Frequently Asked Questions.
If there is a question we haven’t answered please contact us directly.
About the Weather
Wow, the weather has its own FAQ section. Isn’t that a bit excessive?
Unfortunately New Zealand is known for having ‘four seasons in one day’– it’s a little country that packs a whole lot of weather and excitement into it. That’s why we have comprehensive weather planning processes in place.
What happens if we book and the weather prevents flying?
We ask all guests to call us on arrival to Queenstown to discuss the latest weather forecast. If the weather is not looking good, flights can be moved to the next probable departure time or the next fine weather day. We’ll work with you to ensure everything can be done to get you in the air.
So is that why it’s important we call you to confirm everything?
Yes it is. We ask all guests to call us after they arrive in Queenstown. At that time we’ll discuss the latest weather forecast with them. We then ask that they call 1.5 hours before departure for a final weather check.
What happens if bad weather prevents us from flying during your entire visit to Queenstown?
Our wet weather package to Milford Sound will generally ensure you can get there no matter what the conditions are. If all flights are grounded due to weather, then the booking will be cancelled with no charge incurred.
Temporary Fuel Surcharge (Effective 13 April 2026)
What You Need to Know
From 13 April 2026, a temporary fuel surcharge of $59 per person will be applied to all new bookings and added at checkout.
This surcharge has been introduced in response to a significant and ongoing increase in aviation fuel costs.
As we take payment on the day of travel, if the fuel surcharge is reduced or removed prior to your flight, the final price you pay will reflect this change. If the surcharge has increased, we will honour the pricing paid at the time of booking.
Please rest assured this is a temporary measure. We are monitoring fuel prices closely and will review the surcharge regularly, with the intention of reducing or removing it as soon as conditions allow.
As always, Air Milford remains committed to delivering the same exceptional experience, service, and safety standards you know and trust.
You need to call us the morning of your flight to check the latest weather information and whether the flight is going ahead.
This is usually one hour before your flight, but please check the table below for specific call times:
| FLIGHT EXPERIENCE | WEATHER CALL | PICK UP | CHECK IN |
PLEASE CALL AT | BE READY AT | Self-Drive Customers only | |
| 8.00am Milford Sound & Big 5 Glacier Flight (Summer) | 6.45am | 7.00am | 7.20am |
| 9.00am Milford Sound & Big 5 Glacier Flight (Winter) | 8.00am | 8.15am | 8.30am |
| 9.30am Milford Sound Fly / Cruise / Fly | 7.45am | 8.00am | 8.20am |
| 9.30am Milford Sound Fly / Landing / Fly | |||
| 9.30am One Way Flight – QTN to MS | |||
| 11.30am Milford Sound Fly / Cruise / Fly | 10.15am | 10.20am | 10.45am |
| 11.30am Milford Sound Fly / Landing / Fly | |||
| 11.30am One Way Flight – Queenstown to Milford | |||
| 1.30pm Milford Sound Fly / Cruise / Fly | 12.30pm | 12.45pm | 1.00pm |
| 1.30pm Milford Sound Fly / Landing / Fly | |||
| 1.30pm One Way Flight – Queenstown to Milford | |||
| Queenstown Scenic Flight | 1 hour prior to Departure | 45mins prior to departure | 30mins prior to Departure |
| One Way Flight – MS to QTN | 24 hours in advance | TBC | TBC |
| All other flights | 24hours prior to confirm details of your booking | ||
If for any reason your travel plans change, and you are not going to be able to fly with us on the day booked, please be sure to contact us.
The following cancellation policy applies to all Air Milford bookings:
- For flights cancelled more than 48 hours prior to the departure time, there will be no charge.
- For flights cancelled between 24 hours and 48 hours prior to departure time we reserve the right to charge a 10% booking fee.
- For flights cancelled within 24 hours prior to departure time, or in the case of a ‘no show’, you will be charged the full cost of the flight.
- Air Milford reserves the right to apply discretion in special circumstances.
- Cancelled flights on our behalf (due to weather etc.) will incur no charge.