Auckland Emirates Lounge [Now open approx. 11am-2pm,5pm-9pm]

[kermatu]

wow, that's impressive. I travel through AKL a few times a year, so any insights or tips would be very welcomed!

I was just always very polite and friendly, even in the face of attitude. Early days it was mostly concern with overcrowding. A legitimate concern when there were 4 A380 flights within 3 hours. But I'd make a point of saying I'd only be there for half an hour or so.

Over about an 18 month period I'd go through AKL around 3 times in quick succession every two months. Say two of those the EK lounge would be open so the quick repeat visits helped with familiarity. Plus some of my flights were actually on EK in J (when the SYD flight usually would allow enough time for my onward connections).

A fair bit less travel now, and usually just one visit to AKL rather than 2 or 3 in a row.

Were you interested in anything else re AKL / the airport?

 

[Silvia]

I was just always very polite and friendly, even in the face of attitude. Early days it was mostly concern with overcrowding. A legitimate concern when there were 4 A380 flights within 3 hours. But I'd make a point of saying I'd only be there for half an hour or so.

Over about an 18 month period I'd go through AKL around 3 times in quick succession every two months. Say two of those the EK lounge would be open so the quick repeat visits helped with familiarity. Plus some of my flights were actually on EK in J (when the SYD flight usually would allow enough time for my onward connections).

A fair bit less travel now, and usually just one visit to AKL rather than 2 or 3 in a row.

Were you interested in anything else re AKL / the airport?

Just lounge wise. I usually get the whole attitude around being at the EK lounge when I'm on a QF flight (QF SG) I usually fly on QF158, so I would tend to go QF Lounge and then EK, but due to QF158 departure, realistically I'm at the EK lounge for 45 min.

And yes, back on the AKL-SYD/MEL/BNE days, totally would have understood overcrowding issues, but now the lounge is even larger than last year, and to be fair, I'm not too fused about the food offerings, which are OK, but aren't the best either, it's probably more about the quietness and the bubbles pre flight! But I'm glad to hear that perhaps being upfront about being there a short time it may help. Thanks!

 

[Eija]

Through AKL 28/8/18 on QF158. No issues whatsoever with EK Lounge Angels. On same flight 18/11/18. Will report back here if anything has changed from my perspective.

 

[jasetheace]

I had quite a good experience at the Emirates lounge last month. I was in the Qantas "First lounge" which is possibly the worst I have seen in the Qantas network and departed to my gate where boarding to the Qantas flight was not close to getting started. The Lady working in the lounge recognised me mentioned she had not seen me in a long time. I explained what was going on with my Qantas flight and I was taken very good care of. In fact she called the gate and made sure boarding was well on its way before I returned. I only go through AKL 6 times a year . The Emirates lounge has never been an issue when flying Qantas.

 

[Eija]

On QF158 yesterday, WP flying in Y with a NB as my guest. As usual, welcomed into the EK lounge with a great big smile.

 

[kermatu]

On QF158 yesterday, WP flying in Y with a NB as my guest. As usual, welcomed into the EK lounge with a great big smile.

Out of interest - a familiar (to you) desk agent or newbie?

 

[jasetheace]

Yes (if the EK lounge is opened)

Yes I did last week

 

[jasetheace]

On QF158 yesterday, WP flying in Y with a NB as my guest. As usual, welcomed into the EK lounge with a great big smile.

There is a lady that has worked there for many years.

 

[kiwitripper64]

There is a lady that has worked there for many years.

if it the same one, she was wonderful. Always made me feel welcome.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

There is a lady that has worked there for many years.

I know the person you mean.

 

[Berlin]

Well whatever Qantas intends to do with the 1st class lounge in Auckland, I hope it was only playing a joke on me on the 12 Feb - serving a NZ sparkling called "HaHa" with no champagne insight. Sad, for my pallette, even the Lanson Qantas had is nicer than the Moet that Emirates is now offering in their Auckland lounge. As an aside, Emirates was serving Moet 2009 vintage in the J cabin on EK407. Hope this is a permanent J product offering change.

