AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review :  15 June 2009 : by J Obracle  (UK)

Customer Rating :  1/5

Queuing

Cleanliness

Facilities

One thing I like about Auckland is its size, it is small so I don’t need to walk that long to get in and out of the airport. Once you arrive you will find the largest duty free shop in New Zealand which is about the size of a minimart. You will then find an irritate immigration queue. I spent almost two hours at the immigration queue and extra 45 minutes waiting for my bag to be x-rayed at MAF biosecurity checkpoint. There are few washrooms at the airport and old and sometimes dirty. I have to wait in line in order to use the toilet facilities at the departure gate. The airport information screen is not very useful; the gate number will not appear until 15 minutes before boarding while the plane is already at the gate. Once you pass though the passport control and security, there is only restaurant in there, Burger King. If you are planning to visit Auckland, I suggest that you buy some food in the city before you go to the airport.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 16 May 2009 : by K Weimar

Customer Rating : 2/5

Just about any international flight is going to be a long one and people will be disgorging from their 747's and A340s sleep deprived and disoriented. Thanks to some brilliant flight planning a bunch of flights arrive at the same time - around 4:30 am, and then the fun begins. There are two different queues, one for people making international connections, and one for people making domestic connections. But there are no signs. (well no signs at the BACK of line, so you walk up front to figure out what queue to get into then head all the way back to take your place). At least two ANZ 747 flights arrive simultaneously (SFO & LAX). But they only have 2passport officers on duty. So you stand. and stand. And stand. Until about 6:00 am when clearly, the next shift starts. And suddenly the line starts to move. Well you figure, after giving them an hour and half to unload bags, yours should be on the belt, right? Wrong. I thing the baggage handlers have the same shifts as the passport guys. Unless ANZ loses your bag. Then you have to wait again for customs. And wait and wait. And wait so long that you dont have time to wait in the next long line to check in your bags at the transfer desk. "No worries" they say, with that wonderful laid-back Kiwi attitude. You can just check them in at the domestic terminal desk. Just head out to sidewalk and follow the blue line. Did they mention that there was a bus? Or that it is a long, long walk? No. Of course not. I've been in third world airports that were more efficient.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 24 April 2009 : by Ross Clark

Customer Rating : 4/5

Pier B (gates 15, 16) does take a walk and possibly needs more shops for departing traffic, but it is very spacious. Inwards passport control couldn't be faulted, also the departing check. Still a good airport in the 5m international pax per year category.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 26 March 2009 : by Chris McQuaid

Customer Rating : 4/5

Returning from Sydney it was sad to see that the entrance to Auckland is now also through (rather than beside) the duty-free shops. It's quite a long walk from the new gates built for the A380, and, although the line for Immigration was moving fairly quickly, it still took another 15 minutes to reach the desks, where everyone appeared to get a really friendly welcome. Free tea and coffee available in the baggage area, but because of the delays my suitcase was already on the carousel. Although I haven't seen it anywhere else, Agricultural Quarantine screening is something all New Zealanders are very grateful for.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 5 March 2009 : by Chris McQuaid

Customer Rating : 4/5

Had checked in online, which meant only a few minutes in the queue to deposit suitcase. Friendly staff all the way from checkin through Customs and Immigration. However, this was the first time I had used the new pier built for the A380 (although I wasn't fllying on one). There are four travelators, because it's a long way from the main departure concourse (at least 400 metres) to the lounges at Gates 15 and 16, but only the first (and shortest) was working. Very comfortable seating in the gate lounge, but no entertainment that I could see.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 16 February 2009 : by Eric Simpson

Customer Rating : 4/5

Auckland has always struck me as one of the most pleasant and welcoming of airports, arriving and departing through the new international pier felt slightly less so. Despite the artwork and some stunning views the new area felt somewhat cold and stark. The ability to pre-order duty free and to collect it in the baggage hall on arrival is a real advantage. From plane to kerbside took less than 40 minutes. Departing on a flight to Sydney was spoiled by one very surly and inefficient official manning the NZCS Pre-Clearance desk. I have always found staff at the airport to be pleasant and most helpful and was saddened that this one individual didn’t understand that his attitude reflected poorly on the airport and on New Zealand.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 14 January 2009 : by R Mortara

