Flying with safety assistants

There may be occasions when Air New Zealand will require you to travel with a safety assistant.

Some examples of when a safety assistant is required

  • You are travelling on a stretcher
  • You are unable to comprehend or respond appropriately to safety instructions from airline personnel
  • You are unable to establish a means of communicating with or responding to our cabin crew
  • You are unable to physically assist in your own evacuation from the aircraft in the event of an emergency

If you are able to physically assist in your own evacuation in the case of an emergency and you're confident in your ability to do so, you can travel independently without the need of a safety assistant if you choose.

Where you are unable to physically assist in your own evacuation in the case of an emergency you will need to travel with a safety assistant.

Our crew are here to help; there are, however, some things they can't help with.

If you require assistance with eating, administering medication or toileting during your flight you will need to travel with someone 16 years or older capable of assisting you with your needs.

If for the duration of your flight you will not require this level of assistance you may travel independently.

Safety assistant responsibilities

It is the customer's responsibility to arrange travel for a companion or assistant. A companion or assistant entering an aircraft or travelling with you must comply with vaccination and testing requirements. An assistant helping you with your travel must also be at least 16 years of age, and physically and mentally able to assist you. Your assistant may be required to transfer you to and from your seat, so physical strength and experience in transfer techniques is necessary.

An assistant may also need to help with feeding, administering of medication, personal attention in the toilet, and with your Customs and Immigration clearance on International flights. For reasons of safety, assistants are required to be seated in the same cabin as the passenger.