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Ready for your next trip? Take the first step in your journey and book your flights today by visiting the United or Air New Zealand website to see all of the travel options available through this partnership.
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From airline amenities to a redesigned business class experience, see how United and Air New Zealand push the bounds of flying in comfort and style.
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We want your travel to go as smoothly as possible, so we’ve got you covered with the most useful airport and travel information.
Explore top destinations
See where United and Air New Zealand can take you.
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United and Air New Zealand have a longstanding partnership and recently deepened this alliance on routes between New Zealand and the USA. Now, when you book a flight through United or Air New Zealand, you’ll enjoy perks such as the ability to earn MileagePlus award miles or Airpoints Dollars when you travel on either airline.
Easy access to more flights, destinations and perks
The United Airlines and Air New Zealand partnership makes it easy to travel to new destinations and discover new adventures, all while enjoying the great travel benefits you’re used to from both airlines. United hub airports in Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco offer nonstop flights to New Zealand and connect you to more than 200 other airports in the USA. In New Zealand, Air New Zealand's Auckland hub connects to a network of more than 20 routes in New Zealand.
Together, we’ll show you more of New Zealand and the USA
Air New Zealand offers pre-paid extra bags to customers traveling on Air New Zealand-operated and ticketed flights at a discounted rate from the airport excess baggage rates. For more information and rates, click here.
Air New Zealand pre-paid extra bags
United offers an annual baggage subscription that allows customers to check up to two additional bags for free each time they fly. For more information, visit the baggage subscription page.
United pre-paid extra bags
Make the most of your travels by purchasing an annual Koru membership – enjoy a range of benefits* when travelling on Air New Zealand operated flights as well as on some flights with United. Benefits to members of the Koru programme include lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, baggage privileges and more. Membership travel benefits help make your next journey with us more comfortable and seamless. *Koru programme terms and conditions apply. *For more information and current rates check with your airline before traveling.
Welcome to Air New Zealand’s Koru programme
Great travel begins at the airport. United has created a global network of exclusive United Club locations where travelers can relax and recharge before their flight. Catch up on work with free Wi-Fi, read the newspaper while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks, or freshen up with a shower (where available) so you can board your flight feeling refreshed and revitalized. See the United Club amenities page for more information on what may be available during your visit. United Club members enjoy access to more than 45 United Club locations in 35 airports and have access to Star Alliance partner lounges. If you’re not a United Club member, you can buy a one-time pass to visit a United Club location on your next trip.* *Restrictions may apply
Welcome to the United Club network
Air New Zealand standard baggage allowance
United checked baggage Information
Each traveler can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board free of charge. For details on checked baggage, see the airline’s website.
Baggage
Benefits that Air New Zealand Airpoints Gold and Elite Members receive on United
Star Gold
access to star alliance gold lounges +1 guest
Priority reservation waitlist
Elite
Gold
Air New Zealand Benefits
Ticket number starts with “016” and was purchased from United on united.com, through the United Customer Contact Center or at the airport, or from a travel agency or other travel website
Priority Boarding
Priority baggage handling
priority airport standby
Increased check-in baggage allowance
Priority Check-In
Visit earn rates look-up table
As an Airpoints member, you will earn the same rate of Airpoints Dollars and Status Points when you fly on either Air New Zealand or United operated flights between Auckland and San Francisco (with a flight number starting with NZ). Please check the Air New Zealand tab of our earn rates look-up table. Airpoints Gold and Elite members flying on United enjoy Star Alliance Gold benefits, which include priority check-in and boarding, an extra baggage allowance, airport lounge access and more.
Earning Airpoints Dollars and Status Points between Auckland and San Francisco just got better.
See award chart
See the United award chart to find out how many miles you'll need to fly one way or roundtrip, depending on class of service and region of travel, on any Star Alliance network airline. You can book award travel on Air New Zealand through united.com. Service charges may apply for booking or changing award reservations, depending on ticketing, travel dates and MileagePlus status. Award tickets cannot be issued at the airport. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) to reach the United Customer Contact Center within the USA and Canada, or visit the United Customer Contact Center page for more contact and language options.
