The long-awaited rules and procedures designed to keep customers safe while flying under COVID-19 alert level 2 have been released by Air New Zealand.
They'll be in action on all of the airline's level 2 domestic schedule flights, which are equal to about 20 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity.
"We'll be encouraging customers to check in for their flight via the Air New Zealand app, but for those checking in at our larger airports, only every second self-service kiosk will be operating to support social distancing," said Air NZ's general manager of customer experience, Nikki Goodman.
"There will also be floor markers for queuing at our check-in counters, service desks, bag drops at departure gates, and we'll be boarding and disembarking fewer customers at a time.
"Inflight, we'll be allocating seating to allow an empty seat between customers travelling alone. We'll do our best to keep families and some travelling companions together, so you may notice some people sitting together with no additional space."
No lollies
The airline has put a hold on serving food and beverages onboard, including its famous 'landing lollies'.
"High touch surfaces will be cleaned regularly, and we are taking extra steps to ensure all our aircraft, lounges and airports are cleaned throughout the day," Goodman said.
Air NZ says its jet aircraft are fitted with hospital-grade air systems that filter out viruses and hand sanitiser will be available at the airport, kiosks, service desks and all our aircraft for both customers and staff.
Other services such as domestic lounges and valet will reopen on May 25.
Goodman says although every effort has been made to make the travel experience as smooth as possible, but there may still be occasional hold-ups.
"It would be appreciated if customers could exercise a bit of patience as everyone gets used to this new way of travelling," she said.
Authorities have reminded everyone that customers should not travel if they are unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms. Flights can be changed free of charge in the case of a traveller being unable to travel due to COVID-19.