Customer Rating : 3/5

My first impression on arriving from Tokyo was how generally small the airport is. Immigration officer with some humour and given wishes for a good stay. Staff at the baggage screening areas though appeared less friendly. Bags were delivered 25 mins after reaching the gate then if you are transferring to a domestic flight you need to re-check in at a dedicated area (not that easy to find), then walk to the domestic terminal while the bags are sent separately. The walk between the two terminals (a bus is available every 15 mins or so) was welcome as on both occasions it was warm and dry. Getting outside to feel some air was a plus. The domestic terminal is small and due to the way the domestic system operates you tag your own bag and put on the conveyor belt. Flights by the smaller aircraft (Dash 8, Beech 1900 etc) are called 15 mins before departure. Leaving the country checking in was slow but was directed to the premium area so that speeded things up. I was caught out by the fact most of the food outlets are before security, not something I'm used to at the airports I frequent. Little choice exists after security so if you have a long connection time be aware. Otherwise the airport was quiet, functional and clean but not that impressive

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 13 January 2009 : by S Ryan

Customer Rating : 4/5

Used Auckland Inter many times over the years and its much better now. Duty free here is Cheaper than Australia. Nevertheless the departure duty free is pretty good for a small airport with plenty of options although seating is hard to find when its busy. I agree with some other Reviews that the staff are sometimes a bit rude.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 6 January 2009 : by P Walsh

Customer Rating : 2/5

I find Auckland airport a relatively pleasant experience with the exception of the customs personnel. Today they were sorely let down by very off-handed customs and security staff. As a business class passenger I was fortunate enough to be able to make use of the "pre- clearance" facility. This facility supposedly allows a fast track through passport control and the security check points. Sadly despite the customs officer noticing not once but four times pre-clearance passengers in the queue he continued to process other passengers until what he obviously deemed to be a long enough queue to start processing the pre-cleared passengers. He also managed to do this without uttering a word. This problem then extended to the security check point whereby other passengers were allowed ahead of those who were pre- cleared. I never have a problem allowing others ahead of me who may either require some assistance or who are rushing to avoid missing flights but again it was the fact that the security staff made visual contact several times with the pre-cleared passengers before they decided to let us into the "pre-cleared" lane. Whilst the airport was not overly busy at this time it still took no less than 10 minutes to be processed through the supposedly fast pre- cleared lane. Would it also hurt the customs officers to at least say a good morning/afternoon or good-bye. I don't consider them to be in the customer service business but gee they often leave a poor first and last impression of a wonderful country.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 1 January 2009 : by G Farr

Customer Rating : 1/5

Travelling home on Air NZ via Auckland Airport on Saturday morning before Christmas, found myself stuck in check-in queue for over 1.5 hrs. The announced explanation - large numbers of people travelling before Christmas - was insulting. Is high demand for pre-Christmas travel an unforeseeable event at Auckland Airport? Surely it comes down to planning, staffing and resources. It would also have helped if some staff could have traversed the long queue, seeking travellers on soon-to-depart flights: this works well at other airports. Tip for other travellers: if you must use Air NZ at Auckland Airport, get there very early.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 19 August 2008 : by Anthony Gibbons

Customer Rating : 4/5

Always feels great on arrival to be home until you have to run the gauntlet of DFS Galleria inbound. Intensely annoying that you have to swerve around the booze and perfume displays and the supermarklet-style checkout that is the new inbound DFS duty free just to get to the immigration counters and escape. NZ's Commerce commission have recently been investigating monopolistic activities, which now seems to be bearing fruit. An otherwise excellent little airport disappointingly marred by rampant money grubbing (but at least the luggage carts are free.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 3 August 2008 : by B Anderson

Customer Rating : 5/5

Auckland has recently undergone many changes and arrivals is now a fast, smooth experience that is only held up slightly by having to wait for your bags. Emigration checks are better than anywhere i have ever been due to a huge number of desks that are actually manned when large flights arrive. A credit to the airport and now the departure fee has been included in tickets I find it one of the easiest international airports to get through

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT review : 27 June 2008 : by Neil Ramsay

