Air New Zealand is extending the expiry date by two years for credit vouchers issued to customers whose travel was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The credits are now set to expire on January 31, 2026 rather than January 31, 2024.
The airline said it extended to credits after customer feedback, with more than $200 million worth still unused.
Rival airline Jetstar posted on its website last month to say it was essentially removing expiry dates from its COVID-19 vouchers. While they will expire on December 31 this year, any vouchers unused after that time will be reissued and can be used "indefinitely", the airline said.
Air NZ's expiry extension only applies to credits issued before October, 2022.
The vouchers don't have to be used on flights - they can be used for upgrades, extra luggage and seat select among other expenses.
Air NZ's chief financial officer Richard Thomson said 85 percent of customers who had a COVID-19 credit have now used them. He added that while all customers who had refundable tickets and have asked for a refund after COVID-19 disrupted their travel plans have received one, but the airline has been unable to contact all affected passengers.
"While we are doing our best to contact people, we've found some are easier to reach than others. Customers may have changed their contact details or booked through third parties which adds a layer of complexity," said Thomson.
"We will continue to work hard over the next two years to reach customers who may be unaware they hold a credit. We encourage anyone who has a credit to book with us at their earliest convenience."
Customers can contact the airline about this issue on covidrefunds@airnz.co.nz.
