AirNZ review: Flight check in

This morning we had an issue starting our car, had to jump start it, got to New Plymouth airport 6.20am, which we thought was still fine, spent 5 minutes looking for a carpark and made terminal at 6.27am. Spoke to check in person who informed us we were 5 minutes late and could not fly. After speaking to her my husband then noticed the clock then reading 6.30am. Our flight was 6.55am- flying to Wellington- there and back in the day to attend our son's final University music recital for his degree. No matter what we said she would make no attempt to get us on the plane- offering us a trip via Christchurch to get to Wellington- of course not suitable as would not get into Wellington in time for the 10am recital. The check in person was inflexible, said the information had gone to Auckland for plane weights etc and she could do nothing. She did not look at us at all, just kept saying there is nothing she could do. When I spoke to someone at the Call Centre later in the day to inform Air NZ we would not be on the return flight in the evening - she informed us that this person could have got us on the flight- we feel robbed and are gutted as this is something that will never be repeated. There was someone who came in a little before us and he was in the same position.

Has computerisation made Air NZ inconsiderate and inhumane?

I am an older person- not technologically competent so did not have the AirNz app. Someone has since downloaded it for me, but this whole process is becoming so lacking in humanity, we feel isolated and struggle with having to deal with everything on-line and not in person. Can I suggest that some of your check in people have instruction in how to actually listen/help people.

The person at the Call Centre was much better and listened and was sympathetic.