AKL 1 hour Int'l to Int'l transit.
#16
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,114
It's also worth pointing out that US evening flights very rarely ever leave on time. Typically 30 mins+ after scheduled departure isn't uncommon
#17
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Lincoln, UK
Programs: BA Gold, TK, DL, IHG Diamond, HHonours Gold, Hertz Presidents Club
Posts: 497
If the queue for transit security isn't long you will be fine. AKL international connections are usually in lowish numbers but If you get in at the same time as the SCL-AKL-SYD flight in the morning the queue for transit security can be very long.
#18
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: YYZ/SFO/AKL
Programs: NZ*G, back of the bus UA, corner of the MLL AC.
Posts: 373
If you make it to US screening they'll hold the flight anyway - and if they're on final call you'll be whisked to the front of that queue (saw this happen with IAH passengers the other day while I was waiting to board NZ8)
#19
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,114
NOTE Melia that when I check in at AKL for my USA flights if I'm in J (or I have access to the priority check-in area through other means) I can get a little sticker on my passport which expedites the annoying (and I agree... what feels like is pretty much pointless) interview. In AKL you can take it in-advance in the check-in area.
#20
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: YYZ/SFO/AKL
Programs: NZ*G, back of the bus UA, corner of the MLL AC.
Posts: 373
You still do the same stupid screening where they ask you seven times if you packed your own bags and look at you with a look of amazement when they see you've crossed the pacific a dozen times in the last year - you just get to do it a little quicker.
They don't actually start boarding until around 15min after the posted boarding time, I got in line for secondary screening at the boarding time, got through the interview and walked up to the GA to ask when boarding was - they scanned my BP and I was first on.
I'd probably give it a bit more time if you get SSSS'd, but that's a different story.
#21
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,114
There's a new system out at the far gates - there's one big line to get to the point where they split between premium/non premium pax. You don't need the sticker, *G/J (and maybe PE?) boarding pass is fine.
You still do the same stupid screening where they ask you seven times if you packed your own bags and look at you with a look of amazement when they see you've crossed the pacific a dozen times in the last year - you just get to do it a little quicker.
They don't actually start boarding until around 15min after the posted boarding time, I got in line for secondary screening at the boarding time, got through the interview and walked up to the GA to ask when boarding was - they scanned my BP and I was first on.
I'd probably give it a bit more time if you get SSSS'd, but that's a different story.
You still do the same stupid screening where they ask you seven times if you packed your own bags and look at you with a look of amazement when they see you've crossed the pacific a dozen times in the last year - you just get to do it a little quicker.
They don't actually start boarding until around 15min after the posted boarding time, I got in line for secondary screening at the boarding time, got through the interview and walked up to the GA to ask when boarding was - they scanned my BP and I was first on.
I'd probably give it a bit more time if you get SSSS'd, but that's a different story.
Ahh I'll well aware of that and have already had multiple flights with secondary screening in place.
I'm wanting to know more the questioning at premium check-in mentioned above which allows you to bypass the secondary screening.. Or have I misinterpreted what kiwifrequentflyer is saying?
#22
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: YYZ/SFO/AKL
Programs: NZ*G, back of the bus UA, corner of the MLL AC.
Posts: 373
Ahh I'll well aware of that and have already had multiple flights with secondary screening in place.
I'm wanting to know more the questioning at premium check-in mentioned above which allows you to bypass the secondary screening.. Or have I misinterpreted what kiwifrequentflyer is saying?
I'm wanting to know more the questioning at premium check-in mentioned above which allows you to bypass the secondary screening.. Or have I misinterpreted what kiwifrequentflyer is saying?
#23
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,497
I had the option to complete check-in questioning at the premium check-in area in June last year. The third party security outfit had someone posted by the bag drop injectors at the back of the premium check-in area; it was very much a case of knowing to go over there to complete the questioning or having a check-in agent point you over. They ask you the questions and put the sticker on your passport. You still have to queue up at the Pier B screening point but there are less questions (on the basis that you've already asked and answered them at time of check-in).
#24
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SJC
Programs: NZ*G, QF NB, UA 1K, AA ExecPlat, IHG PlatAmb, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, ZE1 PC
Posts: 2,636
I had the option to complete check-in questioning at the premium check-in area in June last year. The third party security outfit had someone posted by the bag drop injectors at the back of the premium check-in area; it was very much a case of knowing to go over there to complete the questioning or having a check-in agent point you over. They ask you the questions and put the sticker on your passport. You still have to queue up at the Pier B screening point but there are less questions (on the basis that you've already asked and answered them at time of check-in).
