Domestic and international rights shape claims outcomes
Under the Civil Aviation Act, when a domestic flight is cancelled for reasons within an airline’s control and a traveller declines an alternative service, they can request a refund of the fare. The legislation also allows passengers to claim reasonable associated expenses, such as meals, accommodation, and alternative transport, up to the lesser of 10 times the ticket price or the actual costs incurred. Consumer NZ argues that because Air New Zealand’s move is driven by financial considerations, similar questions arise on international routes under global aviation instruments, including the Montreal Convention. Passengers’ entitlements on overseas journeys differ by origin, destination, and carrier, but typically include at least a refund if the alternative flight is declined, with a possibility of recovering additional costs.