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

[serfty]

You mean QF3

Yep ... the JFK flight ...

 

[CMA222]

We were in the EK AKL lounge yesterday until about 1600 local. I noticed there was something about to happen when the Moet champagne was added to the choice of bubbles, just before we left.

 

[serfty]

To summarise the hot food changes, being added were two options of beef & one of seafood.

Before:
- Brussel Sprouts
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Kumara
- Gnocchi
- Tofu Curry
- Chicken Tagine

Added were:
- Beef Pie
- Salmon
- Beef Cheek

For me the Chicken and Salmon dishes were the standouts ...

 

[jase05]

Did you happen to take note of what plonk was subbed in?

 

[serfty]

Did you happen to take note of what plonk was subbed in?

The red wines remained the same - I did not check the whites. Moet Replaced the Quartz Reef. The beer fridges remained static.

The Shiraz was quite drinkable.

 

[serfty]

The other liquor options were also static:

 

[smckay]

First visit to the EK lounge as I write. No signage for the unaware which way to go so I hit up the EK reception.
No pleasant greeting, was told when asked is this the default that as they were not busy I could come in elsewise I’d be in the Strata lounge.
Made me feel very special
On the plus size massive improvement over the old lounge food but not as good as the full EK offering previously.
The centre island full of yummy treats has left the chat for example.

 

[kpc]

Currently in the EK Akl lounge....wow it is big and pretty empty when I entered...couldn't figure out where to sit! Food (lunch) is good without being outstanding.[

 

[CaptJCool]

Today’s special feature



Trouble is the QF Staff are sitting inside the EK ENTRANCE and that’s the Flounge so the arrow is pointing in the wrong direction


QF staff on the far RHS of the photo above
It’s not immediately obvious QF golds GO INTO THE STRATA lounge
This boarding pass was provided at the EK Lounge



Str@ta lounge is decent

 

[jimmy hutspah]

Anyone with QF status knows where to go in AKL currently. That’s to EK.

 

[serfty]

Anyone with QF status knows where to go in AKL currently. That’s to EK.

Certainly, one may try. But if you ordinarily have lounge access travelling QF, unless in QF Business or you are Qantas WP/CL/P1 you may be redirected.

 

[DejaBrew]

Anyone with QF status knows where to go in AKL currently. That’s to EK.

Unless you're SG or below, in which case you're explicitly (re)directed to the Strata Lounge.

 

[QFFHntrGthr]

Not sure if anyone else is aware, in the new QF AKL lounge, there will be a separate area for F and P1 pax. A QF manager told me this when I complained to him about the absence of champagne during non EK hours. He said since it's a F/P1 area, he would assume there will be champagne available in that area.
A QF host also told me that the AKL lounge work is ahead of schedule and it might reopen in Dec.
We wouldn't know any of this for sure until it does reopen. Unofficial chats aren't always accurate and is mere hearsay.

 

[Beano]

In theory any Gold or above can access an EK lounge. But I suppose Qantas take over the lounge during non-EK hours so can set their own rules. I wonder what happens at change-over?

 

[muppet]

Not sure if anyone else is aware, in the new QF AKL lounge, there will be a separate area for F and P1 pax. A QF manager told me this when I complained to him about the absence of champagne during non EK hours. He said since it's a F/P1 area, he would assume there will be champagne available in that area.
A QF host also told me that the AKL lounge work is ahead of schedule and it might reopen in Dec.
We wouldn't know any of this for sure until it does reopen. Unofficial chats aren't always accurate and is mere hearsay.

Qantas F pax at AKL?

 

[arrow]

Qantas F pax at AKL?

During the sunrise flight trainings the A350s will do the Trans Tasman route

 

[QFFHntrGthr]

Qantas F pax at AKL?

During the sunrise flight trainings the A350s will do the Trans Tasman route

That's what I was told. I assume it's to future proof the arrangement. Who knows.

 

[jimmy hutspah]

In theory any Gold or above can access an EK lounge. But I suppose Qantas take over the lounge during non-EK hours so can set their own rules. I wonder what happens at change-over?

There is always EK staff there managing, there’s QF presence at the front but it’s very much still an EK lounge.

 

[serfty]

There is always EK staff there managing, there’s QF presence at the front but it’s very much still an EK lounge.

Once the catering switchover after 4pm is complete , they take photos of the buffet.

 

[eminere]

Ah, I am flying through AKL tomorrow and did notice the notation on my digital boarding pass to go to the EK lounge.