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

[AFF Editor]

We understand that Qantas is still having ongoing consultations with its airport partners in Auckland about the lounge redevelopment. We hope to have an update soon, but it's taking so long that even the lounge staff on the desk at AKL don't have any information at this point about when the construction will begin.

In the meantime, we've put together a bit of an overview of how to get a better lounge experience when flying Qantas out of Auckland. This won't come as a surprise to anyone here, but the best option - if you can - is to book on QF148 or QF158 as these flights leave at times when the Emirates Lounge next door is open.

How to Get a Great Qantas Lounge Experience in Auckland

As Qantas' Auckland Lounge upgrade runs behind schedule, this is how Qantas frequent flyers can enjoy a better lounge experience at Auckland Airport.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Teepee.]

Are you sure that Qantas Platinum or Business class can use the Emirates Lounge? We recently tried that in Bangkok and were rudely told to leave because we weren't flying Emirates.

 

[Beano]

Are you sure that Qantas Platinum or Business class can use the Emirates Lounge? We recently tried that in Bangkok and were rudely told to leave because we weren't flying Emirates.

I've done it a couple of times in Dubai and several in Sydney with no problems. In Dubai I was flying on EK metal wit ha QF ticket. In Sydney it was QF all the way. What ticket were you on? If Qantas should have been OK.

 

[WilsonM]

Are you sure that Qantas Platinum or Business class can use the Emirates Lounge? We recently tried that in Bangkok and were rudely told to leave because we weren't flying Emirates.

Flew through Bangkok in March, departing on Qantas, and was allowed in no problem - was QF Gold and flying Business at the time. Bit odd that you were denied entry - similar questions as Beano though: were you departing on Qantas, what ticket were you on?

 

[shadowground]

Are you sure that Qantas Platinum or Business class can use the Emirates Lounge? We recently tried that in Bangkok and were rudely told to leave because we weren't flying Emirates.

never had an issue getting into the Emirates Lounge in AKL when flying Qantas as a WP.

Only the usual warnings about no boarding announcements.

 

[BrianQQ]

Are you sure that Qantas Platinum or Business class can use the Emirates Lounge? We recently tried that in Bangkok and were rudely told to leave because we weren't flying Emirates.

QF Gold on Qantas ticket from HK to SYD, no problems entering the EK lounge at HKG asw.

 

[Beano]

never had an issue getting into the Emirates Lounge in AKL when flying Qantas as a WP.

Only the usual warnings about no boarding announcements.

Forgot to mention no warnings if flying QF.

 

[serfty]

This won't come as a surprise to anyone here, but the best option - if you can - is to book on QF148 or QF158 as these flights leave at times when the Emirates Lounge next door is open.

Note that when I last used the EK lounge at AKL in August it opened at 4:30pm, even though signposted 5:10pm. I asked and was told the time will change with daylight saving. (In August EK449 was scheduled to depart 8:30pm, currently it is 9:05pm)

 

[Beano]

Note that when I last used the EK lounge at AKL in August it opened at 4:30pm, even though signposted 5:10pm. I asked and was told the time will change with daylight saving. (In August EK449 was scheduled to depart 8:30pm, currently it is 9:05pm)

Same in Sydney. They moved the opening time to earlier.

 

[DSS]

They can't be too far away from making a start I've recently seen the plans and it will definitely be up spec to what is currently available Not just Qantas but other lounges too. Let's hope the food and beverage offering is equally compelling.

 

[serfty]

Let's hope the food and beverage offering is equally compelling.

Unlikely unless you are CL or P1.

... and welcome to AFF @DSS

 

[clifford]

I was kinda taking the piss by the fact DOM J is a piece of cough and won't be touched until 2030

I've seen worse, like the MEL Intl J lounge...

 

[Captain Halliday]

Are you sure that Qantas Platinum or Business class can use the Emirates Lounge? We recently tried that in Bangkok and were rudely told to leave because we weren't flying Emirates.

Perhaps your flight was not an EK codeshare.

Qantas status is valid for EK lounge entry only if the flight is one on which EK code shares.

I’m not familiar with BKK, but in SYD for example you can access the EK lounge if flying QF to NZ but not if you’re flying QF to Japan.

 

[Beano]

Perhaps your flight was not an EK codeshare.

Qantas status is valid for EK lounge entry only if the flight is one on which EK code shares.

I’m not familiar with BKK, but in SYD for example you can access the EK lounge if flying QF to NZ but not if you’re flying QF to Japan.

I suppose you have to remember that EK is not part of One World so only code share flights get you into the EK lounge. Interesting that there are no code shares to Japan from Sydney. One way to check if you have a code share is in FligthStats web site FlightStats - Global Flight Status & Tracker, Airport Weather and Delays. It lists all code share flights for the flight you are on.

 

[torks]

Can confirm white chocolate and strawberry is the only ice cream flavour today.
About to move across to emirates once it opens to compare and contrast!

 

[torks]

Can confirm white chocolate and strawberry is the only ice cream flavour today.
About to move across to emirates once it opens to compare and contrast!

Agree with the article that the emirates lounge is the place to be if open. The contrast is light and day. 5 or 6 hot food options, fish, lamb, curry, amongst other options, Moet is the sparkling. It's no contest

 

[gaz0303]

Can confirm white chocolate and strawberry is the only ice cream flavour today.
About to move across to emirates once it opens to compare and contrast!

The same as Thursday, but it is simply exceptional ice cream so no complaints. I moved across to the Strata lounge after an cream for a barista made coffee.