Are you someone planning their next trip with Air New Zealand? Then knowing about the baggage fees is essential to avoid any extra costs. In both domestic and international flights, different fares have various baggage regulations, allowances and charges.
Understanding how New Zealand Air baggage charges lead to smarter choices that save money and allow you to travel without a lot of stress. You will find all the information, such as checked baggage, excess baggage and extra baggage in this complete guide.
Overview – How Air New Zealand Baggage Fees Work
The Air New Zealand checked baggage fees and total weight limit differ depending on domestic or international travel. Economy fares often have one checked baggage, whereas Premium Economy and Business have larger allowances. Air New Zealand’s standards for baggage are strictly in adherence with IATA regulations.
When you do not have a ticket that includes checked baggage, it is easy to add it at Air New Zealand check-in or purchase online. Nevertheless, it is always cheaper to book your bags in advance because buying at the airport can make your baggage charges go up.
Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare Type
The checked baggage fees when flying with Air New Zealand also vary according to the fare type.
- Seat Only Fare: No checked baggage is provided. You will have to buy bags separately.
- Seat + Bag Fare: 1 carried bag of 23 kg.
- Flexi Time / Smart Saver / Premium Economy: It usually has 1 or 2 bags up to 23 kg each.
- Business Premier: 3 checked bags with maximum weight of 32 kg.
These allowances are applicable to most domestic and short-haul international flights. Air New Zealand baggage fees for international flights can be different for long route flights. Never forget to verify the allowed baggage while booking to be on the safe side.
Frequent Flyer & Membership Benefits
You may also have some baggage privileges if you are an Airpoints or Star Alliance Gold member. The frequent flyers are often allowed to enjoy one or more free bags, priority handling and discounts on additional baggage charges.
These features can make a big difference, particularly for regular travellers or heavy luggage carriers. Consider subscribing to the loyalty program of Air New Zealand if you have to travel with the airline very often, as it can save you on baggage fees.
Air New Zealand Prepaid Extra Bag Fees
In case you have more baggage than what you are allowed, you can buy more baggage space in advance through online booking. Additionally, this can secure lower Air New Zealand extra baggage fees as they are cheaper than the airport rates.
The following is the estimation of the Air New Zealand prepaid extra baggage fee in 2025:
| Route Type | Extra Bag (Online) | Extra Bag (At Airport) |
| Domestic | NZD 25 – 40 | NZD 50 – 70 |
| Australia / Pacific Islands | NZD 90 – 130 | NZD 120 – 160 |
| Long-Haul (Asia, North America, Europe) | NZD 120 – 170 | NZD 150 – 200 |
You will save money as well as get a smoother Air New Zealand check-in process by purchasing bags online. This is particularly helpful at the peak of the travelling seasons when the queues at the airports are long.
Air New Zealand Excess Baggage Fees
Excess baggage fees will be charged by Air New Zealand even in cases where you have checked baggage included. The Economy baggage has a maximum limit of 23kg, while Business class passengers can carry bags up to 32kg.
In case you do surpass the limits, the airline will impose extra baggage charges for overweight or oversized items. You should make a habit of weighing your bags before you leave home to prevent paying extra money at the airport.
Overweight Baggage Fees
In case your bag is bigger than the recommended weight and falls within the size range, it is overweight. In the majority of routes, overweight baggage (23-32 kg) will be charged NZD 80 to NZD 120 per bag. The price will increase for long-haul flights based on the destination.
Keep in mind that any bag weighing more than 32 kg might not be considered as checked baggage, and it might be sent through separate freight services. In such cases, always opt for reputed freight service providers who can synchronise the transfer of your baggage along with your travel.
Oversized Baggage Fees
In case your bag has a total size (length + width + height) of more than 158 cm, you will be charged for oversized baggage. Extra baggage charges for oversized baggage for Air New Zealand airline costs between NZD 100 and NZD 200, depending on the destination and size.
