Fed up of trawling round duty free, paying for over priced coffee and being stuck on plastic seats? Airport lounges are a welcome refuge on longer journeys, but they are usually associated with a hefty price tag and exclusive access. Skyscanner New Zealand has put together a few tips for scoring a space on one of those big cozy armchairs whilst waiting for your next flight.
1. Be a frequent flyer
Signing up as a frequent flyer will take you 10 minutes, and result in a lot of spendable points. Whether you’ve taken 2 flights or 20, you’re already more likely to be given access to lounges, as well as priority for boarding and free upgrades if you’re a member of a frequent flyers club. With some airlines it’s free to sign up – whereas others will charge you a fee, so make sure to check the terms and conditions.
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2. Join Koru (Air New Zealand)
If you are racking up the air miles with travel, and you are usually flying with Air New Zealand, then joining Koru might just be a lifesaver. The Koru membership isn’t cheap, but for $629 a year you will have access to every Koru lounge across the world, and closer to home destinations like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Mackay and Perth. The other highlight is that if you are travelling beyond Australasia, Koru has you covered with partnership benefits through Virgin Atlantic, United, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, so you can find a lounge to lounge in no matter where you fly. Keep an eye open for membership deals.
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3. Buy a one-day pass
If you’re on a long layover, and don’t fancy shelling out for a year long membership, most lounges will offer one-day passes. Figures can range from as little as $20 to upwards of $70 for first class lounges. You can usually check rates usually via Lounge Pass or simply ask when you arrive.
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4. Try an alliance lounge membership or lounge network
If you fly with all different airlines, or need to access lounges all over the world, then Priority Pass is the largest airport lounge membership scheme in the world. With one of these passes you will have access to over 1000 lounges around the globe.
This is handy particularly for any business travellers that need to be able to work and rest whilst in transit. A standard membership will cost you US 99 ($143) annually, and each time you access a lounge, you will have to pay US 27 ($39). The most expensive membership, at US 399 ($578) will allow you to enter any lounge free-of-charge.
Lounge Buddy doesn’t require a yearly commitment, just download their app, and purchase day passes which generally cost US 50 ($72).
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5. Check out Auckland Airport’s own lounge
Auckland Airport has its own lounge, previously called the Emperor Lounge, it is now the Strata Lounge. Access is $49(NZ) per entry if you buy online and in advance. If you don’t have airline membership, and are looking for a place to relax or work, booking an airport lounge pass might be the affordable answer you’re looking for.
6. Use your credit card (wisely)
Premium credit cards often come with perks like lounge access, and it is worth double-checking your benefits before you fly. If you don’t have a premium credit card, and would like to get one for the flight benefits, please read the terms and conditions carefully, as not all credit cards are made equal. You can compare rewards with comparison websites like Canstar.
7. Star Alliance
Nope, it’s not the latest Marvel movie. Star Alliance is the biggest airline alliance in the world, offering some competitive benefits to its Silver and Gold members. You can achieve different levels of membership through your frequent flyer tier rating, so if you’re a member of a frequent flyer program, you should be checking out Star Alliance.
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8. Use your connections
It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Usually lounge visitors are allowed to take one guest into the lounge, so rub shoulders with the people you’re checking in with. If any friends and family have membership, getting into a lounge will usually be a lot cheaper on a guest pass, so start schmoozing those lounge members!
Lounge Membership | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Varies | Frequent Flyers | |
$72 per lounge | Occasional Flyers | |
$143-578 | Business Flyers | |
$620 | Air New Zealand Flyers |
Disclaimer: Prices above are indicative only and subject to change. For latest information, please visit individual websites
