Article: Qantas Auckland Lounge Upgrade: The End of an Era

Sitting in the first cupboard now - I have to say though, I do like the cosy nature of the cupboard. Having said that it’s packed today,

Front desk reckons “next year” now for renovations….forever waiting
 
I arrived into Auckland at 5:30am today and went to the F-lounge. Its a busy time with quite a few flights departing mostly for Australia. Friendly but understaffed. When I arrived I was ready for a shower after a long flight. There was one shower, and it was grotty with mould on the tiles, toothpaste and toilet paper strewn about. They don't seem to clean between showers. Qantas you need to do better.

Then I go to sit down and find all of the available tables had yet to be cleared and it took a long time to get my table attended to.

A friendly staff member was taking coffee orders, which she collect from the J-lounge barista next door.

A new lounge alone won't provide an acceptable service level - they need to staff it appropriately.
 
I arrived into Auckland at 5:30am today and went to the F-lounge. Its a busy time with quite a few flights departing mostly for Australia. Friendly but understaffed. When I arrived I was ready for a shower after a long flight. There was one shower, and it was grotty with mould on the tiles, toothpaste and toilet paper strewn about. They don't seem to clean between showers. Qantas you need to do better.

Then I go to sit down and find all of the available tables had yet to be cleared and it took a long time to get my table attended to.

A friendly staff member was taking coffee orders, which she collect from the J-lounge barista next door.

A new lounge alone won't provide an acceptable service level - they need to staff it appropriately.
Correction: there is one shower in the men's restroom area then another shower adjacent to the female entrance.
 
They were out of dental kits when I was there last weekend. Nice staff members there though.
 
Got there last week at 9.45am. Breakfast about finished, not appealing. Coffee machine broke so went to main lounge for coffee and they had the same food.
Lunch menu of pork stew slop with couscous and the NZ-tradition of minestrone soup. Soft cheese slabs all stuck together and some salads.
Mens showers not impressive but clean.
For a lounge catering to the higher level FF it is well below others.
Too bad EK have restricted hours, I’d go there every time.
 

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I visited the F cupboard yesterday. No signs of any renovations underway, so I asked the staff on the front desk. They told me the latest information they'd heard was that the upgrade would start in late September, although they weren't holding their breath either.

I did note that the EK lounge currently opens at 16:30. Unfortunately my flight was at 16:05.
 
I visited the F cupboard yesterday. No signs of any renovations underway, so I asked the staff on the front desk. They told me the latest information they'd heard was that the upgrade would start in late September, although they weren't holding their breath either.

I did note that the EK lounge currently opens at 16:30. Unfortunately my flight was at 16:05.
Oh- we’ve almost bumped into each other then, we’ve been there yesterday as well! As you say, no sign of anything happening.

Luckily, the EK lounge had mercy with us so we could spend an hour at least there which of course was a real treat :)
 
Oh- we’ve almost bumped into each other then, we’ve been there yesterday as well! As you say, no sign of anything happening.

Luckily, the EK lounge had mercy with us so we could spend an hour at least there which of course was a real treat :)

I didn't spot you, you must have arrived after I left! Were you on QF148?
 
Appear the F lounge is closed and there may not be a dedicated F lounge post-reno.
Interesting - that review is dated March 10th. I myself attended the First Section that very week (after the date).

Anecdotes as recently as a week ago confirm the refurbishment had not yet started.

 
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