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

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Changed my flight. Too much uncertainty

Yep always a good move avoiding JQ

 

[moa999]

This time of year the Emirates lounge opens around 5pm giving an unrushed hour for those on the Qantas 7pm Sydney flight and more time for Melbourne PAX on the nights when the 8pm flight operates.

So I wonder if QF staff will effectively staff the EK lounge until it's normal opening time.

From memory Strata had similar hours to the QF lounge.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Last hurrah in the AKL F lounge today and I’m pleased to report they’re going out with Hokey Pokey!

And today’s champagne:

 

[Captain Halliday]

Do-it-yourself Affogato with Hokey Pokey.

Hints of crème brûlée with a little bitterness form the espresso. Delicious.

 

[moa999]

So by prior reports the lounge should be closed today, with pax heading to Emirates and Strata lounges.

 

[justinbrett]

That's odd. I don't suppose the particular flight would make a difference to the messaging? My onward flight is QF3.

Mines now has a different message saying it’s already closed.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Anyone been since Sunday?

If I was the last AFFer through, do I get a plaque or a trophy or something?

 

[DC3]

If I was the last AFFer through, do I get a plaque or a something?

Or, an AFF-do held in your honour. Or, at least a toast at the next Auckland one.

 

[Mattg]

Do-it-yourself Affogato with Hokey Pokey.

Hints of crème brûlée with a little bitterness form the espresso. Delicious.
View attachment 440120

That might well be the best thing anyone's ever eaten in that lounge! Looks delicious

 

[TheBigD]

Anyone been since Sunday?

If I was the last AFFer through, do I get a plaque or a trophy or something?

Confirming it was closed yesterday, I ended up in the very nice and spacious Emirates Lounge

 

[Mattg]

Officially, Qantas Gold frequent flyers are being re-accommodated in the Strata Lounge. But aren't Gold frequent flyers eligible to access the Emirates Lounge anyway if it's open?

I guess it's possible Qantas might have some sort of special arrangement in place to prevent Gold frequent flyers using the Emirates lounge at the times when Emirates is effectively just keeping it open outside its normal operating hours for QF customers. But I'd be interested to know if any QFF Gold members have tried to access the EK lounge during the construction period.

I'd also be interested to know where MH and LA passengers who are normally eligible for lounge access are being sent now?

 

[jase05]

I'd also be interested to know where MH and LA passengers who are normally eligible for lounge access are being sent now?

Both airlines have agreements with the Strata lounge AFAIK

 

[serfty]

That might well be the best thing anyone's ever eaten in that lounge! Looks delicious

Maybe not in the last 20 years.

I first used it in the 90's and the soft product was often far better.

I recall special catering being put out in the early 00's when the LAN flight from SYD with First class came through in the afternoon. Plenty of protein such as lamb kebabs.

 

[Captain Halliday]

That might well be the best thing anyone's ever eaten in that lounge! Looks delicious

It was delicious.

The honeycomb added extra texture and sweetness to a standard affogato.

I wonder if I can extract a consulting fee and get “The Captain’s Affogato” added to the F Lounge menus?

 

[SYD]

It was delicious.

The honeycomb added extra texture and sweetness to a standard affogato.

I wonder if I can extract a consulting fee and get “The Captain’s Affogato” added to the F Lounge menus?

Missed your Master Chef calling and the “Invention test”!

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Officially, Qantas Gold frequent flyers are being re-accommodated in the Strata Lounge. But aren't Gold frequent flyers eligible to access the Emirates Lounge anyway if it's open?

Yes, QFF Gold members can access the EK lounge and I made use of it back when I was in SYD. However, it's my understanding that there are limitations on when such a lounge can be used in conjunction with QF/EK flights. For instance, if you are on QF3 to JFK then you wouldn't have access since the EK/QF agreement excludes flights to the Americas, at least on paper. Whether that changes due to the reality of the QF Club being closed at AKL remains to be seen.

-RooFlyer88

 

[jase05]

Yes, QFF Gold members can access the EK lounge and I made use of it back when I was in SYD. However, it's my understanding that there are limitations on when such a lounge can be used in conjunction with QF/EK flights. For instance, if you are on QF3 to JFK then you wouldn't have access since the EK/QF agreement excludes flights to the Americas, at least on paper. Whether that changes due to the reality of the QF Club being closed at AKL remains to be seen.

-RooFlyer88

With the QF lounge being closed I’d say EK would want to limit capacity in their lounge so I’d imagine that QFF Golds will be denied entry to the EK lounge temporarily.

 

[justinbrett]

Officially, Qantas Gold frequent flyers are being re-accommodated in the Strata Lounge. But aren't Gold frequent flyers eligible to access the Emirates Lounge anyway if it's open?

I guess it's possible Qantas might have some sort of special arrangement in place to prevent Gold frequent flyers using the Emirates lounge at the times when Emirates is effectively just keeping it open outside its normal operating hours for QF customers. But I'd be interested to know if any QFF Gold members have tried to access the EK lounge during the construction period.

I'd also be interested to know where MH and LA passengers who are normally eligible for lounge access are being sent now?

Lounges can always play the capacity card.

In addition, QF3/4 pax would not be eligible. Even pax on QF4 originating in NZ could be excluded, as it’s still classed as a US flight. They make an announcement about US DoT regulations even on the AKL-SYD leg.

I wonder if AA will use EK as well when they resume their seasonal flights?