Long haul flights at short notice?

swizzle_2

Hi

My da may have cancer- undergoing tests at mo.

Trouble is he lives in New Zealand.

Depending on what he`s told I might need a flight at short notice, but which is the best way to book?

I have been to Nz several times, but always booked well inadvance- money is tight-plus will need an internal flight when i get there-or might look at the bus.

Thanks.

Also does anyone know about visas? We as a family visited for 6 weeks over xmas/new year- we went out in November. I may now want to go for 6 mths- will I be allowed to do this? As I thought only 6 mths in a 12 mth period?

Thanks again

Voyager2002

Sorry to hear about your bad news.

Please ask a travel agent or the High Commission about the immigration rules: you can't trust opinions from people like me with something as important as this.

As for flights: if you book at absolutely the last moment you will pay premium prices. Presumably, even if you do need to go you will have at least a few days for preparation. Do a flexible search on lastminute (or travelocity -- same company) to find which airline offers the best deal, but do not buy from them: go to the airline's website to avoid the booking fee and avoid problems with poor customer service and possible additional charges.

It is also worth identifying possible airlines and signing up on their websites: that way you will be the first to hear about seat sales and might even be given a promotional code for booking.

And if BA seems likely to be your preferred carrier, remember that you can sometimes get their flights for less from the AA website.

alison74

Sorry to hear your news.

I agree with what Voyager says, but when you get your main flight, just go onto the Air New Zealand site and buy your internal flights from them

They are reasonably priced and they are very frequent and can be bought as e tickets etc.

This is the best option unless your flight out there is with Air New Zealand (if it's the cheapest at the time of booking), where they may offer internal flights for a cheaper price as part of booking.

saveapenny

Some airlines offer compasionate rates it might be worth asking when you call

richardw

saveapenny wrote: »

Some airlines offer compasionate rates it might be worth asking when you call

I was thinking the same, but they may want medical certificates from the doctor.

dzug

British citizens and other British passport holders who produce evidence of the right to reside permanently in the UK can visit for up to six months without a visa.

from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/

Dig a bit deeper into the site - there's a bit on extending your visit once you are there - a maximum of 9 or even 12 months in mentioned.

swizzle_2

Hi

I rang air Nz, if the cost of the flight is not already discounted, they will be able to offer a compasionate fare- upon production of a letter from the hospital.

Also said that the 6 mths is for 1 trip, so will not take off the 6 weeks we spent there earlier this/last year.

It was 5 1/2 years since our last visit.

Thanks again

richardw

https://www.emirates.com/uk https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_GB/homepage?CX_FCN=CXHOME0_CountryChange https://www.thaiairways.co.uk fly to NZ,
their fares can be good

Could be worth calling https://www.trailfinders.com or

An 'inclusive tour' fare may be available on some airlines, you only have to book one night in a hotel, you don't have to stay there, this could possibly be cheaper than a 'compassionate' fare.