Which airline has the most direct flights from New Zealand to Asia?
Air New Zealand flies direct from New Zealand to more Asian destinations than any other airline, which makes it the most popular choice for many travellers. Direct services run to Bali, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei, so there is no connection to make and no risk of a missed onward flight. For destinations Air New Zealand does not serve directly – Thailand, Vietnam and India among them – it partners with Singapore Airlines over Singapore.
Do I have to connect to reach the rest of Asia?
For most Asian cities, yes – and the connection is usually the point. Several airlines fly direct from New Zealand to their home hub, then link onwards across a far wider network than a direct service could reach on its own. Singapore Airlines flies direct to Singapore, Cathay Pacific direct to Hong Kong, and Malaysia Airlines direct to Kuala Lumpur, each connecting from there to the cities listed on this page. A single connection through a well-run hub is often faster and more comfortable than the alternative, and it opens up destinations that have no direct service from New Zealand at all.
How does flying Qantas to Asia work from New Zealand?
Qantas routes New Zealand travellers through Australia first, then onwards to Asia. That means an additional sector compared with a direct service, but it can suit travellers who are already connecting through Australia, who want to add a stopover there, or who are earning and spending Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
Which airlines offer Premium Economy from New Zealand to Asia?
Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific all offer Premium Economy on their services from New Zealand, and Qantas offers it on some flights rather than across the whole network. Premium Economy sits between Economy and Business Class: a wider seat with more recline and legroom, better meals and service, and a more generous baggage allowance, at a fare well below Business Class. On long overnight sectors to Asia it is often the sensible middle ground.
When do Business Class fares to Asia go on sale?
Most airlines flying to Asia release tactical specials through the year, often at short notice and usually for a limited booking window. Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Qantas all do this regularly; Cathay Pacific is generally the exception and tends to hold steadier fares. Sale fares also carry their own travel periods and blackout dates, so the cheapest fare is not always the one that fits your dates. Fares currently on sale are marked in the comparison table above.
What is the difference between the lead-in fare and the upper estimate?
The lead-in fare is the lowest published fare for that route, available on selected dates and in limited numbers. The upper estimate is what the same route typically costs once those cheapest seats have gone, or when you are travelling in a busier period. Both are indicative, per person return from New Zealand, in New Zealand dollars, and both move with availability – which is why it is worth asking rather than assuming.
Can Fine Travel book more than the airfare?
Yes – we will do as much or as little as you would like. Many clients come to us for the airfare alone, and that is genuinely fine. Others ask us to arrange hotels, transfers, tours or a cruise alongside the flights, or to handle the whole itinerary. As a full-service New Zealand travel agency accredited by TAANZ and IATA, we are here for whichever of those suits you.
Are discounted Business Class fares through a travel agency genuine?
Yes – they are real airline fares. As a full-service travel agency, Fine Travel has access to wholesale and specially negotiated Business Class fares that airlines don’t publish on their own websites, alongside all the published fares. Some of the best fares also need to be “built” by a travel agent – combining airlines, routings and fare types in ways an airline website can’t easily offer – which is why you won’t find them booking direct. You fly in exactly the same seat and cabin; the difference is the price and the fare conditions.
Fine Travel has been arranging discounted premium airfares from New Zealand since 2000, and is a TAANZ member and an IATA Accredited travel agency.
Can I earn Airpoints on these fares?
Often, yes – though it depends on the airline and the fare. Air New Zealand’s own services to Bali, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei earn Airpoints Dollars and Status Points in the usual way. Singapore Airlines is a Star Alliance partner, so those flights may also earn Airpoints at partner rates – including the Air New Zealand fares to Thailand, Vietnam and India that travel over Singapore. Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Qantas sit in Oneworld and earn in their own programmes instead.
Some deeply discounted fares earn reduced points, or none at all. If earning Airpoints matters to you, tell us – we’ll confirm exactly what your fare earns before you book.
Do these fares include stopovers?
Many do – and Asia is particularly well suited to them, because most routings already pass through a major hub. A night or two in Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur breaks the journey and adds a second destination for little more than the time it takes.
Where a stopover is available, it is usually a matter of asking rather than paying a premium, and several airlines run stopover promotions with discounted hotel rates. If that appeals, tell us and we’ll build it into your itinerary.
What if my travel dates change – or I need to cancel?
That’s very common – and one of the best reasons to book through a travel agency. Every fare carries its own rules on date changes, cancellations and refunds, and the cheapest fares are usually the most restrictive. Sale fares in particular often carry tighter conditions than the standard fare alongside them. We explain the conditions of your fare clearly before you book, and can recommend a more flexible fare or travel insurance if needed.
In our experience the most common reasons clients change or cancel are medical: a medical event while overseas that means coming home early, a family member’s medical event that calls you home, or a health issue before departure. If you plan to rely on your credit card’s travel insurance, check its activation requirements, trip-length limits and cover for pre-existing medical conditions first. If your plans do change, you deal with Fine Travel, not an airline call centre.
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