Destination, A47 - Watch this space.

[drewbles]

So to update my last post:

VA in AKL said they couldn't issue my RAR-AKL BP. They tried but they couldn't open the flight for some reason. I only tried when I first got to AKL, not at departure. That may have been an issue. I know someone that got their BP for RAR-AKL in SYD, so who can say what the heck was going on.

As a result in RAR, I went thru transit, was told 'no BP', had to go back thru transit, fill in an immigration form, run down to a completely dark/black check-in area, and get my BP. Fortunately the gate people in the departure hall called and asked them to hang around. There were two ladies hiding in the corner by the glow of a computer screen, saying "we were wondering where you were!" and gave me my BP. Then, a quick departure form, and I made the return. Just.

So as dzinh has said, get your BP for RAR-AKL in AKL (or SYD if possible) as if you don't, you're more than likely to have issues.

The crew on the RAR-AKL were baffled when I re-boarded; I was the only one in W as well.

 

[Bolthead]

Good trip reports guys.....

I am off with the SWMBO on the 11th May... was hoping to walk into the AKL lounge by scanning my boarding pass and pretending I own the place but it looks like it may not work. I assume you can use the Koru lounge on the way back?

 

[dzinh]

Head up to the lounge on the way to RAR and try your luck! If you get in then that's a bonus, if not then some shopping or grab a bite from the terminal, you get access on the AKL SYD leg, depending on tail wind, you might land before the lounge opens!

 

[drewbles]

Good trip reports guys.....

I am off with the SWMBO on the 11th May... was hoping to walk into the AKL lounge by scanning my boarding pass and pretending I own the place but it looks like it may not work. I assume you can use the Koru lounge on the way back?

Head up to the lounge on the way to RAR and try your luck! If you get in then that's a bonus, if not then some shopping or grab a bite from the terminal, you get access on the AKL SYD leg, depending on tail wind, you might land before the lounge opens!

I can confirm that Koru access is not longer available. When you enter in AKL your BP will scan red, as it will in RAR as well.

NZ picked up on this one quickly unfortunately. As mentioned, you will have access on AKL-SYD still though.

 

[Bolthead]

I can confirm that Koru access is not longer available. When you enter in AKL your BP will scan red, as it will in RAR as well.

NZ picked up on this one quickly unfortunately. As mentioned, you will have access on AKL-SYD still though.

Head up to the lounge on the way to RAR and try your luck! If you get in then that's a bonus, if not then some shopping or grab a bite from the terminal, you get access on the AKL SYD leg, depending on tail wind, you might land before the lounge opens!

Considering the points/cash we paid for this flight (A47) I guess missing out on lounge entry is the least of our problems... I am counting down the days.

 

[dzinh]

Its unfortunate NZ caught up on the lounge entry, we all did snag up the fare for a pretty good price so the lounge was a bonus, I do wish there was enough time to check out AKL CBD though, looks like a nice city.

have fun and I'm sure you'll enjoy RAR Bolthead!

 

[Virgin Bart]

I'm pretty sure from memory you can still pay your way into the lounge for 55NZD I think. May be worth it for a few drinks, some nice food (I'm very fond of Air NZ lounge food) and a comfortable place to rest.

I know I know, how dare I suggest paying for access!

 

[drewbles]

I'm pretty sure from memory you can still pay your way into the lounge for 55NZD I think. May be worth it for a few drinks, some nice food (I'm very fond of Air NZ lounge food) and a comfortable place to rest.

I know I know, how dare I suggest paying for access!

The food certainly isn't worth it IMHO. For two people $110 will buy a lot in the terminal and there's an ok bar next to Burger King to sit at and watch the world go by. The food was a bland chickpea soup and a sub par lasagne the other day.

Of course if you're looking for a shower I reckon it's worth it

 

[dzinh]

The food is eatable... At least when we were there. The showers are fantastic though, even though its a flagship lounge I didn't like it compared to sydney

 

[Bolthead]

Its unfortunate NZ caught up on the lounge entry, we all did snag up the fare for a pretty good price so the lounge was a bonus, I do wish there was enough time to check out AKL CBD though, looks like a nice city.

have fun and I'm sure you'll enjoy RAR Bolthead!

Thanks dzinh. Looking forward to it. Our story is a little different to others as we had already planned to go to the Cook Islands and in fact had already booked the accommodation We were going to catch the ANZ direct flight from SYD when my wife insisted I look up the possibility of using points. As they say, the rest is history.