Customer Rating : 4/5

International transfer on the way thru was very quick and easy although they still have a security check point and liquid/gel restrictions apply so no use buying duty free liquor at your point of departure if you are transiting thru Auckland. You will lose it. Late flight coming back necessitated an overnight stay. Immigration was quick although quarantine/customs seemed a little over zealous. Back at 5am next morning to a rather chaotic scene. Long lines at check in, emigration and security. Was exempt from departure tax due to being less than 24 hours in the country but still needed an exemption stamp. You have to line up for the stamps so all in all took over an hour to get to the gate from drop off. Lots of shops airside, some places to eat and drink. Gate lounges are small and can't cater comfortably for full flights. Not a bad airport all things considered.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by D Dale

13 May 2008   Customer Rating :

A great experience all round. Fast processing through customs and immigration. Bags on the carousel as we arrived. Airport is well signed and is quite roomy. Not crowded and has quite a lot of areas for seating. Departing at Auckland International is a breeze with all Qantas counters manned and customs and security stations manned. Airport staff friendly and helpful. Great selection of Duty Free shops and food outlets. Only downside is paying the $25 departure tax. Would prefer this to be added to cost of airline tickets instead of being a seperate charge (no fault of Auckland Airport however). Otherwise, a lovely gateway to a great country.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by L Hurst

25 February 2008   Customer Rating :

Overall, a pretty good airport for a small country. I travel twice a year through Auckland as I live in NZ but have family in Canada. The domestic terminal has recently been renovated and the improvements are too many to note. More restaurants, cafes and shops to enjoy prior to security. On my last domestic flight out of Auckland, I couldn't be found on the computer system using self check-in but the gentleman at the check in counter was very helpful and sped up the process to ensure I wouldn't miss my flight (I was running late off my international flight because of Air Pacific not because of Auckland Airport). The international terminal serves its purpose. Check in has always been smooth (either Qantas or Air NZ), same with security. Improvements could be made with things to do between check in and security - there is a food court and a handful of shops up the escalator, but a second sit down restaurant would be appreciated. After security, you can grab a coffee, hot food or even a massage! As for the departure tax, not so much a big deal - I recently heard that there is talk of finally including the departure tax in airline tickets. As for international arrivals, painless. Immigration is always friendly and quite speedy. The free coffee while waiting for bags is a nice gesture though I have never finished a coffee because my bags have been quick to come out. Bio-security is a breeze - the passenger has to take full responsibility for the speed of this process: research what you are allowed to bring in (or not allowed to bring in) and be honest on your immigration card. Travelling at Christmas is amazing - the last 3 years I have spotted Santa Claus giving out candy canes to kids (and adults too!).

Auckland Int'l Airport review by L Lim

4 January 2008   Customer Rating :

Allow three to four hours during peak times as the queues are horrendous. We had a flight AKL-MEL running at 7:00am and the Air NZ counter does not split by flight and so we were queuing with a whole lot of other Air NZ flights. We arrived at 5:00am and were still queuing at 6:20am. The departure tax is not included in the ticket price so yet another queue before leaving. At the very least vending machines for departure tax or more than three counters for payment need to be made available. Upon entry into immigration a similar experience to Melbourne airport whereby hand luggage is weighed - again ludicrous given that some people buy more than the weight of hand luggage through the duty free. Immigration people did not seem to have much logic with some immigration staff sitting there waiting whilst others were flat out - there were two queues yet one was overloaded and the other had no one. When we tried to move over to the other queue we were advised this was not possible and had to move back despite advising the officer we had 20 minutes left to board to which they replied don't worry as we would be called! We were travelling as a family and this caused confusion when the immigration officer allowed some people to present their passports as one family and another immigration officer made some people present passports one at a time. One good thing was that they allow each person to carry one empty bottle through customs and refill once through immigration and security. Duty free section not much to write home about and you could do better downtown. Overall not a very pleasant experience and expected a higher standard of service than we received.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by Ross Clark

4 January 2008   Customer Rating :

Arrived early afternoon ex SIN. Very quick for the passport control, somewhat of a wait for the baggage (but full B777 flight); and impressed by the keen desire of the agricultural services to keep people moving, despite having to check ex UK travellers if they had been in a foot-and-mouth area. So, 25 minutes from plane to landside. Left very late evening; fast checkin (10 minutes!) and no more than 5 minutes to get through the exit border (NZ requirement: they can be as slow letting you out as letting you in!)

