B-HXB
Jul 19, 05, 10:28 pm
EK405, AKL-MEL, departure 1600, B773 A6-EMM
Part of Emirates’ First and Business Class product is limousine transfers in most major cities. Surprisingly, this extended to even the short three hour hops across the Tasman, and was automatically offered when the ticket was issued. The day before the flight, the limousine company rang up and confirmed the pickup, with the result that the already ridiculously low fare essentially dropped by a couple of hundred dollars, factoring out the cab fares on either end.
Emirates is handled by Menzies at Auckland Airport, and they have shifted their check-in from what used to be right opposite the Menzies ticket desk (in fact the old Cathay check-in area) to the new east wing check-in hall extension (incidentally which Cathay now also uses and which was spectacularly baptised late last year when ceiling tiles began raining down during the CX check-in). Despite the area being new, there did not seem to have been much thought poured into designing a larger queuing area. Lines for the EK405 (Melbourne-Singapore-Dubai) and the EK419 (Sydney-Bangkok-Dubai), both of which departed within ten minutes of each other and which were consequently being handled together, spilled out into the main area, making it near nigh impossible to manoeuvre an airport luggage trolley through without clipping several unfortunate people along the way. The line for EK433 (Brisbane-Singapore-Dubai), allocated check-in counters adjacent to the EK405 and EK419, was considerably shorter, perhaps owing to the fact that it departed over an hour later.
The three easternmost counters were handed over to First and Business Class and Skywards Elite check-in. The First Class queue was clearly distinguished from Business Class and when we approached, all three counters were in different stages of processing other passengers. The Emirates ground supervisor, dressed in a very unbecoming navy blue ensemble, came up and asked where we were travelling to; upon receiving the answer she smiled (rather painfully, it seemed) and informed us that it wouldn’t be a moment before a counter was free.
The second of the two Business Class counters cleared first and the agent waved us forwards (top marks have to go to Menzies here; a couple were in the separate Business Class queue but they had arrived after us). Check-in was painless, although she did have to reprint our boarding passes after the machine spat out ones on Economy Class stock (which seemed to be the default stack loaded into the machine). After the weight of our handcarries was checked we were handed our boarding passes and (handwritten) lounge invitation in a very smart gold and red design. The agent showed us the map on the card that led the way to the Emirates lounge, checked that we knew where to get Fast Track customs clearance and bid us a pleasant flight.
I have to admit that the availability of a Fast Track counter was quite reassuring; I had been dreading the sometimes notorious wait that one can encounter at Auckland Airport customs facilities. It is bad enough having to queue separately to get a NZD25 departure tax sticker, although fortunately for us (given the queues at the BNZ) we were able to pay this at check-in (but only in cash).
Unlike the Qantas premium check-in area which has a smart Customs pre-clearance desk complete with NZCS logo, Emirates has seconded a Customs officer to sit in what used to be the Menzies office counter. Situated behind counter 54 and accessed by a narrow passageway between counters 54 and 55 which was currently occupied by a LanChile agent speaking in rapid Spanish to one of her colleagues, it is extremely well hidden and a couple in front of us seemed to have considerable difficulty finding it, no doubt hampered by the fact there was absolutely no signage to indicate the presence of a Fast Track facility or in fact that NZCS even had a presence. The walls were decorated with various posters of Emirates destinations. Despite the rather spartan appearance, the process worked. Pre-cleared and with the stickers on our boarding passes that would get us through the fast track upstairs, we headed up to the first floor.
The pre-clearance enabled us to bypass the main queue (which today was quite short) and consisted simply of a quick scan of the barcode on the departure tax sticker and a quick check to make sure the passport matched the person departing. Aircrew also use the Fast Track lane to get to their aircraft, and the NZCS officer had to break off midway through to clear an Air New Zealand cockpit crew through (which merely consisted, it seemed, of looking at their faces and saying ‘Thanks’).
The Emirates lounge is the newest of all four lounges at Auckland Airport and arguably the most impressive from the outside. At the bottom of the escalator leading up to the larger Qantas and Air New Zealand lounges, it has an attractive wooden frame and glass-panelled automatic doors. The reception area is laid out in a beige marble scheme. The agent on duty took our invitation card and offered to stow our luggage or coats if we so wanted; an offer which we declined.
