AKL early morning departure timing - QF152 6am

[goldenhorn]

Quick one for those familiar with AKL - As part of a status run, I'm on QF152 AKL to MEL Sunday morning (6am departure) and staying at the Pullman Auckland Airport right across from the terminal.

Hoping to hit the Qantas J lounge when it opens at 5am for a quick brekkie/coffee before boarding. Flying J, but I'm not that familiar with AKL and don't know if they have priority lanes.

What time would you be leaving the hotel? I'm thinking 4:15-4:30 am but not sure if that's cutting it too fine or being overly cautious for an early Sunday morning. No luggage to check.

Cheers

 

[defurax]

Yes there is priority security and passport control.

 

[kiwipino]

Anecdotal experience that immigration and security at AKL opens around 4.30am, so I wouldn't really get there much earlier unless you need to drop luggage or print BP.

 

[goldenhorn]

Anecdotal experience that immigration and security at AKL opens around 4.30am, so I wouldn't really get there much earlier unless you need to drop luggage or print BP.

OK thanks. No luggage so can go straight through security.

 

[kermatu]

If you can bypass the check-in area then it will be very quick as international departures escalator is very close to where you will enter the terminal coming from the hotels. Auckland has a number of departures to Oz 6am to 7am but in my experience security is pretty light at that time - even if priority lane is shut. Your planned departure time from the hotel should be fine.

Let us know how you get on, and what is available in the lounge at that time. I might have a similarly timed flight in a few weeks so keen to know!

 

[Murmal]

Recently did exactly the same @goldenhorn.
Add checked luggage to the mix. Process was problem free. Check-in and security open @ 4.30, not congested. Lounge open and serving usually expected breakfast fare, First area closed (no big deal, it's only a central table space), not even a long walk to departing gate.
However, I seem to have a vague recollection of anything exact. Waking to an alarm @ 3.30, showering and leaving the hotel, going through the airport routines etc at that time of morning is a process followed from planned actions rather than a fully awake experience!
Those early morning NZ - AUS flights are not ideal, for opposite reasons to those that arrive in NZ after midnight. i presume they are great for business meetings.