.
Note that 400 APD would get you a J flight on Star Alliance partners up to 1,999km. Something to think about!
This thingy with Air New Zealand and Qantas is not good for Air NZ Koru Club members.
When Air NZ were buddies with Virgin we enjoyed lounge access when flying on any Virgin domestic flight, now this commercially based deal has left Koru Club members feeling let down by Air NZ. Qantas Club members have also been over looked in this agreement.
It clearly shows both airlines have little regard towards loyal customers.
Regards,
Rangi
I’ve also booked Christchurch to Invercargill return via Air New Zealand. This route is not listed on the above codeshare map.
My question is; What use are the Air Points and status credits to me?
I collect Qantas and Virgin and have about 400,000 of each. I’m aiming for a gold status trip next year on qantas and will easily reach gold status with virgin this year. Then I plan to do a round the world business class with one world reward in 2020.
Haven’t decided on my trip with virgin points yet.
Any advice on the Air Points part?
The Air New Zealand Airpoints scheme generally doesn’t offer great value, as it is completely revenue-based, meaning the ‘points’ you need to redeem for a reward flight is directly related to the cost of the flight. This is like ‘Any Seat Reward’ pricing with Qantas.
If you find that you’ll be doing a lot of flights that aren’t covered by the QF-NZ codeshare deal, than accumulating Airpoints may work for you, however if it’s a one-off, then you’re unlikely to earn enough Airpoints or status credits to redeem for anything worthwhile.
Good luck with your ROW in 2020. That’s always great value!
Like Dan says below, fully revenue based when redeeming on flights with Air New Zealand. But some great value on partner flights.
They are screwing us in Perth with all their 737s on SYD/MEL routes and now jumping off NZ. They don’t fly direct to Bali, and you can’t use your Velocity points for cabin upgrades on SQ when flying international.
Do you think Qantas would status match Gold Velocity members?