Past the reception desk and down a short corridor which terminated in a water feature – WOW. To our right was a large buffet area with what seemed like a very nice afternoon tea spread and plenty of tables and chairs to have a proper sit-down meal at. To our left was a doorway leading to the bathrooms and a seating area which extended from the far left wall all the way to the right, running behind the walled-off buffet area. On the wall to the left, gleaming in bright gold, was Emirates’ corporate logo.
As you might imagine, my initial reaction was that this beat the hell out of the Qantas Club any day and while it might have its disadvantages such as no windows and the fact that the two Rolex clocks on opposite walls were showing markedly different times, the first impression was that this was one truly amazing lounge facility. This was perhaps aided by the fact that Cathay Pacific, many years ago, actually operated half of the lounge as its own and I continue to have a vivid memory of what might accurately be described as an overcrowded hole in the wall. In contrast, the Emirates lounge seemed considerably spacious (although, to be fair, the lounge complex actually consists of two former smaller lounges; the dividing wall having been demolished). Two large 42 inch plasma screens were mounted on the walls showing Emirates flight information, while a third plasma screen stood in one corner atop a wooden cabinet, blaring out Sky News.
Along the other side of the wall sat four flatscreen PCs, which nobody was using.
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1306/1/56/71/98/42/0/42987156109_0_SM.jpg (http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1306/1/56/71/98/42/0/42987156109_0_SM.jpg)
LOUNGE AROUND: A view of the Emirates lounge. Straight ahead is the buffet area. On the right (cut in half) is the water feature, behind it the passage that leads to reception. More seats extend forward left of the picture; there is also another small seating area behind me.
We bagged a set of four armchairs over by the long rear wall but soon deserted it for the buffet area, which was practically empty. There was a savouries area to the far left (falafel, quiches and one other item which escapes me right now). Then came a crock of hot soup (cream of broccoli), a basket of scones with small pots of strawberry jam and clotted cream (a sign indicated that scones could be reheated upon request), plates, cutlery and napkins. On a round table scattered with ice chips sat enough goodies to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth: fruit tarts, chocolate brownies and other delectable desserts.
Compared to the miserable jars of cookies and trail mix, or even the cold cuts and cheese, on offer in the Qantas Club, the catering at the Emirates lounge comes close to pure heaven. And the scones were scrumptious. ;)
Making the most of the space allocated to them, Emirates have chosen not to go for the traditional male-female toilet blocks but instead created two (clearly-marked) unisex toilet stalls. Keeping with the theme of the rest of the lounge, the bathroom sections were also tiled in beige marble and set with wooden doors. As expected, plenty of fluffy white hand towels were available as well as some gorgeous-scented soap. Along the other ‘L’ part of the bathroom passageway were two shower stalls (each complete with their own toilet as well) decorated in similar fashion.
Considering the first of the chalk-ups of the three trans-Tasman competitors, Emirates leaves the other two for dead when it comes to the lounge. The Air New Zealand and Qantas facilities are pleasant, but the Emirates one is exquisite. The only real point of contention I have is that there could be more armchair clusters (some latecomers had to resort to sitting on settee-type things) in lieu of the banquettes at the buffet area (I didn’t see too many people using those). And what in particular was impressive was the tiny salt and pepper shakers laid out at every single – and yes, I counted – table, perfectly dead-centred alongside a small vase.
A first boarding call was made for the Melbourne flight, with the rider that a final boarding call would be made when the aircraft was ready to close (which I thought would be a rather obvious time to make such a boarding announcement, but never mind). About three-quarters of the lounge began packing up and flooding down the passageway to the exit, and after a final sweep to make sure we hadn’t missed anything, we followed.
...
Because this report is rather long and it was an absolute pain posting it where I originally posted it in the first place (pagination restrictions), for those of you who'd like to read on, please follow this link (http://www.cathaytalk.com/showthread.php?t=954#post7739). Hopefully this will take you straight to the post which continues the story (post #3, in case it doesn't).
