

Waiting on a Air New Zealand refund? Let’s make sure you get it.
Can you get a refund from Air New Zealand? Check eligibility first
Your refund eligibility with Air New Zealand depends on your fare type, reason for cancellation, and region of travel:
- ✅ Refundable fares (e.g. Flexi-refund) can be cancelled for a full refund.
- ❌ Non-refundable fares (like Seat or Seat+Bag) don’t allow refunds if you cancel voluntarily. Credit may be offered instead.
- ✅ If Air NZ cancels your flight or significantly delays it, you may be entitled to a refund - especially under NZ, US, or EU regulations.
- ✅ US bookings get a 24-hour grace period for cancellation and full refund.
- ✅ Refunds may also be approved on compassionate grounds (bereavement or serious illness) with documentation.
Always check your fare rules on your e-ticket or the Air NZ website for specifics.
How to get a refund from Air New Zealand
- Check eligibility – Use Air NZ’s online eligibility tool or confirm your fare rules.
- Cancel your booking – Log in to “Manage Booking” online, or call Air NZ (e.g., 0800 737 000 in NZ, 1800 132 476 in AU).
- Submit refund request – Fill out the online Refund Request Form, or request via live chat or phone if eligible.
- Provide details – Have your booking reference, passenger info, and reason ready.
- Track and follow up – Expect confirmation within days. If no update in 2 weeks, follow up with Air NZ.
Air New Zealand’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
- ✅ Typical refund time: 1–2 weeks for standard cases.
- ⏳ Major event delays (e.g., weather or mass cancellations): Up to 4–6 weeks.
- 💳 Card refunds: Usually visible 2–5 business days after Air NZ processes it.
- 💸 Bank transfers: Take 1–3 business days post-processing.
- 🧾 Credits: Often applied immediately after refund approval.
If no funds arrive within 2–3 weeks, contact customer service to escalate.
Air New Zealand’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
- 🔁 Original payment method – Card, Airpoints™, or travel credit.
- 💵 Bank transfer – If card is no longer valid or unavailable.
- 💳 Credit vouchers – Used for non-refundable tickets (not converted to cash).
- 🚫 No third-party payments – Refunds only to original payee/method.
- 📩 Extras like baggage or seats – Refunded if flight cancelled or not used.
Air NZ does not offer refund method flexibility unless there’s a valid issue with your original payment channel.
Common refund issues with Air New Zealand
- ❌ Non-refundable ticket confusion – Economy fares may only qualify for credit.
- 🕒 Delayed processing – Follow up if no action after 2–3 weeks.
- 🧾 Travel agent bookings – Must be cancelled and refunded via the agent.
- 📞 Long wait times – Use live chat or call during off-peak hours.
- 🧩 Partial refunds missed – Add-ons like bags may require separate refund request.
Always document communications and keep reference numbers to avoid repeat calls.
Real Air New Zealand cases submitted through Ajust
Real Air New Zealand refund cases – what worked for other customers
Super fast refunds – One traveller received two refunds in under 72 hours, beating the 15-day target.
Price error resolution – Air NZ cancelled underpriced business fares but refunded them promptly with additiional goodwill offers.
Credit to cash refund – Many customers successfully switched to refunds by citing legal protections and following up
How Air New Zealand Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
- ✈️ Qantas – Similar rules, but Air NZ refunds often arrive faster and more consistently post-COVID.
- 💰 Jetstar – Far stricter on non-refundable fares. Has very few refund options unless legally required.
- 🧳 Virgin Australia – On par for flexible fares, but Air NZ’s post-pandemic reputation is stronger.
Summary: Air NZ is among the best for reliability, speed, and legal compliance on refunds, especially if you booked directly.
Official Air New Zealand Refund Resources & Links
- 📄 Credit and Refund Information – Air New Zealand OneSmart
- 📝 Refund Request Form – Air New Zealand Manaaki Fund / Refund
- 👤 Manage Booking – Cancel or Change Flights
- 📜 Conditions of Carriage – Air New Zealand Fare Rules & Refund Rights
- 🧾 Fare Rules – Air New Zealand
- 📞 Contact Air New Zealand
- 📚 Returns and Refunds – Know Your Rights (Consumer NZ)
Air New Zealand Refund FAQs
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
Take two minutes to file a formal
Air New Zealand
refund request that gets seen.