From November 11, new crate size and weight limits will apply to pets travelling on the smaller ATRs and Q300 turbo-props, which Air New Zealand largely uses for regional flights.<\/p>\n
Any crates larger than 85cm H x 66cm W x 115 L no longer accepted in the cargo hold of these flights.<\/p>\n
Merlin the Irish Water Spaniel will be barred from most of Air New Zealand’s regional flights under the new rules.<\/p>\n
The combined weight of pets and their carrier has also been restricted to 60kg on all flights.<\/p>\n
\u201cMerlin weighs 34kg. However, he is a tall dog, and the requirement for him to be able to stand up and turn around in his crate means he travels in the largest IATA-approved crate available in New Zealand,\u201d Plummer told the Herald.<\/p>\n
Despite the combined weight of Merlin and his carrier being comfortably within the limit, his height, width, and length now fall outside the new policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs things stand, I have no way of getting a 34kg dog to Nelson other than by driving.\u201d<\/p>\n
McGraw said the airline was adjusting its pet travel rules in response to staff safety risks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past couple of years, we\u2019ve had 53 staff injuries related to the loading and unloading activity of animals on aircraft.<\/p>\n
The airline says 53 staff have been injured loading or unloading pet crates in recent years. Photo \/ Warren Buckland<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of this, we\u2019re no longer able to facilitate any pet and carrier combined weighing more than 60kg as checked baggage.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the crate restrictions on turboprop-operated regional flights were introduced because large crates were difficult to load safely into smaller aircraft holds. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand this will be disappointing for some customers, but this change has been made for the safety of both our people and our four-legged friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pets over 60kg will still be permitted on some domestic routes, but bookings must be made through a pet transporter company that coordinate directly with Air New Zealand\u2019s cargo team.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur teams are currently required to manually lift large, heavy pet crates, which carries a real risk of injury,\u201d McGraw said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBooking larger pets through a pet service and our cargo team means our people won\u2019t have to manually lift heavy pets, creating a safer operational environment for both our team and our four-legged friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.<\/p>\n