Using your United miles
Whether you’re travelling to the USA or to New Zealand, find solace from the rush of the airports in a quiet, well-appointed airport lounge. Air New Zealand Airpoints members who hold Elite or Gold status (Star Alliance Gold) can enjoy the United Club locations when travelling on Star Alliance flights. Koru and Elite Partners travelling on Air New Zealand operated and ticketed flights to Auckland can access the United Club locations in Houston and Hawaii. International first or business class travelers, MileagePlus members who have Premier 1K, Platinum or Gold status and Star Alliance Gold members can relax and recline in the Air New Zealand lounges. Learn more about our lounge partnership.
Relax, refuel then fly
With three United hub airports offering nonstop flights between the USA and New Zealand, and expansive domestic flight networks from United and Air New Zealand, this partnership offers the most choices for travel.
More ways to add stamps to your passport
Visit the earning miles on United flights page for more information
Economy
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G, K, X, P
Deep Discount Economy
W, T, L, S
Discount Economy
M, H, Q, V
Business
Full Fare Business
(including fare class bonus)
Award mile earnings
Purchased fare class
Class of service
Ticket number does not start with “016” and was purchased from an airline other than United or from a travel agency or other travel website
Y, B
Full Fare Economy
U, E, O, A
Premium Economy
J, Z
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1: The fare is the base fare of the ticket plus carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding any government-imposed taxes and surcharges. For tickets purchased in a currency other than U.S. dollars, we will convert the purchase to U.S. dollars using an industry standard exchange rate and then calculate the number of miles you will earn. Please note that the price displayed when purchasing a ticket on united.com includes up to a 7.5% U.S. Federal Transportation Tax on the base amount of the fare on itineraries wholly within the United States. This tax also applies to certain itineraries between the United States and Canada or Mexico. You will not earn PQD or award miles for the full amount of the displayed price for these itineraries because the U.S. Federal Transportation tax is not eligible to earn PQD or miles. Fare classes A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, Q, S, T, U, V, W, Y and Z are eligible for accrual. 2: The award miles accrued on codeshare flights are based on the operating carrier and their equivalent fare class. This could result in differences between the purchased booking class and the booking class flown, which determines the number of base and Premier qualifying miles and Premier qualifying segments earned.
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Award miles earned
MileagePlus status
11 X FARE
Premier 1K
9 X FARE
PREMIER PLATINUM
8 X FARE
PREMIER GOLD
7 X FARE
PREMIER SILVER
5 X FARE
MEMBER
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Access to United Club locations for United Club members and Star Alliance Gold members
Use of Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
Star Alliance Gold or Silver status recognition
Additionally, MileagePlus members receive the following benefits on Air New Zealand-operated flights:
MileagePlus members can also earn Premier qualifying miles, Premier qualifying segments and Premier qualifying dollars on eligible Air New Zealand flights. To receive award miles, remember to include your MileagePlus number when you make reservations and make sure that it appears on your boarding pass at check-in. Visit the earning miles on United flights page for more information.
Now, when you book a flight on United or Air New Zealand, you’ll enjoy perks such as the ability to earn United MileagePlus award miles or Airpoints Dollars when you travel on either airline.
Earn miles as a MileagePlus program member
Through our partnership, enjoy all the perks you’re used to — and then some.
