Friday, January 9, 2009
*A arrivals lounge at AKL?
I cant say for sure, but have left there after 2am (late arrival) and the place looked pretty dead to me.
It would seem unlikely that the entire airport would close for the 3 hours or so - I know the ones here are open all the time, even Stanstead - with some pepole turning up late the night before to hang about for a very early flight plus people coming in from delayed flights, there'd just be no point. But who knows, guess I'll find out whether I get kicked out into the cold or not.
http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/auckland.htm
Now the departure from AKL is scheduled at 1.05am on SQ. So what does that mean no lounge access at all after 11pm?. Is that the only star lounge ?
The NZ lounge is indeed the only *A lounge at AKL, but dont worry it'll stay open until the flight leaves. I have flown SQ282 pre-daylight saving (so an hour earlier) and even then it was last flight out and lounge stayed open for it.
gratn - thought about that but decided it really isn't worth it, I'd need to be back at the airport for 4.30 and won't be in until 12 so for the time, I really can't be bothered to lug everything to a hotel and back again.
The upper floor is nice and peaceful, virtually deserted apart from a handful of people sleeping on the sofas etc. There is also 24 hour food open on the ground level.
I'm particularly happy as I've not only found a power point for my laptop but also an unsecured wireless network, which combined with the Bose QC2s has made for a pretty productive working session :D
^ ^ ^
Nice to read something positive about AKL airport for once! :)
Well, I'm here now (about 2.35am) and I have to say there could be much less pleasent places to spent six hours or so.
The upper floor is nice and peaceful, virtually deserted apart from a handful of people sleeping on the sofas etc. There is also 24 hour food open on the ground level.
I'm particularly happy as I've not only found a power point for my laptop but also an unsecured wireless network, which combined with the Bose QC2s has made for a pretty productive working session :D
Now the departure from AKL is scheduled at 1.05am on SQ. So what does that mean no lounge access at all after 11pm?. Is that the only star lounge ?
I dont think you can stay airside overnight as immigration & customs closes shop around 2am, reopens at 4:30am.
As there are plenty of early departing flights around 6-7am, and airlines keep telling pax to turn up early, there are generally big queues at immigration doors from about 4am. Check-in opens well before 4am (not sure exactly when - its open whenever I have arrived for the early flights).
Dont forget to get departure tax exemption sticker (as staying in NZ less than 24 hours) from BNZ counter to avoid paying the NZ$25 tax.
The only STAR lounge at AKL is the NZ lounge, which is open to STARGolds with onward flights on STAR carriers. As you are flying on SQ, and hold STARGold status, you would be able to use the Business Class side of the regular NZ lounge. There are showers that can be used in this facility. However, since you arrive at midnight and depart at around 6am, I am not sure this lounge would even be open during those hours.
The new departures level comes into action next Friday (16 Sep); it'll be interesting to watch.
Cheers, Zac
Wow! I never knew about that! :-: Thanks, Kiwi Flyer. I wish I learned about this a few months earlier as I paid NZ$25 last time.
What airline are you departing on? If it's a *A carrier you'll have lounge access, if not, you won't - simple as that.
Having said that, would you want to spend 14 hours in an airline lounge??
Glad it worked out okay.
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