Almost a year later and same situation. I’m in this horrid old “First” lounge right now and no champagne in sight. I asked one of the staff members and she just pointed to the bottle of cheap local bubbles to which I replied “So you’re out of real French champagne?”. She just said “That’s all we have” as if it has always been like that. They had Mumm just 3 weeks ago and I just hope that’s an exception today. Proper champagne was one of the few things I appreciated about this lounge from the 80ies. If that is now gone anyway, they might as well finally start with their refurb.

Gotta drink extra once on the plane

 

[blackcat20]

Almost a year later and same situation. I’m in this horrid old “First” lounge right now and no champagne in sight. I asked one of the staff members and she just pointed to the bottle of cheap local bubbles to which I replied “So you’re out of real French champagne?”. She just said “That’s all we have” as if it has always been like that. They had Mumm just 3 weeks ago and I just hope that’s an exception today. Proper champagne was one of the few things I appreciated about this lounge from the 80ies. If that is now gone anyway, they might as well finally start with their refurb.

Gotta drink extra once on the plane

I think we had to ask for Champagne when we were there in May last year.

 

[Berlin]

I think we had to ask for Champagne when we were there in May last year.

Yea, I’ve tried that to no avail. Strange, last time there were several bottles just standing in the fridge.

 

[serfty]

Champagne generally available around the times the LAN flight comes through.

 

[Berlin]

Champagne generally available around the times the LAN flight comes through.

Well, not yesterday. The LATAM flight was in the process of boarding at the same time my flight to Sydney was. No champagne to be seen and staff told me “that’s all we have” pointing out the (majorly coughpy) cheap local bubbles.

 

[kermatu]

Couple of entries last month timed almost perfectly for opening at 10:45am (before the QF flight to MEL just after midday).

No troubles entering, and no comments about restricting QF pax. But was made well aware that hot food would not be put out before I left, and did get a bit of an eye-roll once when asking for a dental kit. Both times when leaving at approx 11:30 the lounge was completely empty.

 

[Berlin]

Same again, no champers to be seen in the “First” lounge at AKL. Out of apple cider too and food is the same as two weeks ago. Lahame.

 

[fall502]

Travelling on QF158 last Tuesday and entered the Qantas First lounge around 16:30, lounge busy and as there was 2 of us found it quite difficult to find 2 seats together. Due to some of the posts here and the lounge being nearly full I went by myself to the Emirates lounge at 17:00 (it opened at 16:45) to enquire about using the lounge for myself and my wife. The Emirate's lady was lovely and there were no issues going back and collecting luggage and wife and using this lounge. So much better food and drink wise than the Qantas First lounge and best of all hardly any people there! Also the Emirate's lady let us know when boarding commenced and which gate to go to. We were both flying business and I am Plat and my wife is Gold.

 

[Berlin]

Travelling on QF158 last Tuesday and entered the Qantas First lounge around 16:30, lounge busy and as there was 2 of us found it quite difficult to find 2 seats together. Due to some of the posts here and the lounge being nearly full I went by myself to the Emirates lounge at 17:00 (it opened at 16:45) to enquire about using the lounge for myself and my wife. The Emirate's lady was lovely and there were no issues going back and collecting luggage and wife and using this lounge. So much better food and drink wise than the Qantas First lounge and best of all hardly any people there! Also the Emirate's lady let us know when boarding commenced and which gate to go to. We were both flying business and I am Plat and my wife is Gold.

That Qantas lounge is an absolute disgrace! Thanks a lot for describing your experience- the Veuve in the EK lounge alone is a reason to move over there though a friend of mine got really dirty looks from the lounge dragon the other day (must have been a different lady!). I will actually give it a try tonight and will report.

 

[kermatu]

The QF F lounge there can be so hit and miss. But EK is always good, as long as the desk attendant lets you in!