Around the city you can visit historic homes, tour the iconic Speights brewery and browse museums. Outside of the city you’ll find spectacular beaches and rare wildlife. BOOK NOW
Dunedin
Often touted as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is packed with exciting adventures to be had. BOOK NOW
Queenstown
Discover art galleries, boutique shops and quaint seaside villages. With the city’s proximity to ski fields and stunning New Zealand scenery there’s heaps to keep you occupied. BOOK NOW
Christchurch
Nelson is a city boasting crystal clear blue lakes, artisan food, gorgeous golden sand beaches and three stunning National Parks. BOOK NOW
Nelson
New Zealand's capital city is known for its quirky culture, booming craft beer scene, art-laden streets and friendly locals. BOOK NOW
Wellington
Beaches, bars, and beautiful scenery - it's all here in New Zealand's largest city. BOOK NOW
AUCKLAND
Experience New Zealand’s thermal wonderland known for its distinctive landscapes, shooting geysers and natural hot springs. BOOK NOW
Rotorua
Roll over a location to learn more.
Auckland
To see more of the destinations that Air New Zealand flies to — in New Zealand and beyond — visit our Route Map.
Explore popular destinations
Take in opulent casinos, exciting shows and round-the-clock activity. BOOK NOW
Las Vegas
See the iconic Space Needle and enjoy a metropolitan area surrounded by mountains. BOOK NOW
Seattle
Hike or ski near Utah’s capital city. BOOK NOW
Salt Lake City
Enjoy both outdoor and urban adventures at the base of the Rocky Mountains. BOOK NOW
Denver
Take a stroll around the National Mall to view some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. BOOK NOW
Washington, D.C.
Catch a game at Fenway Park or walk the three-mile Freedom Trail to visit some of the city’s most historic sites. BOOK NOW
Boston
Savor barbecue, see the city’s hundreds of fountains and listen to a jazz show. BOOK NOW
Kansas City
Shop at the Mall of America, enjoy arts and theater, and relax by the water. BOOK NOW
Minneapolis/ St. Paul
Explore Oregon's largest city to enjoy parks, bicycling, great coffee and microbreweries. BOOK NOW
Portland
Explore this iconic city by cable car, and be sure to visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge. BOOK NOW
San Francisco
From shows to world-class dining, see and do it all in the city that never sleeps. BOOK NOW
New York City
Go east and take in the ocean, or head west to explore the Smokey Mountains. BOOK NOW
North Carolina
Spend some time at one of Florida’s world-famous theme parks. BOOK NOW
Orlando
Join the ultimate party with great music, food and bars everywhere you go. BOOK NOW
New Orleans
Spend time in the great outdoors or head to the rodeo. BOOK NOW
Houston
Enjoy outdoor activities year-round in this warm and sunny city. BOOK NOW
Phoenix
Enjoy comedy, music and the arts in this bustling city by Lake Michigan. BOOK NOW
Chicago
Soak up one of the country’s most vibrant music scenes. BOOK NOW
Nashville
Explore iconic sites, historic houses and amazing restaurants. BOOK NOW
Atlanta
Stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the world-famous Hollywood sign. BOOK NOW
Los Angeles
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Houston, Texas
Los Angeles, California
San Francisco, California
To see more of the destinations that United flies to — in the USA and beyond — visit our Route Map.
I'm traveling to
When you travel between the USA and New Zealand, you’ll be surprised to find just how easy it is to explore other cities.
Your next adventure is closer than you think
United States citizens can travel to New Zealand up to three months without having to obtain a Tourist Visa. Important to remember: You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. For more information on international travel, go to the United destination information page.
American citizens
NZ citizens will require a visa to travel to the USA. For more information, visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz/us-entry-and-transit-requirements
New Zealand citizens
Make your travels to the USA a little easier by becoming part of the Global Entry program. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers the program to provide expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers entering the United States. Apply now
Easier processing through USA customs with Global Entry
See what identification you need to have ready for your next adventure.
Visa requirements
Air New Zealand seat selection
United seat selection
Seat selection is available when booking a flight directly with the operating carrier of your flight. Additionally, seats can be selected on United-operated flights when booking on the Air New Zealand website, with development underway to allow seats to be selected on Air New Zealand-operated flights when booking on the United website.
Learn about seat selection for your airline.
