Air NZ Sydney lounge closes for refurb: where to unwind before your next flight
By Chris C., November 10 2014
With renovations in full swing to bring a fresh new look to Air New Zealand’s Sydney lounge, the space is now closed to frequent flyers and business and first class passengers until late April next year.
During the refurb, travellers on Virgin Australia flight VA1 to Los Angeles are the real winners, with business class guests plus Gold and Platinum members of Velocity instead invited to use the new Etihad lounge at Sydney Airport:
But don't get too comfortable – it's back to the Air NZ lounge when it re-opens...
There they join passengers on VA29 to Abu Dhabi, who already have Etihad lounge access before jetting to the UAE.
Guests on Virgin Australia’s shorter international flights to destinations including New Zealand, Fiji and Indonesia, along with eligible Velocity members flying with Air New Zealand, Delta and Hawaiian Airlines can instead use a temporary Air NZ lounge during the construction period.
Setting up camp in the space previously occupied by the old Malaysia Airlines lounge, you’ll find the temporary facility in Pier C on Level 1 of the international terminal, situated between gates 50 and 63.
That’s also where you’ll be headed when flying with Thai Airways to Bangkok, Air Canada to Vancouver, Air China to Beijing and Shanghai, Air India to Delhi, Asiana Airlines to Seoul, and of course, Air New Zealand.
And not forgetting United Airlines to both Los Angeles and San Francisco, with UA recently telling Australian Business Traveller that it has no plans to open its own lounge in Australia’s business hub.
Singapore Airlines’ business and first class passengers, KrisFlyer Gold and PPS Club members, plus Velocity Gold and Platinum flyers can continue to use SQ’s SilverKris lounge in Sydney when bound for the Lion City.
A little tip: If you’re booked in business or first class out of Sydney with any Star Alliance airline or have Star Alliance Gold status and are stuck in economy on the same, you’re also able to visit the Singapore Airlines lounge in lieu of the temporary Air NZ facility.
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
09 Nov 2011
Total posts 88
ANZ lounge was getting quite rusty - although the Hot Dog stand was a nice touch to get into the USA feel before leaving Australia:)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Jul 2011
Total posts 16
Last time I traveled with Air India they used Qantas lounge. When did they change? I guess it makes sense to use Air NZ facility anyways as AI is not part of *A.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
I think you mean AI is part of the Star Alliance.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Jul 2011
Total posts 16
Thanks @Hutch. I meant to type now!
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
Oh yeah, 'now' would make sense! Can't believe I didn't work that out for myself.
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 117
Hopefully ANZ Brisbane lounge is next, it's very shabby.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
Good news! I hope they borrow from the star alliance LAX lounge. That is a very nice lounge. Hopefully a first class area as well!
09 Apr 2014
Total posts 11
Make sure that if you go to use the Singapore lounge when flying Star Alliance business or first you insist you want to use their lounge and not the Air NZ one. They try their best to divert you to another lounge but will let you in if you tell them no thanks.
14 Jan 2013
Total posts 19
Just to confirm, if I am flying to Bali but am Velocity Platinum can I visit Ethiad lounge or is it only for passengers on flight VA1..? Thanks
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2424
From above: "Guests on Virgin Australia’s shorter international flights to destinations including New Zealand, Fiji and Indonesia, ... can instead use a temporary Air NZ lounge during the construction period."
23 Feb 2015
Total posts 5
Hi Chris
Is your ‘little tip’ from this article still current?
For example, if I am flying in economy with SIA on an A3 Star Alliance Gold card, should I be able to enter the Singapore Airlines lounge while the Air NZ lounge is in its temporary location? Or have I read this wrong?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2424
Correct – it's with the Star Alliance rules, and you'll still have access to the SilverKris lounge even after the Air NZ lounge opens.
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