The New Zealand leg of the Trans-Tasman bubble has been inflated, with the first flights starting on 19 April 2021. As expected, there are details and caveats to be considered. At a high level, Fine Travel shares their thoughts after the announcement.
What does this mean?
A quarantine-free return to New Zealand from Australia (i.e. no 14-day managed isolation) is at the heart of the travel bubble. The important question, though, is when could that quarantine-free status be revoked?
Could I get stuck in Australia?
The short answer is "yes". If you travel to an Australian state that has a community outbreak, and New Zealand designates it a high-risk outbreak, flights could be paused or suspended.
Could I still have to quarantine?
If there has been a community outbreak while you are in Australia, you could be asked to monitor, get tested, self isolate, or even be required to quarantine when you return to New Zealand.
How Fine Travel can help
Organising travel to Australia will be as much about your "plan A" as your "plan B". In the event of a community outbreak and the pausing or suspending of flights to New Zealand, your plan B will be needed and this is where we can also help.
Booking and changing your flights
When we book your flights, our direct reservations system access means we can make changes to your flights, saving you from the airline's call centre. Given the risks involved, flexible and refundable airfares should be considered over the cheapest available.
Your plan B
A pausing or suspension of flights could result in an extended stay in Australia, or prevent you from going on a planned holiday. Having a plan B in place when you book your travel will avoid scrambling and save time, stress, and potentially money.
Can I get travel insurance?
Travel insurance is available if Covid-19 affects travel plans or if you are diagnosed with Covid-19. If you are planning to travel to Australia, please talk to me about your travel insurance options.
Airfares to New Zealand
Fine Travel has direct access to airfares from Australia to New Zealand. So, if you have family who have been waiting to come home for a visit, we can help them with their plans and provide them with our additional support.
Corporate travel
With the increased likelihood of flight changes and unexpected cancellations, the role and responsibility of the in-house travel manager will expand.
If you're travelling for business and would like to discuss how Fine Travel can help arrange your travel, please feel free to contact us.
Australian holidays
Although it is admittedly "early days", as we get a better sense for how outbreaks will be managed, Australian holidays will add some variety after a year at home. We are available now to help with any holiday ideas, and look forward to sharing more with you.