Trans-Tasman J

[puppysparkes]

QFi MEL J lounge, ... hah..., no way would I do that one again.
((Unless the flyer is a WP/P1 of course, then get access to the QFi MEL F lounge))...
I would do SYD - CHC anytime over MEL - CHC. If flying J and wanting lounge access.
At least with QFi SYD J lounge, there is a hint of something to look at outside, even if its just a bit of light over the aircond ducts, during daylight hours.
QFi MEL J lounge, its a basement!
Granted it would fit some people's schedule to fly MEL - CHC, ie work or other activities on sunrise in CHC am, but for me its SYD over MEL.
Also flying that EK bird, you can get 2 visits, the QFi SYD J lounge and also the EK J lounge.

Any reports on the food and beverage offerings between the two? I'm not overly fussed on views, it's nice but not the straw so to say.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If considering only food related, YES definitely.

 

[blackcat20]

Any reports on the food and beverage offerings between the two? I'm not overly fussed on views, it's nice but not the straw so to say.

I dont imagine there is much difference between the food/drink offerings in the MEL and SYD J lounges...

 

[Altair]

Any reports on the food and beverage offerings between the two? I'm not overly fussed on views, it's nice but not the straw so to say.

Food in the QF T1 J Lounge is not good. Lots of variety of salads (4-6), cheese, hot dish (last month lamb goulash with rice), soup and not a very large dessert offering.
If you can take the time just go to the EK Lounge, more variety of food, but think buffet quality not restaurant.

 

[puppysparkes]

Food in the QF T1 J Lounge is not good. Lots of variety of salads (4-6), cheese, hot dish (last month lamb goulash with rice), soup and not a very large dessert offering.
If you can take the time just go to the EK Lounge, more variety of food, but think buffet quality not restaurant.

It seems the EK lounge wins every time

 

[eminere]

It seems the EK lounge wins every time

If having access only to the QF J lounge as the alternative then yes, most definitely imo.

 

[kermatu]

No question - EK lounges better than all the QF Intl J lounges I've ever been to. Though there are some strengths for some O/S QF lounges, depending on how busy they may be.

 

[puppysparkes]

I do love the rare steak they offer in SIN and AKL!

 

[Reeldeel]

Haven't travelled trans Tasman for quite some time so I thought I would comment.
Flew QF J this week BNE CHC return and I was pleasantly surprised. Food was good and service very good.
Lounge experience in BNE was exceptional but we used the EK lounge.
Have heard mixed reviews regarding the Manaia lounge in CHC but I thought it was pretty good overall.
My only criticism was the return flight. Once again the service was great, however the control of the J cabin was pretty woeful with a continual stream of economy pax using the J toilet. I am not pretentious by any means but it was a bit uncomfortable having people milling around the forward end waiting and checking your seat out with no control by the cabin staff.

 

[cambriamarsh]

I do love the rare steak they offer in SIN and AKL!

Rare steak in AKL? Is that only in the F lounge?

 

[puppysparkes]

Rare steak in AKL? Is that only in the F lounge?

Regular EK lounges.

 

[cambriamarsh]

Regular EK lounges.

Didn't know they did that, must remember for next time.

 

[annielee]

i've a coming flight next weekend from ADL-BNE-AKL (bought during double SC promo) and only noticed the time where the lounge will be closed :-( do i still have to clear the custom and immigration or i can wander around the airport ??

ADL-BNE-AKL arriving at midnight
AKL-BNE-ADL departing at 6am

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

AKL airport secure zone is not open 24 hours, not like Changi.
You have to clear NZ incoming immigration.
Once you get out into the open zone, you are welcome to do as you please.
Expensive hotel walkable, or get a yellow bus to the Ibis Budget AKL airport, not walkable though.

 

[medhead]

i've a coming flight next weekend from ADL-BNE-AKL (bought during double SC promo) and only noticed the time where the lounge will be closed :-( do i still have to clear the custom and immigration or i can wander around the airport ??

ADL-BNE-AKL arriving at midnight
AKL-BNE-ADL departing at 6am

Just head to the transfer lane when you get to AKL. There will be no one there, doors shut and all that, but there is a buzzer to ring. Press the buzzer say you'd like to transfer and some one will should come to get you. They take you up to the main security screening point and rescreen you. But no need to do immigration formalities. Make sure you double check the lounge opening time, I wasted an hour as I didn't think it was open yet.

AKL airport secure zone is not open 24 hours, not like Changi.
You have to clear NZ incoming immigration.
Once you get out into the open zone, you are welcome to do as you please.
Expensive hotel walkable, or get a yellow bus to the Ibis Budget AKL airport, not walkable though.

The secure zone is open 24 hours a day. There is a transfer lane. No need to do immigration/emigration. Easy to find a place to have a rest in the secure area. I've had no problems walking to the Ibis budget, as well.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I was thinking more the other way round.
I do realise LA(N) comes in early am, and that transit/transfer is open for that, but didn't realise it could be done by the colleague (Annielee) above.

 

[puppysparkes]

Didn't know they did that, must remember for next time.

And in my experience it's actually eye fillet..

 

[medhead]

I was thinking more the other way round.
I do realise LA(N) comes in early am, and that transit/transfer is open for that, but didn't realise it could be done by the colleague (Annielee) above.

Whoops, yes, Transit is the proper terminology.

AKL is open 24 hours a day, and I've used the transit lane after getting off the QF flight from BNE that arrives at midnight. The signage is pretty clear that transit is available 24 hours a day.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I have gotten that first LA(N) flight from AKL to SYD, and AKL immi pulldown shutters were not open till 5am.
I did know that those on the South America originating flight could transit in the secure zone, but didn't know that it's also possible/a can do for those wanting to do a MR/SR (mileage/status run) from Australia could also do the transit.
Learn something new on here all the time.

 

[Altair]

I believe the AKL QF lounges open at 4:00am.