Air New Zealand Air Points - AKL F lounge access when arriving in TG F and connecting in NZ C

Next month the missus and I are arriving in AKL from SYD on TG in F. We are connecting on to APW in NZ C 4 hours later. While I know I am not entitled to access to the F lounge, if I ask nicely would an exception be made for me? If not, am I going to miss much in the business lounge? Looking forward to trying NZ for the first time too! :)

Oh, and do we have to clear security after arrival before we can get into the lounge?

No you wont get access to F lounge in AKL, but will in SYD. The biz lounge is pretty good (see the NZ lounge master thread) so the only thing you miss really is the F lounge is quieter.

If you like, post your itinerary in the NZ itinerary thread in case any one else is at AKL lounge when you pass through.

No need to clear security at AKL for connecting international flights. If you dont stop for duty free on the way you can be at the lounge inside 5 minutes. The entrance is on the left coming down the pier towards arrivals.

Cheers

As it happens, I will be flying in on NZ in First from LAX on the same day as Swanhunter and catching the TG flight into SYD in First. This would give me access to the NZ First Class lounge at AKL between flights. Would I be able to invite Mr. and Mrs. Swanhunter in as my guests? Rules say one guest, but how "by-the-book" are NZ's lounge receptionists?

Thanks for the offer Shareholder. If we can't get 'er Indoors in the F lounge I am sure she'd be happy in the J lounge by herself!

Well, I might consider slumming it on the Business Class side for a glass of sauvignon blanc with the two of you...

To answer the original question, I know that when I tried to access the F lounge under the exact same circumstance, I was out of luck. Then again, I didn't have Shareholder waiting in the wings!

Unless it has changed recently, the NZ F lounge is only catered for the NZ F flights leaving for LAX in the afternoon/evening. So if you are connecting in the morning, even if they wanted to they could not let you in the NZ F lounge as it is not catered.

All you are missing is Piper Heidsick and a quieter room.

Mark

I dont think this is right at all. I am aware of it being used for TG and SQ F flights in the middle of the day.

Middle of the day may be correct. But as the flight in question is from LAX connecting to SYD, I guess that would be about 6-7am or there abouts. Last time I made this trip (2003) coming in F (from LHR) and out in C to MEL, it was clear that the NZ F lounge was not open or catered as there was no NZ F flight due out until the afternoon.

On the return flight our connection arrived at 2pm the F lounge was open and we were the only PAX.

I guess this thread is most easily solved by asking NZ what are the actual opening hours of the NZ F lounge. My guess is 4 hours before an NZ F flight.

Mark

Interesting. Appreciate the updates on the status of this lounge, as disappointing as it appears to be.

As I arrive on the incoming LAX flight at 7:15am, the only outgoing NZ international flights in the morning appear to be limited to those with a J/C cabin to SYD, MEL, SIN, a couple of Japanese cities and Fiji. Since there are no flights with F cabins until the TG one I am on to SYD at 1:45om, I suppose I will be limited to the NZ business class lounge too.

Guess I'll have to slum it with Swanhunter and the missus...

BTW Does the biz lounge have shower facilities I'll be able to use?

Interesting. Appreciate the updates on the status of this lounge, as disappointing as it appears to be.

As I arrive on the incoming LAX flight at 7:15am, the only outgoing NZ international flights in the morning appear to be limited to those with a J/C cabin to SYD, MEL, SIN, a couple of Japanese cities and Fiji. Since there are no flights with F cabins until the TG one I am on to SYD at 1:45om, I suppose I will be limited to the NZ business class lounge too.

Guess I'll have to slum it with Swanhunter and the missus...

BTW Does the biz lounge have shower facilities I'll be able to use?

Yes, it does have showers.

Sauvignon blanc at 7:15am, a Reisling yes, but SB.