Part of Emirates’ First and Business Class product is limousine transfers in most major cities. Surprisingly, this extended to even the short three hour hops across the Tasman, and was automatically offered when the ticket was issued. The day before the flight, the limousine company rang up and confirmed the pickup, with the result that the already ridiculously low fare essentially dropped by a couple of hundred dollars, factoring out the cab fares on either end.
Emirates is handled by Menzies at Auckland Airport, and they have shifted their check-in from what used to be right opposite the Menzies ticket desk (in fact the old Cathay check-in area) to the new east wing check-in hall extension (incidentally which Cathay now also uses and which was spectacularly baptised late last year when ceiling tiles began raining down during the CX check-in). Despite the area being new, there did not seem to have been much thought poured into designing a larger queuing area. Lines for the EK405 (Melbourne-Singapore-Dubai) and the EK419 (Sydney-Bangkok-Dubai), both of which departed within ten minutes of each other and which were consequently being handled together, spilled out into the main area, making it near nigh impossible to manoeuvre an airport luggage trolley through without clipping several unfortunate people along the way. The line for EK433 (Brisbane-Singapore-Dubai), allocated check-in counters adjacent to the EK405 and EK419, was considerably shorter, perhaps owing to the fact that it departed over an hour later.
The three easternmost counters were handed over to First and Business Class and Skywards Elite check-in. The First Class queue was clearly distinguished from Business Class and when we approached, all three counters were in different stages of processing other passengers. The Emirates ground supervisor, dressed in a very unbecoming navy blue ensemble, came up and asked where we were travelling to; upon receiving the answer she smiled (rather painfully, it seemed) and informed us that it wouldn’t be a moment before a counter was free.
The second of the two Business Class counters cleared first and the agent waved us forwards (top marks have to go to Menzies here; a couple were in the separate Business Class queue but they had arrived after us). Check-in was painless, although she did have to reprint our boarding passes after the machine spat out ones on Economy Class stock (which seemed to be the default stack loaded into the machine). After the weight of our handcarries was checked we were handed our boarding passes and (handwritten) lounge invitation in a very smart gold and red design. The agent showed us the map on the card that led the way to the Emirates lounge, checked that we knew where to get Fast Track customs clearance and bid us a pleasant flight.
I have to admit that the availability of a Fast Track counter was quite reassuring; I had been dreading the sometimes notorious wait that one can encounter at Auckland Airport customs facilities. It is bad enough having to queue separately to get a NZD25 departure tax sticker, although fortunately for us (given the queues at the BNZ) we were able to pay this at check-in (but only in cash).
Unlike the Qantas premium check-in area which has a smart Customs pre-clearance desk complete with NZCS logo, Emirates has seconded a Customs officer to sit in what used to be the Menzies office counter. Situated behind counter 54 and accessed by a narrow passageway between counters 54 and 55 which was currently occupied by a LanChile agent speaking in rapid Spanish to one of her colleagues, it is extremely well hidden and a couple in front of us seemed to have considerable difficulty finding it, no doubt hampered by the fact there was absolutely no signage to indicate the presence of a Fast Track facility or in fact that NZCS even had a presence. The walls were decorated with various posters of Emirates destinations. Despite the rather spartan appearance, the process worked. Pre-cleared and with the stickers on our boarding passes that would get us through the fast track upstairs, we headed up to the first floor.
The pre-clearance enabled us to bypass the main queue (which today was quite short) and consisted simply of a quick scan of the barcode on the departure tax sticker and a quick check to make sure the passport matched the person departing. Aircrew also use the Fast Track lane to get to their aircraft, and the NZCS officer had to break off midway through to clear an Air New Zealand cockpit crew through (which merely consisted, it seemed, of looking at their faces and saying ‘Thanks’).
The Emirates lounge is the newest of all four lounges at Auckland Airport and arguably the most impressive from the outside. At the bottom of the escalator leading up to the larger Qantas and Air New Zealand lounges, it has an attractive wooden frame and glass-panelled automatic doors. The reception area is laid out in a beige marble scheme. The agent on duty took our invitation card and offered to stow our luggage or coats if we so wanted; an offer which we declined.