Seat selection
If you are planning to check a bag, you will need to go to a self-service kiosk or the Air New Zealand check-in counter. Visit the checked baggage page for guidelines on baggage dimensions and weight, baggage service charges, connecting flights and more. For information on what you can bring on board with you, please see the carry-on baggage page.
Online check in opens 24 hours before your flight. You can check in online at airnewzealand.com, through the Air New Zealand mobile app or at the airport.
When you arrive at the departure airport, you can also check in for your flight at a self-service kiosk (when available) or by visiting an Air New Zealand check-in counter.
With online check-in, innovative self-service options for domestic flights and a range of options for international travelers, we believe that service starts well before you step on board the plane.
There are many ways to check in for an Air New Zealand-operated flight.
If you are planning to check a bag, you will need to go to a self-service kiosk or the United check-in counter. Visit the checked baggage page for guidelines on baggage dimensions and weight, baggage service charges, connecting flights and more. For information on what you can bring on board with you, please see the carry-on baggage page.
When you arrive at the departure airport, you can also check in for your flight at a self-service kiosk or by visiting a United check-in counter.
There are many ways to check in for an United Airlines-operated flight.
Starting 24 hours before departure, you can check in for your flight by using the United app or going to united.com/checkin. Visit the online check-in help and FAQs page for more information.
AIR NEW ZEALAND
UNITED
Select your airline to learn more.
Check-in information
check-in area in Zone A. If you have had your bags tagged and hold a boarding pass you can proceed to any open bag drop. The Domestic and International terminals are in different locations at Auckland Airport. There is a complimentary terminal transfer bus with pickup locations just outside the Terminal doors offering a comfortable transfer every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. If you prefer to make your own way, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk and you can follow the solid green line as you exit the terminal. Please refer to your booking for additional information.
United and Air New Zealand international flights arrive into the international terminal at Auckland International Airport. When you exit the aircraft, you’ll walk to the passport control point. You will need to have the following documents ready: passport and completed passenger arrival card. Once processed, you may proceed to baggage claim to collect your bags. If you are arriving on an international flight and connecting to an Air New Zealand domestic flight, you can transfer your baggage at the main Air New Zealand international
Next, you’ll head to the baggage claim area to collect any checked baggage from the carousel. San Francisco airport terminals are connected by the AirTrain Blue and Red lines, which offer service 24 hours a day. If you have a connecting flight in another terminal, you can either walk or take the AirTrain.
United and Air New Zealand international flights arrive in San Francisco in International Terminal G. When you exit the aircraft, you’ll walk to the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) area to clear immigration and passport control. The FIS area includes immigration officers, Automated Passport Control kiosks (for USA citizens, green card holders, legal permanent residents and ESTA and visa waiver holders) and Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network Program kiosks (for registered members).
Next, you’ll claim any checked baggage from the carousel and pass through customs out into the terminal. The nine terminals in Los Angeles are connected by the LAX Shuttle Airline Connections and Metro Green Line Station. If you have a connecting flight in another terminal, you can catch the shuttle by standing under the blue “LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections” sign and waiting for the next shuttle.
United and Air New Zealand international flights arrive in Los Angeles in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. When you exit the aircraft, you’ll walk to the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) area to clear immigration and passport control. The FIS area includes immigration officers, Automated Passport Control kiosks (for USA citizens, green card holders, legal permanent residents and ESTA and visa waiver holders) and Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network Program kiosks (for registered members).
To clear customs, you’ll need to provide your customs declaration form, Automated Passport Control kiosk receipt or Global Entry kiosk receipt. All five terminals in Houston are connected by an above-ground Skyway that operates inside security and an underground subway that operates outside security. If you have a connecting flight in another terminal, you’ll need to use the subway to transfer after you’ve collected your baggage and cleared customs. Please refer to your booking for additional information.
