Anyone else think AKL premium check-in pedantic?

[wandering_fred]

After a bit of a diversion after OzFest, Mrs WF (no status) and I had separate tickets on QF140 AKL-SYD, she continuing on QF domestic and I on a CX ticket heading to CMB.

Turns out Mrs WF was 2 kg over weight - (I was more than 10 under but that counted for nothing) but with no status the Check-in lady insisted something be removed from the Mrs WF bags. As well I was asked for my Sri Lankan visa (you can get one on arrival - extra $$ over the ETA which I had) and proof of onward ticket from Sri Lanka. Yes I carry printouts of all tickets... Though I could just as easily bought the onward ticket from my favorite TA in CMB.

Anyone else have opinions on the premium QF check in at AKL?

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[cambriamarsh]

I've usually found them pretty good, maybe you got a newbie or a rule-stickler?

 

[mannej]

It's normally the person weighing the hand luggage who is the stickler at AKL isn't it?

 

[robd]

It's normally the person weighing the hand luggage who is the stickler at AKL isn't it?

That's what I thought too. My hand luggage was weighed when I went through AKL.

 

[Mattg]

I've had good experiences with premium check-in at AKL.

I was surprised to have my hand-luggage weighed by QF at check-in recently, though that was at ZQN. Never been asked in AKL (or anywhere else for that matter).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

... and proof of onward ticket from Sri Lanka. Yes I carry printouts of all tickets... Though I could just as easily bought the onward ticket from my favorite TA in CMB.

Seems proof of onward tickets is required (per TIMATIC):

Warning:
- Nationals of Australia not holding return/onward tickets

could be refused entry.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Never had a problem at AKL check in. It's very pleasant to sit on the armchairs and complete your (mercifully short) departure card too. I generally duck out of the terminal afterwards to get some aircraft viewing around the back of the building before heading upstairs and through security.

 

[kermatu]

I have never been near a weight limit so can't comment on that. But have always found them friendly and fine. Opened flights for me early, helped me with the suitcase without asking (I have some mobility issues but usually do it fine myself). And I like the ability to sit in the armchairs as well and sort paperwork in peace.

 

[im.daniel]

Nothing but good experiences at AKL check in as well. Immigration officers in CMB on arrival have asked me for proof of onward travel several times now - but never at check in (SQ/EY/UL).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Nothing but good experiences at AKL check in as well. Immigration officers in CMB on arrival have asked me for proof of onward travel several times now - but never at check in (SQ/EY/UL).

Have you been flying on one way tickets to CMB? Seems risky for the airline not to ask if you are only one way.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Check in person aside, I do like the cocoon of the Premium Check In area at AKL.
You are in a world of your own in that enclosed area, once you enter the door.
No other Australian airport has it.
++!

 

[TonyHancock]

Check in person aside, I do like the cocoon of the Premium Check In area at AKL.
You are in a world of your own in that enclosed area, once you enter the door.
No other Australian airport has it.
++!

...apart from the MEL F check in suite.

 

[wandering_fred]

Have you been flying on one way tickets to CMB? Seems risky for the airline not to ask if you are only one way.

My tickets are mostly exCMB. Consider the pricing issues :shock: especially into Australia.

I have never been asked for onward tickets on entrance at CMB (last ten years) but normally have ETAs purchased in advance. I make the point (again) that ETA equivalents are now able to be obtained on arrival.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My tickets are mostly exCMB. Consider the pricing issues :shock: especially into Australia.

I have never been asked for onward tickets on entrance at CMB (last ten years) but normally have ETAs purchased in advance. I make the point (again) that ETA equivalents are now able to be obtained on arrival.

Happy wandering

Fred

Check-in is correct to ask for proof of onward tickets as per TIMATIC. However if someone is holding a round-trip (or onward) ticket on the one booking, this would be seen by check-in staff, so no need for them to ask (hence the question to im.daniel).

 

[lc_461]

Also generally baggage pooling for 2 pax can only be done if they are travelling on the same flights to the same destination, so you wouldn't have qualified in this case.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Ta for that, Tonyhancock, must go on a recon mission for MELi open zone to have a sicky beak.
As per normal, I spoke too soon.
Never knew the MEL F also has that feature.