Air New Zealand to reopen Australian airport lounges
In another welcome sign of normalcy returning, AirNZ's international lounges will soon unlock their doors.
Air New Zealand will reopen its Australian airport lounges over the coming weeks as quarantine-free travel between Australia and NZ resumes from April 13.
The Kiwi carrier yesterday advised its Sydney international lounge will be first to roll up the shutters on March 30, with Perth following on April 5 and both Melbourne and Brisbane on April 6.
“We’ll have a new menu for customers, but expect to see some of the favourites returning – especially the beloved espresso martinis in Sydney,” Alison Swarbrick, Air New Zealand’s Senior Manager Global Lounges and Valet, tells Executive Traveller.
The Air New Zealand lounge at Fiji is also slated to unlock its doors on April 8.
In the land of the long white cloud, the Kiwi carrier’s Wellington international lounge will open on April 1, while its flagship Auckland international lounge – which currently closes at 3.30pm – “will fully reopen to include evening departures,” the airline says.
“We know customers love our lounges, be it to get some work done before flying or to sit back and relax with some wine and cheese prior to departure. We’ve certainly missed the opportunity to play host and can’t wait to throw open the doors once again,” Swarbrick says.
While Qantas will reopen its Sydney and Melbourne international business class lounges this coming Sunday March 27, along with bringing both cities’ first class lounges back into full swing, the airline has yet to advise its plans for New Zealand. Executive Traveller has approached Qantas for comment.
During the short-lived Australia/New Zealand travel bubble of mid-2021, Qantas came to an arrangement for its business class passengers, top-tier frequent flyers and Qantas Club members to use the Air New Zealand lounges at Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington before their trip back home.
This temporary deal struck by the airline industry’s most famous ‘frenemies’ was certainly an upgrade at Auckland, where Qantas maintains some of its most underwhelming International First and Business lounges.
The airline has long promised to replace both with a single modernised space which would draw its design and dining inspiration from the likes of the Qantas lounges at Singapore, London and Los Angeles.
As previously and exclusively reported by Executive Traveller, under an ongoing lounge rationalisation program spurred on by the pandemic, Qantas has permanently shuttered its lounges at Hong Kong, Tokyo Narita and Perth’s T1 international terminal.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
19 Jun 2019
Total posts 21
I think I know the answer to this but I am travelling in business from Auckland next Saturday from Auckland on Qantas. With their lounge closed will I have access to the Air NZ lounge? I think this stopped with the bubble stopped. Anyone travelled recently?
20 Sep 2012
Total posts 76
I am flying on Thursday to Auckland on Air NZ business. Didn't realise their lounge hadn't re-opened yet. Do you know if I will get lounge access at Qantas instead?
Etihad - Etihad Guest
19 Jun 2019
Total posts 21
When I flew from SYD-AKL a few weeks ago the lounge was closed and not even a voucher was given. The SQ lounge was also closed (but give it a try)
20 Sep 2012
Total posts 76
Thanks (and apologies for the double comment; seems the site is having issues).
SQ lounge hours are 6am to 9am and then from 12pm. My flight is 12.35pm so won't be using that.
Shame no voucher or other lounge access provided on such an expensive fare.
20 Sep 2012
Total posts 76
Similar question - it seems that with the Air NZ lounge being closed, and the KrisFlyer lounge only open during SQ flight hours - there is no option for Air NZ travellers on business? I.e. access to Qantas lounge is not being permitted?
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 209
Interesting that they say they are re-opening the Perth lounge. I thought this was the Qantas T1 lounge, which Qantas says is being shut. Do they use another lounge at Perth?
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