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Air Chathams (IATA code: 3C) is New Zealand's domestic airline based in the Chatham Islands. It was established in 1984 by Craig and Marion Emeny to better connect the Chatham Islands, the most eastern part of New Zealand, to mainland New Zealand. The airline serves scheduled flights to the following destinations: Auckland, Whakatane, Whanganui, Kapiti Coast, Chatham Islands, Norfolk Island, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Air Chathams cabin baggage weight and dimensions
Passengers booking their flight tickets with Air Chathams are entitled to one piece of baggage up to 7 kg which does not exceed the total linear dimensions of 115 cm. Passengers are allowed to carry unopened alcohol in their cabin bag if it complies with liquids policy (up to a total of 1 litre of liquids in 100 ml bottles, all placed in a transparent, resealable bag). It is forbidden to consume alcohol on board Air Chathams scheduled flights.
Air Chathams checked baggage weight and dimensions
When flying on Air Chathams, passengers can check one piece of baggage up to 23 kg. For baggage exceeding this limit, a $3.50/kg charge will be levied. No item of baggage can weigh more than 32 kg. Passengers traveling with infants up to 24 months can bring a 5 bag in addition to their baggage allowance. Additional pieces of baggage up to 23 kg can be checked and the charge depends on the route. Carriage of unaccompanied children, pregnant women, incapacitated persons, persons with illness, or other passengers requiring special assistance is subject to prior arrangement with Air Chathams. You must complete an appropriate form available on the carrier's website and it will have to be presented to the airline's staff or agent at check-in.
Air Chathams passengers can choose from three types of fares: Thrifty, Saver, and Full Economy. Thrifty Fare is non-changeable, non-refundable and non-transferable. Tickets for CHT and AKL/WLG/CHC flights can be modified at an extra fee of NZD$50.00. An additional cost of upgrading may apply. Saver Fare can be transferred to another person, flight or fare class up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, usually at an extra fee. An additional cost of upgrading may apply. Full Economy enables to make changes after contacting the airline up to 24 hours before the flight (to/from the Chatham Islands or Norfolk Island) or 1 hour before the flight (all other flights).
Flights to the Chathams Islands are served once a week on Thursdays from Auckland, twice a week on Mondays and Fridays from Wellington and on Tuesdays from Christchurch. The average duration of flights from Auckland is 2 hours 30 minutes, whereas it takes about 2 hours to fly to the Chathams Islands from Wellington and 2 hours 15 minutes from Christchurch. Air Chathams flights to Auckland are served from the following departure points: Whakatāne, 45 minutes; Whanganui, 1 hour; Kapiti Coast, 1 hour 10 minutes; the Chatham Island, 2 hours 30 minutes; Norfolk Island 2 hours 20 minutes. Chatham Island to Christchurch flights are served once a week and take 2 hours 30 minutes. 45-minute flights to Whakatane from Auckland are served three times per day from Monday to Friday and twice a day during the weekend. The Chatham Island to Wellington flights take 1 hour 45 minutes and are served twice a week. Air Chathams flies from Auckland to Whanganui three times a day from Monday to Friday, once a day on Saturdays, and twice a day on Sundays. The average flight time is 1 hour. You can fly from Auckland to Kapiti Coast twice a day, from Monday to Sunday and the average flight time is 1 hour 10 minutes. Planes from Auckland land in Norfolk Island after about 3 hours. As this is an international flight, you will need a passport.
Checking in for Air Chathams flights can either be done online or at the airport. Air Chathams online check-in is available from 24 hours to 2 hours before scheduled flight departure. The airline has its own check-in facilities in Auckland, Whakatane, Whanganui, Kapiti Coast and on the Chatham Islands. In other locations, look for the Air Chathams logo on the Flight Information Display to find the check-in counter. Checking in for regional flights is possible from 90 minutes before the scheduled departure. To check in for international flights (Norfolk Island), do it between 2 hours and 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Arrive at the Air Chathams check-in counter no later than 45 minutes before Chatham Island and Norfolk Island flights and no later than 30 minutes before all other flights, otherwise, the airline may cancel your booking.
As of 2019, the Chathams fleet consisted of 12 aircraft, including Convair 580, ATR 72-500, Douglas DC-3, Fairchild Metro III, Fairchild Metro 23, Aero Commander 690A, Cessna 206, Saab 340A, Saab 340B. Which aircraft you will be flying on depends on the route, however, most flights are served by Saab 340 planes, whereas Fairchild Metroliners operate Whakatane flights and Convair 580 planes fly to the Chatham Islands and Norfolk.
Passengers taking Air Chathams flights are offered an in-flight snack and a drink. No entertainment system is available on board due to the short duration of flights served by the airline, however, passengers can read the Air Chats in-flight magazine to keep themselves entertained.
Chatham Islands Airport is 20km from Waitangi Township on the Chatham Islands. The most popular destinations include Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. The small airport terminal features basic facilities, such as a waiting area, toilets, an eatery, and Wi-Fi. No public transport is available. Book your rental car in advance or discuss possible transport options with your accommodation host or, if staying in a hotel, ask to be picked up from the airport.
