Qantas First Lounge in Auckland?

[travellerqff]

Last time I visited the Qantas Club in Auckland International departures, I couldn't help but notice a big blurred glass door to the left titled 'First.'

How long has it been there and does Qantas operate it or is it Cathay. Cannot find anything on it at qantas.com

 

[Sprucegoose]

Last time I visited the Qantas Club in Auckland International departures, I couldn't help but notice a big blurred glass door to the left titled 'First.'

How long has it been there and does Qantas operate it or is it Cathay. Cannot find anything on it at qantas.com

Not sure. It's not that flash. Just seperate. QF operate it. Keeps Some riff raff out.

 

[serfty]

It's been there at the very least since the 90's.

Quite reminiscent of BNE First Lounge in decor.

Generally better food/drink options than the Business lounge.

These days it really an "Emerald Lounge" as there is no First class out of AKL on any oneworld carrier.

 

[beardoc]

I can't compare it to the standard offering in AKL, but it's pleasant and quiet (I took the LAN AKL-SYD flight a while back). Reasonable but not outstanding food. Otherwise fairly standard lounge.

 

[2impulsiv]

I can't compare it to the standard offering in AKL, but it's pleasant and quiet (I took the LAN AKL-SYD flight a while back). Reasonable but not outstanding food. Otherwise fairly standard lounge.

I'd agree with that. It is very quiet and not over crowded.

 

[JohnM]

They serve Cattier champagne in there (at least they did last year), if that is of interest .

 

[Canny man]

As noted, kind of like the BNE first lounge.
Usually some nice wine and OK snacks.
The breakfasts are decent as well.

 

[Berlin]

Being super quiet usually is the biggest plus of this lounge in my eyes, toilet facilities are also okay and usually clean. They do have Champagne and some decent wines in there too but the food has been very disappointing both times I've been lately. Certainly by no means "F" as you'd imagine but than again, there are no F flights out of this port either.

 

[amaroo]

We were there - very early this morning:shock:

The options were basic however, more than adequate given no F & no real "international" J either.

 

[Pablo]

Has this lounge improved now with being able to purchase First seats on EK but with a QF flight number? We are doing an F flight from Auckland I SYD in a few weeks. Or is there an EK First lounge?

 

[beardoc]

Has this lounge improved now with being able to purchase First seats on EK but with a QF flight number? We are doing an F flight from Auckland I SYD in a few weeks. Or is there an EK First lounge?

Just went through the QF AKL F Lounge last weekend. It is still the same - no changes. There is only one EK lounge, no divisions between F and J.

 

[Pablo]

Just went through the QF AKL F Lounge last weekend. It is still the same - no changes. There is only one EK lounge, no divisions between F and J.

Which lounge is better?

 

[vertisol]

This review's a couple of years old now
Review: Emirates Lounge, Auckland - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

 

[serfty]

This review's a couple of years old now
Review: Emirates Lounge, Auckland - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

Moreover, that review is from after the end of 2010 and no longer relevant.

Emirates have since had a new lounge constructed upstairs, with more light and overlooking the departures concourse (just after security).

The space reviewed in that article is now a paid lounge.

 

[beardoc]

Which lounge is better?

I haven't been to the EK Lounge yet (not open when I'm flying), so I can't give advice on that one yet.

 

[eric2011]

I've been in the 3 upstairs lounges (QF, EK, NZ) in the past few months and would rank them in this order. 1st EK by miles, 2nd QF, and 3rd NZ losing by miles. IMHO

 

[Heleigh]

I've been in the 3 upstairs lounges (QF, EK, NZ) in the past few months and would rank them in this order. 1st EK by miles, 2nd QF, and 3rd NZ losing by miles. IMHO

Agree with eric2011 - not been to EK since move but always found the food better giving it's shared F/J than QF F and J. My flights from NZ are AM and don't usually take an interest in what drinks are available.

 

[serfty]

IME catering tends to somewhat improve in the "Emerald" lounge around the time the LA flight comes through heading east.

 

[opusman]

I've been in the 3 upstairs lounges (QF, EK, NZ) in the past few months and would rank them in this order. 1st EK by miles, 2nd QF, and 3rd NZ losing by miles. IMHO

So you'd recommend the EK lounge over the QF F lounge? Or just the J lounge?

 

[RailFlyer]

As a QFF Gold member can I use the Emirates lounge at Auckland when flying on Qantas?