Electronic equipment use

We all love our gadgets, so here's a guide to using electronic equipment at the airport and on our aircraft. You should also listen carefully to instructions provided in the gate lounge and on the plane about using these devices.

For information about using electronic equipment not listed here, please contact us.

Each person is limited to a maximum of 15 portable electronic devices, such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc. 

At the airport

Portable electronic devices may be used inside the terminal building and enclosed walkways, such as airbridges. Most airports provide wifi and charging stations; check their websites for details.

Security screening usually requires laptops to be removed from bags and screened separately. X-ray screening does not damage electronic equipment.

If you're walking across the tarmac, your devices may remain powered on but must not be used. It's a potentially hazardous area and we need your full attention.

In security controlled areas, such as customs and immigration, some airports prohibit the use of devices, including mobiles and cameras. You can have devices turned on; just resist the temptation to use them.

On the plane

Lightweight handheld electronic devices may be used at any time. Ensure these are switched to flight mode as wifi and cellular must be turned off until advised after landing. You are allowed to use Bluetooth, so after selecting flight mode, turn Bluetooth on.

Wearables and implants - hearing aid, pacemaker, watch, tracker

These devices can be used at any time on all our aircraft, provided cellular and wifi transmitting capability is switched off. Bluetooth functionality is permitted:

  • Hearing aids
  • Pacemakers
  • Electric watches
  • Smart watches
  • Activity trackers
  • Electronic jewellery

Electronic cigarettes and pipes

You are permitted to carry e-cigarettes /cigars/pipes and vaporing devices etc., in your carry-on bags only  but you are not allowed to use or charge them while onboard.

Important 

Travelling to/from Hong Kong

All Alternative Smoking Products e.g. e-cigarettes, vaping devices, vaping liquid, herbal cigarettes etc., are not permitted for carriage. Penalties apply if they are carried.

Light handhelds - mobile phone, tablet, iPod, ebook

This section is about lightweight/handheld devices weighing up to 1kg, and able to be held and operated with one hand. Cellular or wifi transmitting capability, must be switched off or set to flight mode for the entire flight. You are allowed to use Bluetooth, so after selecting flight mode turn Bluetooth on.

Unless the crew instruct otherwise, lightweight, handheld devices can be used on all Air New Zealand jet and turbo-prop fleets at any time.

Light handhelds include:

  • Mobile phones and smartphones
  • Tablets and iPads
  • Audio players - CD, MP3, iPod
  • Electronic books
  • Cameras
  • Handheld games and toys without remote control
  • Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
  • Noise cancelling headsets (Bluetooth enabled)
  • Approved medical devices
  • Portable voice recorders powered by dry cell batteries (at any time on any aircraft)
  • Calculator without printer (at any time on any aircraft)

Note: The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not to be carried, either on your person, in carry-on or checked-in luggage on board any Air New Zealand aircraft.

Larger portables - laptop, DVD player, video camera

This section refers to portable electronic devices that weigh more than 1kg and/or can't be held and operated in one hand (large devices).

Cellular or wifi transmitting capability must be switched off or set to flight mode for the entire flight. You are allowed to use Bluetooth, so after selecting flight mode turn Bluetooth on.

Unless the crew instruct otherwise, large portable devices, or those which can't be held and operated in one hand can be used after take-off and before landing on all our aircraft, otherwise they must be safely stowed.

Examples of larger portable devices include:

  • Laptop and notebook computers
  • Portable CD and DVD players
  • Electronic games and toys without remote control
  • Video recorders and cameras
  • Handheld calculators with printers

Bluetooth or wireless accessories - headphones, mouse, keyboard, controller

Accessories that require a Bluetooth connection can be used on our aircraft. If the device is lightweight and handheld it can be used at all times. Otherwise if it is a large device, or designed for use with a large device, it can only be used after takeoff and before landing.

Cellular or wifi transmitting capability cannot be used during flight, unless advised by crew after landing.

Drone carriage

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a "drone", is viewed as a portable electronic device.

Drones may be carried as either checked-in or cabin baggage on Air New Zealand services provided the requirements for accepting cabin baggage or checked-in baggage are met. If the batteries cannot be removed from the drone it must be packed so it cannot be activated accidentally, and the batteries that power the drone must comply with Air New Zealand acceptance. See travelling with lithium batteries.

Plugging into aircraft power

Power for medical devices

See medical equipment.

Aircraft service electrical outlets

You cannot use devices that need to plug into an aircraft service electrical outlet. The only exception is MEDA approved equipment, see medical equipment.

In-seat power for computers

In-seat outlets providing 110V at 60Hz are available in:

  • Business Premier and Premium Economy on B777-300 and B787-9 aircraft
  • Economy on B777-300 and B787-9 aircraft

All outlets accept these plugs:

  • 3-pin New Zealand or Australian
  • 2-pin European
  • 2-pin or 3-pin USA

British 3-pin plugs require a travel adaptor for all outlets except on our B777-300 aircraft. We only carry a limited supply of these, so it's a good idea to bring your own.

Grooming and comfort - shaver, toothbrush, noise cancelling headphones

These devices can be used at any time on all our aircraft, apart from headsets during safety announcements:

  • Electric shaver
  • Electric toothbrush
  • Noise cancelling headsets issued by Air New Zealand
  • Other Bluetooth noise cancelling headsets

Radio, television, VHF and GPS

These devices cannot be used. They must be switched off and prevented from accidentally activating during the entire flight:

  • Satellite receivers, such as Sirius XM Radio
  • TV sets
  • AM/FM radio receivers
  • VHF scanner receivers
  • Radio transmitters, such as CB, ham radio
  • GPS systems

Medical and life support

  • Self-contained personal life support systems that use non-spill batteries, including nebulisers and monitors, may be used when you have prior medical clearance and equipment approval from Air New Zealand
  • For information on other devices see medical equipment