In January 2004, Australia's domestic carrier Virgin Blue (Airways, January 2003 August 2001) launched Pacific Blue Airlines, a Christchurch-based operation offering flights between New Zealand, Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. An Australian branch, based in Brisbane, followed, and services expanded to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.I made my booking online. Arriving at CHC's International Terminal two hours before departure, as prescribed, I found a long line. Although there were 'only' 159 passengers booked on this flight it appeared that at least 150 of them were queued up ahead of me. Consequently it took about lhr 15min to complete check-in. But at leastthe staff were friendly and happy, all of them no older than 30. An innovative feature is the baggage claim number printed on the boarding pass, eliminating the need for a separate baggage sticker. However, in an unpopular move, the airline-and associated companies-has adopted a 'pay for weight' policy. A flat AUD8 ($5.20) is charged for a bag weighing up to 23kg (511b) if prepaid online; or AUD20 ($13) for any unpleasantly surprised pax who discover this only upon check-in. (Those travelling on higher priced fares, and frequent flyers, receive a free baggage allowance.)After completing check-in, I faced another unanticipated delay. The Christchurch departure tax of NZD25 ($13) departure tax is not included in the ticket cost, so pax must endure another line to pay for this before proceeding to immigration and security. Shortly after I arrived in the departure lounge there was an announcement over the PA (public address) system to the effect that the inbound flight from Brisbane was delayed, and that we could anticipate boarding 30 minutes late. When boarding did begin at Gate 32, customers in rows 15 and behind were loaded first, followed by a general cattle call for the rest of us.
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