EK Manaia Lounge CHX then J-class to SYD - great and so-so.

[Scott Brown]

We finished a two week tour last week in CHX instead of where we came in (WLG ) because QF/EKwere doing special deals via CHX and I can report that the Manaia Lounge is top-flight stuff. It's fitted out very well, the selection of food was on par with the SYD Flounge (although serve yourself) and the drinks range all top shelf. The staff were great.

We caught a 777 in J back to SYD but this was marred by a surly hostie who took 45 minutes to get around to asking if we wanted a drink and getting seconds was like pulling teeth. My entertainment system was dead for most of the flight but she couldn't have cared less every time I pointed it out. She then decided to start correcting my wife when taking the dinner order (very bad move as wife can flay skin with her eyes :shock: ). A steward took over and set everything right, so all was forgiven.

So the CHX exit is well worth a look into if you're touring the South Island.

 

[TomVexille]

I assume you mean CHC?

Good to hear the lounge was up to standard, although getting a poor FA obviously soured the experience.

 

[Scott Brown]

Sorry, CHC.

Yes, one person's bad day becomes another's bad day. Silly..

 

[TomVexille]

Sorry, CHC.

Yes, one person's bad day becomes another's bad day. Silly..

It is silly.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Have used this lounge twice when doing CHC-SYD on the EK 777, although sadly in whY not J as work was paying. It is nice, although the food offerings didn't seem any better than a QF JLounge. I didn't really get into the booze.

I do agree re the FAs on EK. Very off-hand and quite rude on one occasion. I gave feedback to QF as they were the marketing agent, but the response was pretty much the 'we don't give a monkeys' response. Other than when I have to, i.e. for work, I won't be flying EK.

 

[Danp]

Was just in that lounge yesterday, wouldn't say it was comparable at all to the Flounge but it is better than you would think for a privately run/owned lounge.


Shame to hear EK service was not that good for you either in J, I've been on that flight 3 times in Y and had some patchy experiences and am flying in J chc to syd next month so hopefully we dont have the same experience as you did!

 

[Grooba]

We finished a two week tour last week in CHX instead of where we came in (WLG ) because QF/EKwere doing special deals via CHX and I can report that the Manaia Lounge is top-flight stuff. It's fitted out very well, the selection of food was on par with the SYD Flounge (although serve yourself) and the drinks range all top shelf. The staff were great.

Whilst I agree the Manaia lounge is quite peasant I'd hardly say the food (or any facet to be honest) is on par with the SYD F lounge.