Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Auckland Airport recently announced that it is working to make the check-in process easier for International flights. When returning home from a holiday in New Zealand, travelers should soon see a more modern check-in process as the airport replaces approximately 100 traditional desks with self-service kiosks and automated bag drops.
While travelers with Premium access may enjoy using the dedicated check-in area, the kiosks is good news overall for clearing crowds in the airport with a benefit from reduced wait times. The kiosks will not only allow you to check in but print luggage tags and drop off bags independently. This blog post provides some information about the AKL International process and is meant to help set expectation when visiting New Zealand.
Ahead of the Curve Since 2015
In 2015 Air New Zealand made history by introducing self-service bag drop kiosks that utilized biometric technology for international passengers departing Auckland. These innovative kiosks, similar to the SmartGate passport control gates, verified passenger identity using passport data and facial recognition. Once verified, bags are automatically routed to the correct flight.
While several airlines in the region already offering self-service bag drop facilities for domestic flights, Air New Zealand’s biometric technology was a groundbreaking advancement for international travel. The Best of New Zealand has a long history of partnering with Air New Zealand because of the airline’s service and innovation.
Expanding the Service in 2024-2025
As of fiscal year 2024 Auckland International will be almost back to pre-Covid airline capacity, with an increase of about 600k passengers year on year, driven mostly by international traffic. With the increase in capacity the airport is readying itself for the future.
According to an Auckland Airport representative, self-service kiosk options save travelers on average up to 13 minutes with wait times down to about 5 minutes in total!
Premium Check-in Available
The new self-service kiosks are in addition to Air New Zealand’s revamped premium check-in area. Introduced in 2023, Premium travelers, who may prefer a more personal touch with Air New Zealand staff, will still be able to enjoy the new space featuring a modern aesthetic inspired by the graceful curves of a bird’s wing.
Whether using the new kiosks or the refreshed premium check-in area, we are glad to see positive steps in a broader effort to modernize Air New Zealand’s physical spaces. These new design reflect the unique character and culture of New Zealand.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post and hopefully are more informed as to what you can expect with a trip to New Zealand. Dreaming of your own New Zealand adventure? Our team are experts and would love to craft a personalized itinerary to make your trip unforgettable. Let us turn your dream vacation into reality!