Auckland QF premium check-in

[Joshua]

A question that has bothered me for a little while. Since I'm pretty new to the flying thing, most of you will probably know this one.

In AKL QF have the regular check-in counters, Y, QP & J. Adjacent they have a separate check-in section, glass doors, front counter & seating. I'm taking an educated guess but was this the first class check-in when F still existed on AKL routes?

From memory it is now just a premium check-in area for J/SG/WP, but it has intrigued me why the apparent duplication. Since there is no longer a separated airport tax in AKL nor express lane facilities it mostly offers luxury than anything practical. Does anyone not use it?

 

[taswegian77]

A question that has bothered me for a little while. Since I'm pretty new to the flying thing, most of you will probably know this one.

In AKL QF have the regular check-in counters, Y, QP & J. Adjacent they have a separate check-in section, glass doors, front counter & seating. I'm taking an educated guess but was this the first class check-in when F still existed on AKL routes?

From memory it is now just a premium check-in area for J/SG/WP, but it has intrigued me why the apparent duplication. Since there is no longer a separated airport tax in AKL nor express lane facilities it mostly offers luxury than anything practical. Does anyone not use it?

Hi, The AKL Premium glass check in area has always serviced F (no longer have F class but the signs inside still say First class), Business, Qantas Club Members and Platinum members since I have known it. I assume Silver and Gold members can also use the area, nto sure on that though? I used it the other day coming home on QF26. It still provides an immigration person who will express sticker your boarding pass so you can clear immigration etc quicker upstairs so is quite nice to check in at. Also a nice thing is that right next tot he QC lounge is a immigration scanning point for entry into OZ, just insert passport and have the ticket ready for entry into OZ later, quite neat to do it there. I wish the same was available when you left OZ for NZ.

 

[Joshua]

Thank you! Maybe I thought it included SG but I would of been travelling J when I last used it anyway

Love the SmartGate there except when entering back at ADL where the machines are always broken. Staff seem bemused or shocked that I had the ticket, looking for the machine.

I didn't know about the express sticker... I wish they'd tell me these things!!! I saw him and wondered. We just eyed each other off in a creepy way. Maybe you could call it ground staff DYKWIA - to which I clearly did not know

 

[taswegian77]

I didn't know about the express sticker... I wish they'd tell me these things!!! I saw him and wondered. We just eyed each other off in a creepy way. Maybe you could call it ground staff DYKWIA - to which I clearly did not know

LOL. SOmetimes I think they sit there hoping noone bothers them. I think SG might also be able to check in there as well now that I think of it.

 

[dfcatch]

F, J, QC, PS, SG, WP can all check in at the Premium section.

The main area is only Y check-in.

There is also the NZCS desk so that you can get pre-clearance, and some chairs to sit in whilst you fill out your immigration forms.

Have used it twice in the last 6 weeks - very efficient.

 

[Joshua]

It's a bit classy for a PS don't you think? I'll have to check that desk out next time though, sounds half useful.


Wish there were similar check-ins at other international ports but alas that really isn't possible. We're lucky we still have this one then. I found a photo I took:

That will have to go into a TR eventually

 

[straitman]

F, J, QC, PS, SG, WP can all check in at the Premium section.

The main area is only Y check-in.

There is also the NZCS desk so that you can get pre-clearance, and some chairs to sit in whilst you fill out your immigration forms.

Have used it twice in the last 6 weeks - very efficient.

I was under the impression that PS were not included in the group who could use this. I'm happy to be proved wrong though.

 

[dfcatch]

First time took me ages to find the premium check in section - I'd walked straight passed it and only saw the Y check-in area, and if you're walking the wrong direction it's very difficult to see it if you're not looking specifically for it.

Mrs df is using it tomorrow for the first time, hopefully my directions were clear

If not - I'm sure I'll hear about it

 

[dfcatch]

I was under the impression that PS were not included in the group who could use this. I'm happy to be proved wrong though.

QF: Silver Benefits - "Priority check-in at The Qantas Club or Business counters regardless of the class you are flying"

Seeing as the Premium check-in area has First, Business and Qantas Club check-in counters I would assume they could...

 

[NM]

F, J, QC, PS, SG, WP can all check in at the Premium section

And OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire.

 

[wile_e]

I would say that the pre-immigration clearance is one of the best things in the entire OW alliance (aside from selected F lounges)!!!

For the times I flew, it certainly saves a HEAP of time lining up for immigration, and not to mention bypassing the "scale ladies" (important for those who travel carry-on only, and stretch (by a kg or two) the weight allowances)!!! :!: :shock:

 

[straitman]

QF: Silver Benefits - "Priority check-in at The Qantas Club or Business counters regardless of the class you are flying"

Seeing as the Premium check-in area has First, Business and Qantas Club check-in counters I would assume they could...

I am aware that PS get priority check-in but in this case I thought they were specifically excluded.

As I said, I'm happy to be proven wrong.

 

[dfcatch]

I am aware that PS get priority check-in but in this case I thought they were specifically excluded.

As I said, I'm happy to be proven wrong.

I may be the one who's wrong. I've never tried to check in as a PS without being QP.

Why did u think they are excluded in this case?

 

[Joshua]

I may be the one who's wrong. I've never tried to check in as a PS without being QP.

Why did u think they are excluded in this case?

I think it's a matter of local setup rather than blanket policy. Such as separate queues for WP's in SYD T3. I can't specifically recall AKL but I remember thinking that PS would have to use the QP line outside. In any case I'll be there Wednesday next week so will get a definitive answer.

 

[christinam]

I would say that the pre-immigration clearance is one of the best things in the entire OW alliance (aside from selected F lounges)!!!

For the times I flew, it certainly saves a HEAP of time lining up for immigration, and not to mention bypassing the "scale ladies" (important for those who travel carry-on only, and stretch (by a kg or two) the weight allowances)!!! :!: :shock:

Yes, those "scale ladies" are horrors! I had a big argument with them on one occasion and ended up going to the ladies toilet, putting on numerous tops, letting them reweigh my bag, then getting redressed the other side, while they looked on. Petty tyrants.

Christina

 

[vhzkn]

I am aware that PS get priority check-in but in this case I thought they were specifically excluded.

As I said, I'm happy to be proven wrong.

No proof one way or the other, but a data point: after attempting to correlate the signage with my (limited) understanding of the Ts and Cs, I used the AKL booth a while back as a PS. Didn't get turned away, politely or otherwise, but possibly should have from the sounds of things.

 

[pauly7]

I would say that the pre-immigration clearance is one of the best things in the entire OW alliance (aside from selected F lounges)!!!

For the times I flew, it certainly saves a HEAP of time lining up for immigration, and not to mention bypassing the "scale ladies" (important for those who travel carry-on only, and stretch (by a kg or two) the weight allowances)!!! :!: :shock:

Scale ladies? I've always pre-cleared immigration so have totally missed this?!? Where are they?

 

[Stuser]

Scale ladies? I've always pre-cleared immigration so have totally missed this?!? Where are they?

As you enter the immigration area, just before you enter the queue, there is a woman or two standing next to a pair of scales, weighing your carry-on bags! I find it very weird as they are not working for a specific airline, and surely different airlines have different baggage policies...?

 

[Flashback]

Similar things have been noted at PER and MEL international.