Refurbished Auckland lounge

[Rangalad]

The key to providing a good F lounge, I would argue is actually providing a lounge worth visiting. Simply having a separate space with extra chairs ain't gonna do it. There are reasons why people tire over getting Platinum status, it's for that Flounge experience be it the a-la carte dining, the spa, the places to sleep, etc. In other words, unique experiences you would not find in the run of the mill J lounge.

I would make the argument that QF has decided that AKL is yet another domestic destination they serve. After all, if they wanted to go all out on the QF refurbishment, they could've snatched some or perhaps all of the space occupied by the existing Strata lounge and make a proper J lounge and F lounges with all the stuff you would find at SIN or LAX. Which is really a pity given the fact that AKL is the one international destination they serve the most with over a dozen non-stops each day.

-RooFlyer88

No bourbon in the F Lounge today.
:-(

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

So no minor or major works to either?

 

[Cloud9]

I reckon this is part of a larger ploy.

Domestic grade Enhanced service on T/T flights. Next stop a QP grade lounge for all in AKL.

 

[DejaBrew]

So no minor or major works to either?

Zero difference to either when I passed through on April 26th. That being said, it was my first time into the AKL FLounge, but it was clear that no work had been done.

 

[justinbrett]

It’s not due until the end of the year.

 

[SYD]

It’s not due until the end of the year.

Start refurb or open?

There does seem to be some delays in a few refurbs. ADL hasn’t started either from what I recall reading here.

 

[DejaBrew]

It’s not due until the end of the year.

Sure, but wasn't the first phase meant to be starting in mid to late 2023 with expected completion for end of 2023, with the second phase due for completion end of 2024?

 

[Berlin]

As I've said on this thread before-I'll believe it when I see it!

 

[elanshin]

Sure, but wasn't the first phase meant to be starting in mid to late 2023 with expected completion for end of 2023, with the second phase due for completion end of 2024?

Sometimes stuff are not necessarily fully visible.

Perhaps need to ask the lounge staff.

 

[stm1sydney]

It’s not due until the end of the year.

Which year?

 

[Cloud9]

Which year?

Goodness knows...
That $100m they were going to spend on the lounges... Reckon that's what they've just agreed to pay to the ACCC?

 

[Rangalad]

Definitely no work started as of yesterday.

It’s not due until the end of the year.

 

[justinbrett]

Definitely no work started as of yesterday.

No visible work I assume. Apparently the first stage is the expansion which I would assume would be done first before they open the connecting wall(s) into the new space.

 

[henrus]

I was in the AKL F lounge around lunch time today. Unlike the J lounge which busy there was just a handful of people in the F section.

Current Champagne is Lanson Le Black Label Brut. I'm actually not looking forward to a combined lounge as this will likely mean the removal of Champagne and quieter space.

 

[Wing Nut]

According to the Qantas newsroom and press release, Auckland QP was "set to open progressively from 2023". Chortle chortle.

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-announces-100-million-upgrade-to-lounge-network-including-new-first-lounge-in-london/

I must admit in January I was very happy to get the 'turn right' wave to the frosted glass doors from the Qantas ladies. Did a lap of the QP, it was mad.

 

[stm1sydney]

No visible work I assume. Apparently the first stage is the expansion which I would assume would be done first before they open the connecting wall(s) into the new space.

Now you are just grasping at straws.

 

[justinbrett]

Now you are just grasping at straws.

Straws have been banned for a while now

 

[moa999]

Auckland Airport shows the 2nd floor layout like this.
From memory there are windows on the left side (part of the F lounge).
It doesn't like up with what seems to be the roof pattern at AKL.

 

[justinbrett]

Auckland Airport shows the 2nd floor layout like this. Maybe there is some space to the left of the Qantas lounge.

View attachment 384998

TripitPro maps show the new area to the right (unless both maps are out of date in which case the new area is somewhere else) - but definitely a new area in the map below vs the one you have on the AKL website.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Unless they are extending it, when and if, more towards the right hand side, ie, towards the compass point.
I think if I remember correctly, the windows allow light in, but are opaque, so you cant see out, who knows, maybe its good like that, as it would just show the roof top of the AKL airport, and nothing else.
If it was a clear view, it would show I guess the new Sofitel/Novotel.
But some say even if the works cant be seen, there are things happening out of view, but I dont know how this can be.