CX 197 AKL arrivals / fast track?
Jan 27, 2016, 12:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC/SIN
Programs: CX DM, SQ KF
Posts: 2,171
CX 197 AKL arrivals / fast track?
Hey folks
Any recent experiences on how long the immigration/customs queues at AKL are, around CX197's arrival hours? I see that SQ/TG/MH and a few regional flights arrive a bit before/around CX's arrival.
Suppose there isn't a fast track service with CX - there does seem to be a Concierge service, but priority passport processing is 'subject to availability'.
Looking to get to ZQN the same day, on separate tickets & the last flight of the day gives us just 155 min - sounds risky on separate tickets.
Any recent experiences on how long the immigration/customs queues at AKL are, around CX197's arrival hours? I see that SQ/TG/MH and a few regional flights arrive a bit before/around CX's arrival.
Suppose there isn't a fast track service with CX - there does seem to be a Concierge service, but priority passport processing is 'subject to availability'.
Looking to get to ZQN the same day, on separate tickets & the last flight of the day gives us just 155 min - sounds risky on separate tickets.
Jan 27, 2016, 6:50 am
#2
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold HH Diamond
Posts: 210
Arrived on 197 last week and with hand baggage went from plane to ground side in just under 10 mins. No other arrivals at that time (on that occasion) so going by that you ought to be ok for a quick getaway.
If you have a UK (or NZ/AUS) passport then you can use the machines. In my experience its not immigration that is the bottleneck, its the Aggies inspection after you pick up your bags.
Best of luck.
If you have a UK (or NZ/AUS) passport then you can use the machines. In my experience its not immigration that is the bottleneck, its the Aggies inspection after you pick up your bags.
Best of luck.
Jan 27, 2016, 5:02 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: QF Platinum, Former CX Diamond, TG Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Amex Platinum
Posts: 173
I use CX197 a couple of times a year and in my experience, it's often delayed, usually around an hour or two. The excuse is usually late arrival of the inbound aircraft. That being said, I'm normally through immigration and agri in 15 minutes with hand baggage, 30 minutes with checked.