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

[mitti]

Unfortunately, the WP and above à la carte dining will still be an inferior offering with no champagne available at all per the first look report from Executive Traveller (post #609). Villa Maria sparkling throughout the lounge, no exception. I'm immensely disappointed. Cheapskate Grinch QF. Typically inconsistent, MEL domestic J lounge is graced with Lallier for Christmas but NZ sparkling in their brand new "signature" lounge in Auckland. One week to opening, lets hope QF has had a rethink and show some pizazz.

100% agree. Qf have an opportunity to quite easily and affordably demonstrate a commitment to a premium offering here and they have decided to signal they aren’t interested in that at all with their $15 a bottle pi$$. At least a more premium NZ sparkling offering could be made available in the dining area, in the very least!

 

[moa999]

Surprised no posts today.

 

[Doctore1003]

Someone on FB posted the menu and pics from the Platinum dining area. Looks pretty good! And there is champagne after all.

 

[moa999]

Good to see Kiwi wines and beers as well.

 

[NSun]

I'll be there in a couple of weeks prior to QF2 so am looking forward to checking it out.

 

[QFFHntrGthr]

I'll be there in a couple of weeks prior to QF2 so am looking forward to checking it out.

I was wondering if the LP La Cuvee will be available for WPs ^ outside the Plat dining area as well now that we know Executive Traveller got it wrong (thankfully) about Villa Maria sparkling being the only option period. Maybe you can check it out when you're there!

 

[justinbrett]

It’s a little ironic that the new AKL J lounge is more of a First Class lounge than the old F lounge ever was.

 

[henrus]

It’s a little ironic that the new AKL J lounge is more of a First Class lounge than the old F lounge ever was.

I know it did get packed but most times I’d been there was only a couple of other people which made it nice and private.

That being said I’m impressed by the space, look forward to trying it one day and really it’s something Brisbane, Hong Kong, London (yes I know they’ve got a menu for everyone) and Perth should offer.

 

[Volando]

Empty ahead of QF116 this morning

It’s definitely a HUGE step up from what was here. The staff I chatted to are stoked to be in their new space. There’s genuine pride.

Perhaps one tiny niggle for a new lounge is that I can’t see any table top wireless charging. Regular plugs and USB-C outlets are plentiful however.

 

[Volando]

The buffet wine selection won’t win too many accolades. I couldn’t spot where the sparkling is stashed at this hour of the morning. Behind the bar maybe? Unfortunately I’m not really up for a 7am tipple today for research purposes. (Edit: Villa Maria is being poured at the bar…)



Those with kids can let them burn off some steam in a dedicated, enclosed space



Oh…and if you want to dry your hands on a paper towel, you’ll need to visit one of the accessible loos instead of the general ones