Air New Zealand is currently running a pilot trial for all passengers travelling to or through Los Angeles from either London or Auckland on NZ1, NZ2, or NZ6. All passengers on these flights must now complete the online Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to their flight without any exception. Anyone who has not done so will not be able to board. The trial is being run in conjunction with US Customs and Border Protection and the New Zealand Customs Service to eliminate the need to complete the green I-94W arrival form and help streamline the passage through US Customs on arrival. The airports have limited computer facilities at the check-in areas, transfer areas and departure gates in London, Los Angeles and Auckland which are available until check-in closes at 45 minutes prior to departure for each of these flights. However it is strongly recommended you complete the application 72 hours prior to arrival at the airport of your departure.
It is strongly recommended that any passengers arriving into Los Angeles on any flight other than NZ1, NZ2 or NZ6 should also have completed their ESTA application 72 hours in advance of their intended arrival date in the USA. However you may still need to complete the green I-94W form during the flight.