Air New Zealand Check-in Guide 2025 | Online, App & Airport Options

Checking in with Air New Zealand is quick and easy, helping you start your journey stress-free. Whether you’re flying across New Zealand, to Australia, or on a long-haul flight to Los Angeles, the airline offers convenient check-in options.

Passengers can choose to check in online, through the Air NZ app, or at the airport’s self-service kiosks. With over 20 international destinations and 30 domestic routes, and a reputation as one of the world’s most punctual airlines, Air New Zealand ensures smooth check-in as the ultimate upgrade for thousands of travelers every day.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Air New Zealand online check-in, international check-in rules, baggage drop-off, and timing tips to make sure your trip starts on the right foot.

Ways to Check In with Air New Zealand

1. Air New Zealand Online Check-in

Passengers can complete online check-in 24 hours before departure for both domestic and international flights. Once checked in, you’ll receive your boarding pass by email, which can be scanned from your phone at any New Zealand airport.

Online check-in lets you:

• Select your preferred seat.

• Print or download your boarding pass.

• Print bag tags quickly at the airport kiosks.

• Save time and avoid queues.

Note: Once you’ve checked in online, you cannot cancel it. If you decide not to travel, contact Air New Zealand directly.

You may not be able to check in online if your booking includes a partner airline or if additional visa or travel documentation checks are required. In those cases, manual airport check-in is necessary.

2. Check In with the Air NZ App

If you’re on the move, the Air NZ app makes check-in simple and contactless. Available on iOS and Android, the app lets you select your seat, check in, and get real-time flight updates. You can even track your checked baggage for both Air New Zealand and Star Alliance partner flights, keeping everything under control from your phone.

3. Check In at the Airport

If you prefer checking in in person, Air New Zealand offers self-service kiosks and staffed counters at most major airports. Kiosks are available at:

• New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and more.

• Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast.

• International hubs: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nadi, Narita.

At the kiosk, simply scan your machine-readable passport, confirm your seats, and print your boarding pass and bag tags. Then drop your bags at the Bag Drop and you’re ready to go.

Air New Zealand Check-in Time

Check-in times vary depending on your flight type and destination. Always refer to your Air NZ app, check-in email, or e-ticket for the exact cutoff.

If your first flight is operated by a partner airline, you must check in with that airline directly.

Want to learn how to modify your itinerary? Check out our full guide on Air New Zealand Change Flight Policy for steps, fees, and flexible options.

Air New Zealand Check-in Baggage

When you check in online or at the airport, print and attach your bag tags and drop your luggage at the Bag Drop counters.

• International flights: Bag Drop usually opens 3 hours before departure and closes at the check-in cut-off time on your ticket.

• If your booking includes a connecting Air New Zealand or partner flight on the same ticket, your bags will be tagged through to your final destination.

• Tip: You can track your checked bags using the Air NZ app.

• Domestic flights: Bag Drop closes 30 minutes before departure.

International Check-in Requirements

Before checking in for an international flight, make sure you have:

• A valid passport (at least six months remaining).

• Visa or entry documents for your destination and any transit points.

• Any required health or border declarations.

Some passengers must check in at the airport instead of online or via mobile:

• If border restrictions require document checks.

• Passengers needing special assistance.

• Unaccompanied minors.

• Departing from airports that don’t accept home-printed passes (e.g., Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport).

Group Booking Check-in with Air New Zealand

Travelling as a group is exciting but requires extra coordination, especially during check-in. Air New Zealand provides dedicated support for group bookings of 10 or more passengers, ensuring a smooth start whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.

For Air New Zealand group check-in, it’s important to allow extra time at the airport. While standard check-in closes 90–120 minutes before international flights and 30 minutes before domestic flights, depending on your flight. The exact closing time is available in your Air NZ app, check-in email, or e-ticket. Groups should arrive at least 3 hours before international departures for documentation and baggage processing.

If your booking was made through the Group Sales team, a representative may assist during check-in at larger airports like Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. For domestic flights, passengers can use self-service kiosks or staffed counters, while international groups should check in at the airport counters to verify passports and travel documents together.

Online or mobile check-in is not always available for groups of more than nine passengers, so the entire group must complete check-in at the airport. Baggage can usually be tagged through to the final destination, including connecting Air New Zealand flights on the same booking.

Also read Air New Zealand Seat Selection

Tips for smooth group check-in:

• Arrive early, at least 3 hours before international flights or 1 hour before domestic flights.

• Prepare travel documents in advance.

• Use self-service kiosks where available.

• Confirm seat preferences and baggage ahead of time.

• Track flight updates and baggage via the Air NZ app.

Group leaders can use the app for real-time updates on boarding times, gate changes, and baggage tracking, keeping everyone informed and on schedule.

Air New Zealand Lounges

Eligible travelers can relax before departure at Air New Zealand Lounges, available in:

• Eight international locations, including Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles.

• Three domestic lounges (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch).

• Eleven regional lounges across New Zealand.

Lounge access is available for Business Premier passengers, Airpoints Elite, Gold, and Koru members, or via lounge eVouchers. Lounge stays are typically limited to up to four hours before departure.

FAQs About Air New Zealand Check-in

Q1. When does the Air New Zealand online check-in open?

• Online check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for both domestic and international flights.

Q2. Can I check in online for international flights?

• Yes, if your itinerary allows online check-in and you have completed all required travel documentation. Otherwise, check in at the airport.

Q3. What if I’m flying with a partner airline?

• If your first flight is operated by another airline, you’ll need to check in via that airline’s website or counter.

Q4. When do Air New Zealand Bag Drop counters open?

• Bag Drop counters typically open 3 hours before international flights and close 90–120 minutes before departure, depending on the route.

Q5. Can I track my checked baggage?

• Yes, you can track checked baggage in the Air NZ app for both Air New Zealand and Star Alliance flights.

Q6. What identification do I need for domestic check-in?

• You can present a driver’s license, passport, Airpoints card, or major credit card showing your name.

Q7. Can I still get an upgrade if I’ve already checked in?

• Yes, if your upgrade clears after check-in, you’ll be notified at the gate and issued a new boarding pass.

Check in and Fly Smoothly with Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand offers a simple and convenient check-in experience, whether through Air New Zealand online check-in, the Air NZ app, or at the airport. Knowing your Air New Zealand check-in time helps ensure a smooth process for documentation and Air New Zealand check-in baggage.

For check-in on Air New Zealand international flights, have your passport, visas, and health documents ready. Large groups or passengers needing assistance should allow extra time. Connecting flights with Air New Zealand or partner airlines usually allow baggage to be tagged through to the final destination.

Ready to start your journey stress-free? Book your Air New Zealand flight with Flightsquest today. Enjoy seamless check-in, baggage tracking, and smooth travel from start to finish only via Flightsquest.