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

[Himeno]

Is there enough time during the QF3 stopover at AKL to visit a lounge and if so, which one?

I've only been through AKL once, in 2005 on my first trip (flying NZ in Y).

 

[RB001]

Is there enough time during the QF3 stopover at AKL to visit a lounge and if so, which one?

I've only been through AKL once, in 2005 on my first trip (flying NZ in Y).

The transit is 2 hours, and transit protocols in NZ are usually rather efficient, so there will be time for a lounge visit. Gates 8/9/10 are normal for this flight, so you'll have a good chance to stretch your legs.
Should you have the right seat or status, the Qantas Lounge (the illustrious venue of this very thread) will be your destination.
From my most recent visit last month, I didn't have an issue finding it. The AKL Airport site has maps if you're so inclined.

 

[RickyT84]

Currently in the AKL cupboard as it's the only place I can find a seat (near the TV)

Ice cream was salted caramel and the champagne was Lanvin & Fils Brut NV.

The lounge was very packed and they have to make an announcement to get people to remove their bags from chairs so there is space for others to sit.

 

[shadowground]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

 

[DejaBrew]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Oh no!!! I was planning to experience the AKL Emirates Lounge for the first time tomorrow evening

 

[serfty]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Eek!

Any time frame offerred. The EK website simply states the Strata Lounge.

 

[jrfsp]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Not sure what they need to refurbish really? Seemed pretty fresh and well kept to me

 

[serfty]

Not sure what they need to refurbish really? Seemed pretty fresh and well kept to me

The EK web site simply states "Strata Lounge".

I hope it is refurbishment....

 

[Beano]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Does this mean you can use the strata lounge too.

 

[DejaBrew]

Does this mean you can use the strata lounge too.

I’ll find out tomorrow and report back (assuming nobody else beats me to it).

 

[Lynda2475]

I’ll find out tomorrow and report back (assuming nobody else beats me to it).

I suspect the answer would be no.

If you were flying EK J or had status with them im sure it wouldn't be a problem. But if you are flying QF and relying on OW status I suspect you will be sent back to the QF cupboard.

Normally I allow for lounge time, but AKL QF lounge was so underwhelming last year, I'm planning on extra sleep and heading straight to the gate.

 

[henrus]

Is the F lounge door fixed or does it just stay open all the time?

Amusingly not QF the Air NZ lounge Brisbane door is buggered and moves slowly so they've stuck a sticker to the door saying this door moves slowly.

 

[RickyT84]

Is the F lounge door fixed or does it just stay open all the time?

Amusingly not QF the Air NZ lounge Brisbane door is buggered and moves slowly so they've stuck a sticker to the door saying this door moves slowly.

The F cupboard door was open today so it was available for all.

Not sure if it was due to the time of my visit (in the afternoon where there were QF departures to MEL, SYD, BNE and JFK) which maybe necessary to utilise all spaces.

 

[DejaBrew]

I suspect the answer would be no.

Likewise, but hey, no harm in asking

 

[Lynda2475]

Woke up early as never sleep well when I have an early flight, so got to AKL ~30mins before I expected, so a quick visit the the QF F Lounge (cough cupboard) for a cheesy scone with bacon (just incase plane breaky is vego) and a double shot coffee.

I can report only one flavour of ice cream being Salted Caramel but it must be ok as the gentleman seated next to me is currently polishing off his 2nd one and its not even 6am!

 

[Beano]

Woke up early as never sleep well when I have an early flight, so got to AKL ~30mins before I expected, so a quick visit the the QF F Lounge (cough cupboard) for a cheesy scone with bacon (just incase plane breaky is vego) and a double shot coffee.

I can report only one flavour of ice cream being Salted Caramel but it must be ok as the gentleman seated next to me is currently polishing off his 2nd one and its not even 6am!

Thanks all for the update on the ice cream. Salted caramel not favoured by me. I like some ice cream with my salt. This doesn't bode well for my visit to the WLG business lounge this afternoon!

 

[shadowground]

Is the F lounge door fixed or does it just stay open all the time?

Amusingly not QF the Air NZ lounge Brisbane door is buggered and moves slowly so they've stuck a sticker to the door saying this door moves slowly.

The F cupboard door was open today so it was available for all.

Not sure if it was due to the time of my visit (in the afternoon where there were QF departures to MEL, SYD, BNE and JFK) which maybe necessary to utilise all spaces.

Pretty sure the F Cupboard door has been broken for awhile, so it is just left open now. That being said they didn't specifically direct me left and may have just assumed I knew the way?

I suspect the answer would be no.

Yep - I accessed the Strata lounge through Priority Pass. It was standing room only around 745pm prior to EK449 departing.

 

[justinbrett]

I used the strata lounge a few weeks ago flying HA.

IMO definitely inferior to the QF F lounge, and that’s saying something.

 

[jase05]

I used the strata lounge a few weeks ago flying HA.

IMO definitely inferior to the QF F lounge, and that’s saying something.

Disappointing to hear that standards have dropped in the Strata. It’s been a little while since visiting but found the food options far superior in the Strata especially the desserts

 

[justinbrett]

Disappointing to hear that standards have dropped in the Strata. It’s been a little while since visiting but found the food options far superior in the Strata especially the desserts

QF was better than I remembered. Strata was OK food wise but not a nice place to be, noisy (kids play area had no soundproofing and was full of screaming kids), lack of toilets and unfriendly staff. Big open space with bright industrial lighting, may as well have waited by the gate.