Items like surfboards, sports equipment or musical instruments may require special handling. It is also advisable to always read the specific guidelines of Air New Zealand before a flight to avoid unexpected issues with Air New Zealand’s permitted baggage policies.
Airport vs Online Baggage Purchase – What’s Cheaper?
Almost always, the cost of purchasing baggage online is lower than that at the airport. You can save up to 30 per cent on the overall expenditure by pre-checking your Air New Zealand additional baggage.
Not only do the rates at which you buy baggage in the airport cost more, but you are also likely to experience delays during Air New Zealand check-in at the airport. By paying online, you are able to do it from the comfort of your home without having to reach the airport in a hurry.
Important Baggage Rules & Restrictions
Air New Zealand adheres to the international safety and size standards of all checked and carry-on bags. Hazardous materials, lithium batteries, restricted articles or other dangerous goods should be declared and packed in adherence with the airline regulations.
You are also advised to put labels on your bags and not to place your precious or delicate things in the checked bags. Following the Air New Zealand baggage allowance limits would make the check-in process smoother and reduce hurdles at the security or customs.
Let us look at some tips on how to better utilise your allowed baggage on Air New Zealand flights.
Tips to Avoid Paying Extra Baggage Fees
Knowing how to handle Air New Zealand baggage fees can help you save a lot. A few simple tricks will ensure that you do not exceed the limit and avoid paying unnecessary charges.
Buy Prepaid Bags Early
Always purchase your bags online when booking your flight. This ensures reduced overhead baggage charges as well as the availability, especially in congested travel routes.
Check Fare Details Before Booking
Compare types of fares and baggage inclusion before you make your final booking. Sometimes it is cheaper to upgrade to a higher fare type with more baggage allowance, as it is cheaper than buying additional baggage in the future.
Weigh and Measure Bags Before Departure
Buy a small luggage scale so that you can weigh your bag before you leave home. By staying within the Air New Zealand excess baggage limit, you will save on charges for overweight luggage.
Use Carry-on Wisely
Your cabin baggage can make a big difference to your overall luggage capacity. Use your carry baggage limit by loading heavier necessities in your carry bag as long as it is within the 7 kg weight limit.
You can further refer to our blog on common mistakes to avoid in excess baggage shipping to know more
How DTDC Australia Helps You Save on Extra or Heavy Baggage Costs
Baggage weighing more than 32 kg will not be considered checked bags, and this is where DTDC Australia comes in. You can even use the reliable air freight and courier service by DTDC instead of paying Air New Zealand excess baggage fees.
Competitive rates and doorstep pick up services make DTDC the choice in terms of saving you from huge Air New Zealand excess baggage charges. No matter where you are moving, studying overseas, or just sending a gift home, DTDC ensures that international shipping is fast and cost-effective.
Conclusion
Knowledge of Air New Zealand baggage fees in 2025 is key to making a smooth and affordable journey. Whether it is a checked baggage or extra baggage, excess and oversized fees, being informed ensures that you pack better and save on unnecessary expenses.
You can have a stress-free check-in and travel by booking your bags in advance and monitoring your allowed baggage on Air New Zealand. And in case you have to carry a lot of baggage, DTDC Australia is always willing to assist you in shipping safely and cost-effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the baggage fee on Air New Zealand?
Baggage fare varies according to the route and fare kind. Domestic routes begin at about NZD 25 per bag, whereas the international routes may vary between NZD 90 and NZD 170 per extra bag.
What is the baggage allowance for international flights in NZ?
As with most long-haul international flights, Economy passengers are allowed to carry 23 kg of baggage in two bags. Better allowances are offered on Premium and Business Premiere fares.
What is the baggage allowance for New Zealand?
On local flights, most fare classes come with one checked baggage with a weight of up to 23 kg, with the exception that the Air New Zealand baggage allowance on Seat Only fares is nothing by default.
