August 19, 2004 -- If you're contemplating a little Southern Hemisphere "spring break" this fall, what could be better than a New Zealand adventure where you get the best of all worlds, from stunning mountain scenery and steamy hot springs to world-class vineyards. Don't want to go that far? Then look to Continental's fall sale and wacky lowfare guarantee.
Air New Zealand (800/262-1234; www.airnewzealand.com) has recently introduced its non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch, the gateway to New Zealand's magnificent South Island. Previously you had to fly to Auckland and connect, but this new option shaves a good few hours off what is a pretty long haul to start with.
With three weekly departures commencing November 2, these flights come with an introductory special web-only fare. This incredible deal to fly non-stop from Los Angeles to Christchurch is $697 roundtrip in Economy and $3,650 in Business Class!Hurry, this special opportunity expires on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 and is valid for travel November 2-December 12. Fees and taxes of up to $50 are additional, plus a ticket handling & delivery charge of $14.95.
Note: Subscribers to Air New Zealand's e-mail list received notice of an even lower price -- $647 in Economy and $3,500 in Business Class. Stunningly cheap, but available only to those who received the announcement in their inboxes earlier this week. We can't guarantee this will be a regular occurence, but we do encourage our readers to subscribe to airlines' lists just for this reason. To receive e-mail specials, visit Air New Zealand website's at https://129.41.69.98/airnz/airnz_login.sp?type=newsletter) -- it's simple and free!
Consistently rated as one of the world's best international airlines, Air New Zealand's Boeing 747-400 aircrafts also offer the greatest legroom in economy class compared to other airlines that service this route -- this can make all the difference on a 13-hour flight.
Purchasing your ticket directly from Air New Zealand's website is without doubt the lowest-priced option as the next closest rate for November/December departures is through Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) for $806 on Air New Zealand, or on Qantas with one stop for $876 (inclusive of taxes).
For assistance planning your New Zealand vacation, including great maps, tips and driving routes, visit www.newzealand.com/travel.
Traveling a little closer to home? Continental Airlines (www.continental.com/specials/offers/fall.asp?SID=) has come up with a price matching deal, with low fares to a multitude of US cities. The best part is that if you find a lower advertised fare for the same itinerary within the United States (for travel October 1 to December 31) on any other Internet travel site between now and September 6, Continental will send you an eCertificate valid for up to 10% off your next Continental purchase as compensation (some conditions apply). Purchase your roundtrip ticket at least 14 days in advance. Offer expires at midnight (central time) on August 22. With these low fares and a guaranteed price match, you can't lose.
Sample one-way fares on Continental and Continental Express include:
- Houston -- Seattle $99
- Cleveland -- San Francisco $99
- Newark -- Ft Lauderdale $89
- Little Rock -- Newark $89
- Phoenix -- Houston $99
- Orlando -- San Diego $99
- Los Angeles -- Newark $99
- Houston -- Boston $99
- Newark -- San Francisco $99
Fares are valid for travel Monday to Thursday and Saturday only, with higher fares available on other days. A roundtrip purchase is required, with a minimum stay of 3 nights and a maximum stay of 30 days. All travel must be completed by December 15, (blackout period November 23-24) and stopovers are not permitted. Fees and taxes of up to $34 are additional.
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