As of tomorrow, if you're expecting to use the international Koru lounge at AKL you may be disappointed. Due to "exceptionally high demand" you may be diverted to the (so I'm told) lesser quality Strata lounge (a paid lounge). Those affected will be informed by txt or email. No word on the selection criteria for a downgrade. All J, Elite, Gold and Koru members are, in theory, subject to selection. This looks like going on for quite a while, unless NZ changes its Koru lounge eligibility rules. I'd noticed the Koru being overcrowded in recent months, but the Strata is (so I'm told) just as busy. Anyone got experience of the Strata?
Strata lounge is used by many airlines including Virgin Australia. It is often also crowded due to the amount of airlines using the lounge. There are decent food options and quality similar to Qantas club. Not sure how they will manage the people but both lounges are very popular during peak times so...
I used the Strata lounge yesterday (4pm flight from AKL). I was travelling Air NZ Premium with a VA Platinum status. The NZ lounge was busy so I used my priority pass access to use the Starta which almost empty. I have to say, as a first time use, I really liked it, and was very happy with the offerings. I am sure with the NZ/VA break up this month, the Strata lounge will be a lot busier.
This is nothing new and has been occuring for months.
Seems it has only made the news because some DYNWIA type has decided to complain to the media thinking they're being hard done by without realising Strata is actually far more enjoyable that a full Koru lounge.
This is nothing new and has been occuring for months.
Seems it has only made the news because some DYNWIA type has decided to complain to the media thinking they're being hard done by without realising Strata is actually far more enjoyable that a full Koru lounge.
This from a Koru member today: "...after entering, I wish I had been turned down. People had over-piled plates of food, it was packed, [and I] had to scramble for a seat ... I had a glass of water and left" .
All Air NZ lounges are overloaded at peak times. They are too small. I've never seen lounges as busy, or as small.
Earlier today:
"Air New Zealand is blaming Auckland Airport for "failing to provide clear direction and timelines" for the airline's [new] passenger lounge.
Auckland Airport said it told Air New Zealand two years ago that the Koru lounge built at that time was too small. The airline belatedly realised it needed more space about 12 months ago, an airport spokesman said."
Last week prior to our flight to Houston, my wife, son and I went to Glamp Grounds Bar and Restaurant. Great food, good beer selection and like a lounge, electricity plugs everywhere. I couldn’t be bothered going up to the AKL NZ lounge knowing that it would be rammed.
The BNE one that day was full as well. Maybe when they split from VA things could improve. Maybe they can do a Polaris like J lounge to keep everything separated and ease things a bit.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
The Koru lounge at AKL is full.
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 282
As of tomorrow, if you're expecting to use the international Koru lounge at AKL you may be disappointed. Due to "exceptionally high demand" you may be diverted to the (so I'm told) lesser quality Strata lounge (a paid lounge). Those affected will be informed by txt or email. No word on the selection criteria for a downgrade. All J, Elite, Gold and Koru members are, in theory, subject to selection. This looks like going on for quite a while, unless NZ changes its Koru lounge eligibility rules. I'd noticed the Koru being overcrowded in recent months, but the Strata is (so I'm told) just as busy. Anyone got experience of the Strata?
djtech
djtech
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Sep 2018
Total posts 375
Strata lounge is used by many airlines including Virgin Australia. It is often also crowded due to the amount of airlines using the lounge. There are decent food options and quality similar to Qantas club. Not sure how they will manage the people but both lounges are very popular during peak times so...
Neil R
Neil R
Member since 28 Feb 2014
Total posts 55
I used the Strata lounge yesterday (4pm flight from AKL). I was travelling Air NZ Premium with a VA Platinum status. The NZ lounge was busy so I used my priority pass access to use the Starta which almost empty. I have to say, as a first time use, I really liked it, and was very happy with the offerings. I am sure with the NZ/VA break up this month, the Strata lounge will be a lot busier.
steveb
steveb
Member since 13 Feb 2018
Total posts 6
This is nothing new and has been occuring for months.
xtfer
xtfer
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 14 Mar 2017
Total posts 159
All Air NZ lounges are overloaded at peak times. They are too small. I've never seen lounges as busy, or as small.
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 282
This from a Koru member today: "...after entering, I wish I had been turned down. People had over-piled plates of food, it was packed, [and I] had to scramble for a seat ... I had a glass of water and left" .
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 282
Earlier today:
"Air New Zealand is blaming Auckland Airport for "failing to provide clear direction and timelines" for the airline's [new] passenger lounge.
Auckland Airport said it told Air New Zealand two years ago that the Koru lounge built at that time was too small. The airline belatedly realised it needed more space about 12 months ago, an airport spokesman said."
StuParr
StuParr
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 01 Mar 2012
Total posts 203
Last week prior to our flight to Houston, my wife, son and I went to Glamp Grounds Bar and Restaurant. Great food, good beer selection and like a lounge, electricity plugs everywhere. I couldn’t be bothered going up to the AKL NZ lounge knowing that it would be rammed.