We've recently expanded our international lounge in Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Business Premier Class, Air New Zealand Gold and Gold Elite Airpoints members, Air New Zealand Koru Club and Star Alliance Gold passengers are invited to relax and refresh in an environment inspired in the natural elements of New Zealand.

The lounge, which doubles the available area to relax from 3,800 to 7,550 square feet, provides seating for 150 people and offers a range of ‘zones' to meet the diverse needs of today's international travelers.

Air New Zealand flights operate to/from Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International airport. All passengers must be travelling on a machine-readable passport to be able to partake in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or Transit Without Visa Program (TWOV), unless they hold a US Visa.

The Immigration formalities require every passenger aged 14 - 79 (unless they are travelling on a US or Canadian passport) to have a photo taken by the US Immigration Officials, and will have their left and right index fingers fingerprinted.

Passengers transiting through LAX from UK to New Zealand on flight numbers NZ1/NZ2 only are required to disembark the aircraft in LAX, go through Immigration formalities, and wait in the Transit Gate Facility until the aircraft is ready to board. Luggage does not need to be re-collected for any passengers on these specific flight numbers.

All other passengers transiting through LAX that involves a change of aircraft must clear Customs and Immigration. Baggage must be recollected from the luggage carrousel and then re-checked in at the transfer desk, both of which are located in the baggage hall.

Business Premier Class customers

We have an area within the Transit Gate Facility that is set aside for our full fare Business Premier class customers. Unfortunately, it is not large which means customers travelling in Premium Economy class who would normally use our lounges, or anyone waiting for confirmation of an upgrade to Business Class for the next sector, are unable to use this premium area.

Air New Zealand in conjunction with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection are allowing Air New Zealand Business Premier Class travellers to access the Air New Zealand International Lounge in Los Angeles. Previously, all customers transiting through Los Angeles on the direct flights (NZ1 / NZ2) between Auckland and London were required to remain in the Transit Gate Facility. This will allow those customers travelling in Business Premier Class to clear through Customs and Border Protection processes and access the newly refurbished International Lounge, which has a wider range of amenities and facilities than the Transit Gate Facility.

These customers will not be required to collect their bags in Los Angeles (LA). Invitations will be issued to transit customers during the flight explaining the procedure. If customers choose not to proceed through to the International Lounge, they are still welcome to stay in the premium area of the Transit Gate Facility. International Lounge access via this new procedure will only be available to passengers transiting Los Angeles on NZ1 / NZ2. Business Class Passengers connecting to/from NZ1 / NZ2 from/to other flights (regardless of whether they are connecting to another International flight) must still clear customs, collect their bags and recheck-in at the transfer desk before proceeding to the International Lounge.

Children travelling on Parents Passports

Children who do not hold their own passport and are intending to travel on their parent's passport from and to London/Heathrow will NOT be able to travel via Los Angeles, since it's a United States government requirement that all passengers have their own passport.

This requirement includes those passengers travelling on NZ1 London/Heathrow to Auckland, and NZ 2 Auckland to London/Heathrow.

More information about transiting Los Angeles.

Visas

Most EU nationals do not need a visa to enter the USA. However, there are a number of nationalities who do need a valid transit visa to enter the USA or transit between terminals.

Details of those entitled to travel under the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme and those requiring a visa to enter the USA or to transit between terminals can be found in Timatic in your CRS.

Please note all travelers must be in possession of a machine-readable passport.

Important 2009 Changes to the US Visa Waiver Programme

From 12 January 2009 it will be compulsory for travellers to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) no later than 72 hours prior to departure. This online form will replace the green visa waiver form (I-94W) which is currently completed whilst en-route to the US.

Travellers should visit the US Department of Homeland Security website and fill in the required information. In most cases a response will be received within seconds determining whether travel to the US has been authorised. If the application is not authorised then a visa may be requested through the US Embassy. In some instances customers will need to wait up to 72 hours for authorisation.

Until the US authorities withdraw the I-94W it will remain a requirement to complete this form on board the aircraft.

An approved travel authorisation is valid for two years for multiple entries into the US. A new application will be required if a new passport is obtained within the two-year period or if the answers to any of the YES/NO questions on the ESTA form change.

If you are travelling in less than 72 hours you are still eligible to apply for an ESTA, however you are advised to visit the US Department of Homeland Security website for more information or contact your nearest US Embassy.

ESTA is in addition to the requirement for all customers to submit APIS (Advanced Passenger Information System) data.

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Round the World
We are the only airline to operate a true round the World flight service from the UK.
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Chauffeur Service
We offer a complimentary chauffeur transfer service to Air New Zealand Business Premier passengers.
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