Photo credit: www.theflightdeal.com
Travel enthusiasts looking for a spontaneous getaway to Auckland can benefit from attractive last-minute airfares. Currently, the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software lists prices starting at $722 for Basic Economy tickets. However, utilizing Google Flights, one can discover fares as low as $624 for Basic Economy and $777 for Regular Economy options.
When considering Air Canada’s offerings, the $777 price includes a standard economy fare that comes with one checked bag and a carry-on allowance. In contrast, the $624 fare falls under Basic Economy, which is characterized by its restrictions. These Basic Economy tickets:
Do Not permit seat assignments in advance.
Do Not cover checked bag fees, which are $75 for the first bag and $100 for a second bag each way.
Do Not allow any changes to be made.
Do Not permit cancellations. Thus, if plans change after the first 24 hours, the fare becomes non-refundable.
It’s important to note that many online travel agencies may not clearly highlight these fare differences associated with Air Canada’s Basic Economy offerings.
Sample Travel Date:
This is one example of a travel date; for additional options, see the sections on fare availability and searching for flights below.
Fare Availability:
The currently available fares are for travel in mid-March, with extremely limited options. It is essential to book at least one day in advance of your planned departure.
Please be advised that while these fares are accurate at the time of this writing, they may no longer be available if this information is more than two days old.
How to Search for Availability:
This section outlines how to check available flights. For purchasing tickets, refer to the “How to Buy” section below.
Utilize the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software, entering the following search criteria:
Origin: PDX (Portland)
Origin Advanced Routing Code:
Routing Codes: ac ac
Extension Codes: maxconnect 300
This setup will allow you to search specifically for the Basic Economy fare. Once you find suitable dates, switch to Google Flights where you will also have the opportunity to explore regular economy options.
Destination: AKL (Auckland)
Return Advanced Routing Code:
Routing Codes: ac ac
Extension Codes: maxconnect 300
(Click the Advanced Codes link on the search page to enter these codes.) Select the option to “See calendar of lowest fares.” A sample length of stay can be set to “3-10” days, although any 7-day range—such as 3-10 or 7-14—can be used.
Ensure that the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software reflects the inputs correctly to facilitate your search.
Purchasing tickets is not possible through the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software, so please refer to the “How to Buy” section below to finalize your booking.
Fare Class:
Routing:
PDX – YVR (Vancouver) – AKL (Auckland) – YVR – PDX
Stopover:
Mileage:
As a member of the Star Alliance and a partner of United Airlines, Air Canada’s mileage earning is detailed as follows:
Miles Flown: 14,612 miles (4.3 cents per mile for Basic Economy) / 5.3 cents per mile for Regular Economy.
Redeemable Miles: 7,306 miles.
How to Buy:
Book your tickets on Google Flights using the dates identified through the Matrix Airfare Search. Choose the “Book with Air Canada” option to obtain the quoted pricing.
Be sure to use the Google Flights link to secure this fare. Attempting to book directly through Air Canada’s website may lead to higher prices.
Accommodations
For hotel bookings, TripAdvisor serves as a comprehensive meta-search engine, allowing users to find the best rates from over 200 websites.
Car Rentals
When it comes to transportation, major rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, and Enterprise are available through prominent car rental platforms.
Activities and Tours
Explore a wide selection of experiences through Viator, which is known for being the largest marketplace for destination activities and tours.
Background Information:
Visa: Required for US citizens prior to entering New Zealand. Other nationalities should consult the TIMATIC Visa Database for requirements.
Currency: The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), with the conversion rate being approximately $1 USD = $1.74 NZD.
International Credit Card Tips:
When traveling abroad, it’s advisable to be aware of credit card usage policies to minimize additional fees.
* Please note that The Flight Deal may receive a commission if you book through the provided links for accommodations, car rentals, activities, or credit cards. Thank you for your support.
Source
www.theflightdeal.com