AUK check in hours- early departure [AKL]
Jul 14, 2016, 2:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Alexandria, Va. USA
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AUK check in hours- early departure [AKL]
On July 21, 2016, I have a 6 a.m., departure out of AUK on Qantas Connect to SYD where I will transfer to Qantas to SFO. I am spending the night at a Holiday Inn near the AUK airport. Their shuttle does not operate between 2 a.m., and 4 a.m. Will the 4 a.m. shuttle be adequate? Or should I hire a taxi and go earlier? I don't want to show up at 4 a.m., and find the check in counter not yet staffed.
Jul 14, 2016, 2:20 am
#2
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: BA Gold, QF WP
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On July 21, 2016, I have a 6 a.m., departure out of AUK on Qantas Connect to SYD where I will transfer to Qantas to SFO. I am spending the night at a Holiday Inn near the AUK airport. Their shuttle does not operate between 2 a.m., and 4 a.m. Will the 4 a.m. shuttle be adequate? Or should I hire a taxi and go earlier? I don't want to show up at 4 a.m., and find the check in counter not yet staffed.
At AKL the checkin desks open at 3:30am: http://www.qantas.com/travel/airline.../en#departures
http://www.qantas.com/travel/airline...check-in-times
Jul 14, 2016, 3:04 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: LAS, ZQN
Programs: UA PP (2MM), BA gold
Posts: 2,199
I usually stay at the Holiday Inn or Sudima too and take the Yellow Bus. 4am is 1st bus run so you might consider the Novotel which is next to the International Terminal.
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-...location.shtml
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-...location.shtml
Jul 14, 2016, 7:00 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wellington
Programs: QFWP (LTSG), NZ (Jade), TG ROP (Forgotten), OZ (Silver), AA (Cardboard), EK (Lowest of the Low)
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Departure security and immigration often open at 4:30 am, which is quite frustrating if you have checked in filled in the form and just want to get to the lounge.....
Jul 14, 2016, 10:14 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: QF Gold LTG (ow Saph), HHon Silver, Marriot Gold
Posts: 2,927
Was about 5th through and straight to the QF lounge
Jul 15, 2016, 12:33 pm
#6
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
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Still much better than MUC for example where with similar time line the LH lounges only open at 0500. So after waiting for security to open you can then enjoy waiting for the lounge to open.
Jul 15, 2016, 6:32 pm
#7
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
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The 4am bus is fine, as long as you don't miss that bus (frequency is poor). Be aware there will be lots of people trying to check out just before 4am all trying to make that bus, so don't cut it too late heading for the lobby.
Jul 16, 2016, 5:25 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Zealand
Programs: NZ Elite, QF Platinum (LTS), VA Platinum
Posts: 1,672
Final check in is 60 min prior so plenty of time if you take the 4am for a 6am departure although I like to aim for 15-30min prior at latest. The QF lounge isn't something I would strive to arrive early for either. Take a taxi or uber if you miss the 4am bus for whatever reason.
Novotel is a bit pricey but literally roll out of bed and you're there. Jet park hotel provides a shuttle no matter what time your flight.
Novotel is a bit pricey but literally roll out of bed and you're there. Jet park hotel provides a shuttle no matter what time your flight.
Jul 16, 2016, 7:32 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I'd only consider the AKL QF lounge(s) as a place to occupy time and space prior to a flight - and somewhere to get a feed and drink. Nothing else.
Jul 16, 2016, 4:35 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Zealand
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Posts: 1,672
Jul 16, 2016, 7:25 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Melbourne
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Was announced in November 2015 that the Auckland QF business and first lounges would be renovated and combined into one lounge similar to other lounges such as Singapore.
No date was given for commencement, but hopefully in 2016.
No date was given for commencement, but hopefully in 2016.
Jul 17, 2016, 4:07 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: NZ Koru
Posts: 6,415
Well the space that the NZ lounge used to be in is now empty, next door to the current QF lounge. You would think they would use this space, plus part of the current lounge to build an new lounge. Or even better merge the EK,QF and old NZ space into an single lounge.
Jul 23, 2016, 6:16 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: NZ Koru
Posts: 6,415
If your on an NZ/AU/CA/US/UK passport - you can also use the Smart-Gates for your departure to jump the lines at Customs.