For reference - UA916 earlier in January the agent (at least in the Premier Access area) at check-in asked me the pointless questions, plus a few value-not-added even sillier questions, and then stickered me. At the US pier entrance I was just waved through with my BP + passport cover - although there was no significant queue.
#25
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 366
I went to IAH (J) in November and at Premium Checkin the agent asked me my US address, why I was going etc and I thought at the time it was a little odd as haven’t been asked such questions for nonUS flights. When I reached Secondary Screening I was through in under 60seconds - only asked if I was traveling in a group and whether packed my own bags - I didn’t see a sticker but I felt that I might have been precleared.
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 36
I went to IAH (J) in November and at Premium Checkin the agent asked me my US address, why I was going etc and I thought at the time it was a little odd as haven’t been asked such questions for nonUS flights. When I reached Secondary Screening I was through in under 60seconds - only asked if I was traveling in a group and whether packed my own bags - I didn’t see a sticker but I felt that I might have been precleared.
#27
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New Zealand (when I'm home!)
Programs: Air NZ Elite
Posts: 1,218
Yeah as others said, here is how it works.
You check in at the premium purple room which I do think is pretty cool. If you walk to the back of the room there will be a staff member who can assist you, at least they were at the back of the check in room last I was there.
They will then go through the little interview with you. I can't remember what they ask. Very basic questions. They then put a little sticker on your passport or ticket, I can't remember which for sure. You definitely got a sticker. A premium ticket wasn't enough. This isn't about showing you are a priority passenger, its literally to show you have already been asked the questions and everyone, no matter their status, is required to answer the questions. And so if you skip it in the premium check in area, you will have to do it later.
Like everyone, you must go through AKL INT security. You must then go to the gate and enter the interview queue for the USA flights. When you do, you'll be put into smaller lines/queues to be questioned by an attendant. They didn't use to split the line, there used to be just one, so I am very happy for that change.
When you encounter your first attendant, show them your sticker and say you've been questioned. I was then put into a queue and got asked way less questions than everyone else and go through it much faster.
Is it a big deal? No. But is it nice to have one less little bit of stressful queuing when traveling? Absolutely. Especially because while the general attendants are perfectly nice, the Air NZ staff in the premium area just make you feel super at home and welcome, and so it's nicer to take it there for sure.
But tbh I almost missed it. I now know to do it but the first time I think they just had a sign up saying "USA passengers come here." No one told me to go, I just happened to notice the sign and inquired, and was then told I could do the interview there. So I am not surprised if it isn't well known.
You check in at the premium purple room which I do think is pretty cool. If you walk to the back of the room there will be a staff member who can assist you, at least they were at the back of the check in room last I was there.
They will then go through the little interview with you. I can't remember what they ask. Very basic questions. They then put a little sticker on your passport or ticket, I can't remember which for sure. You definitely got a sticker. A premium ticket wasn't enough. This isn't about showing you are a priority passenger, its literally to show you have already been asked the questions and everyone, no matter their status, is required to answer the questions. And so if you skip it in the premium check in area, you will have to do it later.
Like everyone, you must go through AKL INT security. You must then go to the gate and enter the interview queue for the USA flights. When you do, you'll be put into smaller lines/queues to be questioned by an attendant. They didn't use to split the line, there used to be just one, so I am very happy for that change.
When you encounter your first attendant, show them your sticker and say you've been questioned. I was then put into a queue and got asked way less questions than everyone else and go through it much faster.
Is it a big deal? No. But is it nice to have one less little bit of stressful queuing when traveling? Absolutely. Especially because while the general attendants are perfectly nice, the Air NZ staff in the premium area just make you feel super at home and welcome, and so it's nicer to take it there for sure.
But tbh I almost missed it. I now know to do it but the first time I think they just had a sign up saying "USA passengers come here." No one told me to go, I just happened to notice the sign and inquired, and was then told I could do the interview there. So I am not surprised if it isn't well known.
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 36
Yeah as others said, here is how it works.
You check in at the premium purple room which I do think is pretty cool. If you walk to the back of the room there will be a staff member who can assist you, at least they were at the back of the check in room last I was there.