United and Air New Zealand international flights arrive in Houston at gates in Terminal D. When you exit the aircraft, you’ll walk to the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) area to clear immigration and passport control. The FIS area includes immigration officers, Automated Passport Control kiosks (for USA citizens, green card holders, legal permanent residents and ESTA and visa waiver holders) and Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network Program kiosks (for registered members). Next, you’ll go downstairs, claim any checked baggage from the carousel and pass through customs out into the terminal.
Transit information
Here’s where to go once you get off the plane.
San Francisco International Airport is located 13 miles (21 km) from downtown San Francisco. The airport has free Wi-Fi, and eligible travelers can visit one of several United Club locations — including our 6,000-square-foot location that was recently refreshed. View map
View map
Los Angeles International Airport is located 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Los Angeles. The airport has free Wi-Fi, and eligible travelers can visit the United Club location in Terminal 7. The Star Alliance Lounge also offers superior facilities and services. United is also working to enhance the experience at Los Angeles Airport — learn more on our renovation project page.
Auckland International Airport is located 12 miles (20 km) south of the city centre. The airport offers Wi-Fi and eligible travellers can visit the Air New Zealand Auckland International Lounge. Connecting at Auckland
Houston Intercontinental Airport is located about 23 miles (37 km) from downtown Houston. The airport has free Wi-Fi, and eligible travelers can visit one of several United Club℠ locations — locations in Terminals C and E even have showers so you can stay refreshed after your international flight. View map
Airport information
Learn more about our hubs and view the map of your departure airport so you can get to your gate quickly and easily.
Get all the facts on important travel information, so you can get to your destination seamlessly.
Power outlets are available throughout our international aircraft to help keep your devices charged during your flight.
In-seat power
Stretch out in Economy Plus seating with more space to work or relax. Economy Plus seats feature up to five inches (12.7 cm) of extra legroom and are located near the front of the United Economy cabin, helping to get you on your way when you reach your destination. Economy Plus seating is available on all United flights and most United Express flights.
Economy Plus seating
Whether you want to catch up on emails, update your status on social media or visit your favorite websites, United Wi-Fi (available on most aircraft) can help keep you connected in the air.
United Wi-Fi
A variety of inflight entertainment options, including seatback on-demand entertainment and personal device entertainment, are available on long-haul international flights, varying based on the aircraft.
Inflight entertainment
The brand-new United Polaris lounges are available exclusively to our international premium cabin travelers, offering a thoughtful selection of amenities — such as signature seating, a relaxation area and showers — to help you prepare for your flight. The lounge features a pre-flight dining option, which includes an extensive offering of hot and cold selections or seated meal service. Pair your meal with your beverage of choice, with options including specially curated wines, premium spirits, craft beer selections and handcrafted cocktails. If you'd like to freshen up, our spa-like shower facilities feature premium Cowshed products from Soho House & Co. You can also sit back and relax in a tucked-away area with daybeds, soft lighting and gentle white noise, which will put you in the perfect mood for a restful flight. The first United Polaris lounge is now open at Chicago O’Hare, with additional lounges opening in Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, Hong Kong, London Heathrow and Tokyo Narita over the course of the next few years.
United Polaris lounge
Customers in the United Economy cabin can enjoy an all-new, high-quality inflight dining experience, designed to offer flavorful, complimentary meals with more substantial portions, as well as mid-flight snacks, a wide inflight beverage selection including beer and wine, and premium snacks (available for purchase).
United Economy dining
We're proud to offer United Polaris customers a new chef-designed, multi-course inflight dining experience. In collaboration with chefs from The Trotter Project, a nonprofit organization committed to mentoring and internship programs for youth interested in the culinary arts, United executive chefs created a menu that features fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors from around the world. The dishes will rotate every three months, so you'll continue to have new dishes to experience on board. For those mid-flight cravings, we offer à la carte snacks that you can enjoy at your convenience. United Polaris also features our new signature beverage service. On morning flights, choose a sweet and bubbly mimosa, or create your own savory and spicy Tito's® Vodka Bloody Mary. On afternoon and evening flights, enjoy a hand-crafted customized wine flight. Visit the United Polaris wine selection page to learn more about what we're serving on board.
