Students fly for less

Air New Zealand is again offering student standby fares for University of Otago and Otago polytechnic students.

Last year, the airline trialled the one-month scheme, which enabled students to buy a $39 one-way or return fare from Dunedin International Airport to any of the airline's 25 domestic destinations, availability permitting.

Under the latest initiative, fares will cost $49, with the two-month trial expected to end on May 21.

Students must arrive at the airport 90 minutes before the flight is due to depart, buy a ticket and show a valid identification card.

If a seat is available on the flight, they will be given a boarding pass 30 minutes before the flight departs.

If no seat is available, money would be refunded, or the student listed on the next available flight.

Only carry-on luggage is allowed under the scheme.

To promote the scheme, Air New Zealand is launching its own student-oriented website, which was modelled on the airline's Grabaseat site.

The site will list flights out of Dunedin, and rank availability.

Dunedin International Airport chief executive John McCall supported any initiative that encouraged people to travel to and from Dunedin.

"Students are a very important part of our business, and this will encourage them to travel more."

Otago Polytechnic Student Association president Meegan Cloughley said, "I think [the initiative] is fantastic.

"Anything to help students see their family, or take some time out without destroying their wallet, is good news.