Past the reception desk and down a short corridor which terminated in a water feature – WOW. To our right was a large buffet area with what seemed like a very nice afternoon tea spread and plenty of tables and chairs to have a proper sit-down meal at. To our left was a doorway leading to the bathrooms and a seating area which extended from the far left wall all the way to the right, running behind the walled-off buffet area. On the wall to the left, gleaming in bright gold, was Emirates’ corporate logo.
As you might imagine, my initial reaction was that this beat the hell out of the Qantas Club any day and while it might have its disadvantages such as no windows and the fact that the two Rolex clocks on opposite walls were showing markedly different times, the first impression was that this was one truly amazing lounge facility. This was perhaps aided by the fact that Cathay Pacific, many years ago, actually operated half of the lounge as its own and I continue to have a vivid memory of what might accurately be described as an overcrowded hole in the wall. In contrast, the Emirates lounge seemed considerably spacious (although, to be fair, the lounge complex actually consists of two former smaller lounges; the dividing wall having been demolished). Two large 42 inch plasma screens were mounted on the walls showing Emirates flight information, while a third plasma screen stood in one corner atop a wooden cabinet, blaring out Sky News.
Along the other side of the wall sat four flatscreen PCs, which nobody was using.
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1306/1/56/71/98/42/0/42987156109_0_SM.jpg (http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1306/1/56/71/98/42/0/42987156109_0_SM.jpg)
LOUNGE AROUND: A view of the Emirates lounge. Straight ahead is the buffet area. On the right (cut in half) is the water feature, behind it the passage that leads to reception. More seats extend forward left of the picture; there is also another small seating area behind me.
We bagged a set of four armchairs over by the long rear wall but soon deserted it for the buffet area, which was practically empty. There was a savouries area to the far left (falafel, quiches and one other item which escapes me right now). Then came a crock of hot soup (cream of broccoli), a basket of scones with small pots of strawberry jam and clotted cream (a sign indicated that scones could be reheated upon request), plates, cutlery and napkins. On a round table scattered with ice chips sat enough goodies to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth: fruit tarts, chocolate brownies and other delectable desserts.
Compared to the miserable jars of cookies and trail mix, or even the cold cuts and cheese, on offer in the Qantas Club, the catering at the Emirates lounge comes close to pure heaven. And the scones were scrumptious. ;)
Making the most of the space allocated to them, Emirates have chosen not to go for the traditional male-female toilet blocks but instead created two (clearly-marked) unisex toilet stalls. Keeping with the theme of the rest of the lounge, the bathroom sections were also tiled in beige marble and set with wooden doors. As expected, plenty of fluffy white hand towels were available as well as some gorgeous-scented soap. Along the other ‘L’ part of the bathroom passageway were two shower stalls (each complete with their own toilet as well) decorated in similar fashion.
Considering the first of the chalk-ups of the three trans-Tasman competitors, Emirates leaves the other two for dead when it comes to the lounge. The Air New Zealand and Qantas facilities are pleasant, but the Emirates one is exquisite. The only real point of contention I have is that there could be more armchair clusters (some latecomers had to resort to sitting on settee-type things) in lieu of the banquettes at the buffet area (I didn’t see too many people using those). And what in particular was impressive was the tiny salt and pepper shakers laid out at every single – and yes, I counted – table, perfectly dead-centred alongside a small vase.
A first boarding call was made for the Melbourne flight, with the rider that a final boarding call would be made when the aircraft was ready to close (which I thought would be a rather obvious time to make such a boarding announcement, but never mind). About three-quarters of the lounge began packing up and flooding down the passageway to the exit, and after a final sweep to make sure we hadn’t missed anything, we followed.
...
Because this report is rather long and it was an absolute pain posting it where I originally posted it in the first place (pagination restrictions), for those of you who'd like to read on, please follow this link (http://www.cathaytalk.com/showthread.php?t=954#post7739). Hopefully this will take you straight to the post which continues the story (post #3, in case it doesn't).