Restaurant-quality dining
When curating our United Polaris amenities, we put a strong emphasis on providing comfort and creating the right environment for restful sleep. In your amenity kit, you'll find premium sleep mist and skincare items from Soho House & Co's Cowshed Spa to keep you feeling relaxed and refreshed, as well as ear plugs and an ergonomic eye mask to block out any ambient distractions while you sleep. Cozy slippers are perfect for quick trips out of your seat or for just standing and stretching during a long journey. On flights longer than 12 hours, we also offer 100% cotton pajamas upon request. Plug in the premium noise-reducing headphones and tune to the relaxation channel in your seatback entertainment system for peaceful sounds or even guided meditations to get your mind ready for sleep.
Sleep-themed amenities
United Polaris customers will have the choice of two different Saks Fifth Avenue blankets — a quilted duvet and a lighter throw blanket — to help you find the perfect amount of warmth. If you tend to get hot while you sleep, you can also ask for a cooling gel memory foam pillow instead of, or in addition to, the Saks Fifth Avenue pillows provided at your seat. Mattress cushions are also available upon request.
Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
United Economy: Great service meets good value
Our brand-new United Polaris first and business class service is designed to bring a new level of quality to every aspect of premium cabin travel — from lounge to landing — and provide the best sleep in the sky.
United Polaris: The business class experience redesigned from Ahh to Zzz
Whether you want to work, relax or sleep, the custom-designed United Polaris seat is just right, converting from an upright seat to a 180-degree flat 6-foot, 6-inch bed, or anything in between. The private space features direct aisle access for each seat, as well as electronic privacy dividers and a “do not disturb” option to help you tuck yourself away and get some rest. Each United Polaris seat also has its own 16-inch HD monitor for seatback on-demand entertainment, universal power ports to keep your devices charged and expansive storage compartments including a slot for a laptop or tablet, a personal cubby, under-ottoman storage and more. The United Polaris seat is now flying on select aircraft, and will be added to our existing fleet over the course of the next few years.
United Polaris seat
Air New Zealand
United
See top airline amenities for both United and Air New Zealand.
Take control with on-demand entertainment and enjoy a wide range of audio and video including the most recent blockbuster movies, TV programs, dedicated kids channels, exclusive audio and a collection of the very best in music. Find out what's showing onboard this month.
Inflight Entertainment
Economy Skycouch
Utter luxury. The Business Premier cabin is packed with features that make it a cut above. Our Business Premier cabin delivers all the things our customers love, with fresh twists. The luxurious 22" wide leather armchair converts to a fully lie flat 6'7.5" bed - one of the longest in the sky. And we’ve made it even more indulgent with a thicker mattress, fluffy duvet and full size pillows. The experience includes priority check-in, lounge access and complimentary meal and drinks from our Business Premier menu.
Business Premier
If more room is the main priority, upgrade to our innovative Economy Skycouch™ and stretch out to make the whole row your own. The Skycouch is a row of three Economy seats that together create a flexible space for whatever you want it to be - an area to relax and stretch out in, or for the kids to use as a play area. It’s like having your very own couch on the plane.
Your comfort is our priority and that's why you'll enjoy one of the best Economy seats in the sky. The ergonomic design creates generous personal space to ensure a relaxing journey. Snacks can be ordered any time on-demand from your touch-screen, while gate-to-gate entertainment keeps you captivated the entire flight. The experience includes complimentary meal and drinks from our Economy menu.
A premium travel experience at an affordable price. Treat yourself to Air New Zealand’s award-winning Premium Economy service that offers extra space and great comfort. Enjoy more legroom with the largest seat pitch in its class and relax with 50% more recline than Economy. The experience includes priority check-in and complimentary meal and drinks from our Premium Economy menu.