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

[jase05]

The real reason for the delay has just been revealed: they are struggling to find an operator for Neil's new concept specialty dining option: The Pumpkin Cantina-Bar & Hokey Pokey Ice cream parlour.

Going to need some more chilly bins for all that ice cream

 

[RichardMEL]

Going to need some more chilly bins for all that ice cream

Someone in Mascot thought they meant bins of Chilli, but they don't exist at the Spice Bar so....

 

[pauly7]

Last year I used to fly across the Tasman weekly, back when the Ubers were in the old pickup spot I’d order when getting to the green line in baggage claim and never had to wait more then a minute. The new pickup area is so much further and it’s a proper mess.

Agree and also the quality of Ubers and cabs in AKL is dire like take your live into your own hands!

Ok I won’t take this thread OT anymore doesn’t sound like many frequent business travellers that use airport transfers on thi thread, all good!

Back to the Hokey Pokey icecream

 

[DejaBrew]

Not much different to the J side except for the offer of champagne (Champagne Lanson Le Black).

Don't forget the special "F" coffee (a.k.a. the coffee made in the "J" lounge but served in special gold-rimmed "F" cups and saucers...)

It's also inevitably filled with more DYKWIA people ahead of the early morning flights, who believe that everyone in the F alcove (nee cupboard) need/deserve to hear their loud phone conversations. Well that's been my experience...

 

[serfty]

Currently at the AKL QF lounge and it looks like the F cupboard has now officially closed as the glass door to the left of reception has been disabled/removed and the area can be accessed by all guests.

Not much different to the J side except for the offer of champagne (Champagne Lanson Le Black).

View attachment 400796

Lanson was not there yesterday:



The Emirates lounge which is currently opening 4:30pm had Moet.

 

[Cloud9]

Lanson was not there yesterday:

View attachment 404926

The Emirates lounge which is currently opening 4:30pm had Moet.

Same bottle of rosé there this morning, judging by the volume in the bottle...

 

[Ansett]

In the Auckland F cupboard. Reno's now not due to commence till atleast January 2025. There is also only cookie's amd cream in the freezer.

 

[Princess Fiona]

In the Auckland F cupboard. Reno's now not due to commence till atleast January 2025. There is also only cookie's amd cream in the freezer.

Head over to the Strata lounge. It’s light years ahead of QF

 

[Ansett]

Do we have access to that lounge?

 

[DejaBrew]

Do we have access to that lounge?

Priority Pass gets you access (assuming you have it).

 

[Ansett]

No never seen the need.

 

[DejaBrew]

No never seen the need.

Fair enough. I don't have it either, but I know many do via included benefits of their chosen credit/charge cards (e.g. AMEX).

 

[Berlin]

commence till atleast January 2025.

As I’ve said many times before, I will believe it when I see it Love the “at least”…

 

[Princess Fiona]

No never seen the need.

I have an Amex Charge Card with Priority Pass has saved me in various ports throughout the world. Based on my visit to the Strata lounge at AKL I wouldn’t bother going back to QF until they have completed the refurbs. There is no comparison between the two.

 

[serfty]

Of course, the other trick is to book a Qantas flight departing AKL after, say 6pm.

The EK lounge currently opens 4:30pm and IMHO is way better that any other lounge at AKL international.

 

[jrfsp]

Ducked into the F cupboard, no door and pretty much no food, a few scraps in the barrel, stayed 2 minutes and luckily have the EK lounge to divert to.

 

[Rangalad]

Ducked into the F cupboard, no door and pretty much no food, a few scraps in the barrel, stayed 2 minutes and luckily have the EK lounge to divert to.

Currently in the AKL F-cupboard (supposedly).
Asked about the missing door, was advised "we're using both sides as the club now".

 

[Ansett]

Hi Rangalad I think you may have been misinformed, I have been in that Lounge at the weekend and quite a few other times over the last month. The missing door is due to it being broken and QF not wanting to pay to repair it. On Sunday all Golds etc were being directed into the club and WP and above were being directed to the F Cupboard.

 

[cpatters]

Has anyone got any insights or spoken to someone at Qantas to see when the reno start date will be?

 

[Ansett]

According to the lounge Staff this weekend it will be early next year.