PS: AKL is a nice city and worth the visit.

 

[Mak404matt]

Thanks dzinh. Looking forward to it. Our story is a little different to others as we had already planned to go to the Cook Islands and in fact had already booked the accommodation We were going to catch the ANZ direct flight from SYD when my wife insisted I look up the possibility of using points. As they say, the rest is history.

PS: AKL is a nice city and worth the visit.

And as someone who has managed to make use of these fares for an excellent holiday, if I see you around I shall be buying you a drink!

 

[dzinh]

Thanks dzinh. Looking forward to it. Our story is a little different to others as we had already planned to go to the Cook Islands and in fact had already booked the accommodation We were going to catch the ANZ direct flight from SYD when my wife insisted I look up the possibility of using points. As they say, the rest is history.

PS: AKL is a nice city and worth the visit.

Perfect timing and luck is always the key AKL is on the visit list, if only those fares were still live

 

[jsd]

It was about then I was going to cave and she got her manager, who was sympathetic, advised that there's no access but she would let me in on this occasion to 'enjoy the lounge' (and have a well needed shower!) but next time it was a no-no, and she was going to report the fault to NZ IT

Was Debbie the Lounge Manager on duty? She is a lovely lady

 

[drewbles]

Was Debbie the Lounge Manager on duty? She is a lovely lady

I have no idea. I was very much so scattered to say the least (6:30am flight up to SYD after 2 1/2 hours sleep, then my SYD-AKL flight was cancelled and the VA staff were trying to get me to AKL in a class other than Y so I didn't go airside until 60 minutes prior to flight, and only got 10 minutes in the SYD NZ lounge after the 5 mile hike out to the end of that pier ) so didn't really pay attention. I think the fact I was so shattered and obviously frazzled gained me access (and I did *not* pull the DYKWIA card; that's a sure fire way to be told to cough up cash or get out).

 

[Bolthead]

Good trip reports guys.....

I am off with the SWMBO on the 11th May... was hoping to walk into the AKL lounge by scanning my boarding pass and pretending I own the place but it looks like it may not work. I assume you can use the Koru lounge on the way back?

Head up to the lounge on the way to RAR and try your luck! If you get in then that's a bonus, if not then some shopping or grab a bite from the terminal, you get access on the AKL SYD leg, depending on tail wind, you might land before the lounge opens!

I can confirm that Koru access is not longer available. When you enter in AKL your BP will scan red, as it will in RAR as well.

NZ picked up on this one quickly unfortunately. As mentioned, you will have access on AKL-SYD still though.

Considering the points/cash we paid for this flight (A47) I guess missing out on lounge entry is the least of our problems... I am counting down the days.

The food is eatable... At least when we were there. The showers are fantastic though, even though its a flagship lounge I didn't like it compared to sydney

Had a phone call from a mate ringing from the Koru lounge in AKL this afternoon. He is on his way to RAR for business and he took my advice and just scanned his boarding pass. It turned green and the lounge angels let him in. No questions asked. He is a Velocity Plat traveling in Y. This has given me dutch courage know to have a crack at it on Saturday when I travel with SWMBO... :mrgreen:

 

[drewbles]

Had a phone call from a mate ringing from the Koru lounge in AKL this afternoon. He is on his way to RAR for business and he took my advice and just scanned his boarding pass. It turned green and the lounge angels let him in. No questions asked. He is a Velocity Plat traveling in Y. This has given me dutch courage know to have a crack at it on Saturday when I travel with SWMBO... :mrgreen:

If its a RAR flight on NZ or VA? Mine scanned green and they chased me inside and tried to evict me on VA :S

 

[Bolthead]

If its a RAR flight on NZ or VA? Mine scanned green and they chased me inside and tried to evict me on VA :S

Yes, sorry he was flying Virgin to RAR... I said to my wife we will give it a crack anyway... worse case scenario they will chuck us out. It is worth the try.

 

[dzinh]

Yes, sorry he was flying Virgin to RAR... I said to my wife we will give it a crack anyway... worse case scenario they will chuck us out. It is worth the try.

May the Koru luck be with you, and enjoy you trip!

 

[drewbles]

Interesting...

I'll be heading back there again in a few weeks, so let's see how I go then =)

 

[Bolthead]

I have deiced to do a separate Trip Report to the Cook Island please follow on#1

Thanks Bolthead