They will then go through the little interview with you. I can't remember what they ask. Very basic questions. They then put a little sticker on your passport or ticket, I can't remember which for sure. You definitely got a sticker. A premium ticket wasn't enough. This isn't about showing you are a priority passenger, its literally to show you have already been asked the questions and everyone, no matter their status, is required to answer the questions. And so if you skip it in the premium check in area, you will have to do it later.
Like everyone, you must go through AKL INT security. You must then go to the gate and enter the interview queue for the USA flights. When you do, you'll be put into smaller lines/queues to be questioned by an attendant. They didn't use to split the line, there used to be just one, so I am very happy for that change.
When you encounter your first attendant, show them your sticker and say you've been questioned. I was then put into a queue and got asked way less questions than everyone else and go through it much faster.
Is it a big deal? No. But is it nice to have one less little bit of stressful queuing when traveling? Absolutely. Especially because while the general attendants are perfectly nice, the Air NZ staff in the premium area just make you feel super at home and welcome, and so it's nicer to take it there for sure.
But tbh I almost missed it. I now know to do it but the first time I think they just had a sign up saying "USA passengers come here." No one told me to go, I just happened to notice the sign and inquired, and was then told I could do the interview there. So I am not surprised if it isn't well known.
You check in at the premium purple room which I do think is pretty cool. If you walk to the back of the room there will be a staff member who can assist you, at least they were at the back of the check in room last I was there.
They will then go through the little interview with you. I can't remember what they ask. Very basic questions. They then put a little sticker on your passport or ticket, I can't remember which for sure. You definitely got a sticker. A premium ticket wasn't enough. This isn't about showing you are a priority passenger, its literally to show you have already been asked the questions and everyone, no matter their status, is required to answer the questions. And so if you skip it in the premium check in area, you will have to do it later.
Like everyone, you must go through AKL INT security. You must then go to the gate and enter the interview queue for the USA flights. When you do, you'll be put into smaller lines/queues to be questioned by an attendant. They didn't use to split the line, there used to be just one, so I am very happy for that change.
When you encounter your first attendant, show them your sticker and say you've been questioned. I was then put into a queue and got asked way less questions than everyone else and go through it much faster.
Is it a big deal? No. But is it nice to have one less little bit of stressful queuing when traveling? Absolutely. Especially because while the general attendants are perfectly nice, the Air NZ staff in the premium area just make you feel super at home and welcome, and so it's nicer to take it there for sure.
But tbh I almost missed it. I now know to do it but the first time I think they just had a sign up saying "USA passengers come here." No one told me to go, I just happened to notice the sign and inquired, and was then told I could do the interview there. So I am not surprised if it isn't well known.
maybe by the time we travel they will realise it’s all abit silly and time consuming and abolish it
#29
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New Zealand (when I'm home!)
Programs: Air NZ Elite
Posts: 1,218
While I think the interview is silly I see why it is done and am perhaps a bit more sympathetic than others here. Its not the type of interview where they want to note down what you say, it's the type of interview where they want to see if you say the wrong thing and thus be screened further.
Its pretty easy for us over in this side to take security for granted. When I left Israel on my recent trip, we all had to pass the questioning phase. No ones answers were written down but if you failed you got sent to the extra screening line - like I did and given my itinerary I wasn't surprised.
Is it overkill... Probably. But its not that bad unless you don't know about it in advance. If you aren't expecting it (like I wasn't first time) being hit with another sudden queue is not a fun surprise!
Given the political climate of the USA right now it's not going anywhere. This is the USA requiring this, not the NZ government introducing it. And why would the USA care if they burden other airports in separate countries? Haha. I can imagine Donald Trump would not shed a tear at all!
Its pretty easy for us over in this side to take security for granted. When I left Israel on my recent trip, we all had to pass the questioning phase. No ones answers were written down but if you failed you got sent to the extra screening line - like I did and given my itinerary I wasn't surprised.
Is it overkill... Probably. But its not that bad unless you don't know about it in advance. If you aren't expecting it (like I wasn't first time) being hit with another sudden queue is not a fun surprise!
Given the political climate of the USA right now it's not going anywhere. This is the USA requiring this, not the NZ government introducing it. And why would the USA care if they burden other airports in separate countries? Haha. I can imagine Donald Trump would not shed a tear at all!
#30
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: YYZ/SFO/AKL
Programs: NZ*G, back of the bus UA, corner of the MLL AC.
Posts: 373
Exactly - and the NZ version is far nicer than what I've experienced at LHR/FRA/MUC. There's loads of threads on that elsewhere on FT though.