Auckland Int'l Airport review by R Parkes

1 November 2007   Customer Rating :

Wonderful experience while traveling alone with 12 month old. Lovely older lady (volunteer) was there at 5am to meet my flight and helped me all the way through baggage claim, customs, check in for my connecting flight, and took me to where the bus picked me up for the connection. It was just the answer to a prayer after coming off a long flight from the other side of the US. Auckland also has special immigration lines for families with young children, and check in lines too (I discovered that on the way out). Just the best airport I've ever been to for traveling with a child - and I couldn't believe that someone would volunteer to be there to meet a 5am flight! They also provide free tea and coffee while you wait for your bags.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by M Graham

27 September 2007   Customer Rating :

A nice calm and clean airport with nice touches such as the families with young children line for passport control. The luggage arrived promptly and the security staff were pleasant. We were outside the airport within 30 minutes of landing

Auckland Int'l Airport review by S Blackburn

21 September 2007   Customer Rating :

Experience can be summed up as being forgettable: nothing stood out as either particularly good or bad on either arrival or departure. As others have noticed, there is more space and as much shopping landside as airside on departure. One feature which is slightly annoying is that once clearing security on departure, you are confronted with what feels like a corridor of shops - the main seating area and gates is beyond this so you don't get a sense of space until you've walked on a bit. One tip is to pick up some of the tourist literature in the arrivals hall - most of the guides have vouchers for money off various Kiwi attractions.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by John Cobcroft

23 August 2007   Customer Rating :

Very efficient with a nice relaxed kiwi attitude. Clean with good shopping opportunities. An excellent airport that knows how to deliver service.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by C Hughes

17 July 2007   Customer Rating :

On arrival the process was very smooth, saw the two passport points and headed to the international passport line, which worked out just as quick as the express NZ/AUS line (our line moved very quick with all but 4 stations manned). Baggage claim was uneventful and fast. When clearing the biosecurity, found it much faster just to take the goods to declare lane and let them check it, saw the mile long queue for the 'normal' lane and opted for this one, out in less than 5 minutes. On departure was flying Thai Airways this time instead of Singapore Airlines which has ground service contracted to Air New Zealand instead of Menzies, which I think makes a huge difference. Check-In, whilst lengthy the queue moved through quickly and staff were friendly and efficient. Moving to departures and I agree with the previous postings about staying landside, where there is ample shopping, and heaps of high quality food choices from Sushi-Italian-McDonalds. And one last for me, paying the departure fee, which will be wiped as of September and will be placed on the ticket. Through to departures and it is nice to see a different approach to boarding, first the normal elite/baby stuff, then passengers without carryon bags boarded which surprised me about the time it saved, not a single queue on the airbridge and boarded full flight within 10 minutes! If only other locations would adopt this idea. Also this airport, with the glass arrival walkways is becoming a nice airport to arrive/depart through (will be nicer once new "wing" is completed and will ease pressure on this terminal). One thing to note when departing your boarding pas will not contain your gate number, so you will have to look for it yourself once you get through customs, supposedly to eliminate gate changes.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by J Steel

31 May 2007   Customer Rating :

Improving all the time, now arrivals is separated from departures much better, but be warned be first of the plane as immigration can take an age to complete, AKL seem to always not have enough counters open. Staff are very good, MAF entry is fun, now speeding up process. From landing to outside terminal 25 minutes on this trip. Not many decent places to eat airside (international terminal), duty free good, good arrival and departure twice this year, so all in all 5 stars.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by Peter Halpin

24 May 2007   Customer Rating :

There have been many improvements recently at Auckland. As a regular to Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong and others, I find AIA is well up with the best. Customs are good, but agriculture can be a pain in NZ and Aust, but all for the good of the countries. Immigration is a pain in most countries, if a number of flights are arriving concurrently, queues are normal anywhere. Compared with LAX and SFO, AIA is a dream. Small and efficient. Free coffee whilst you await your bagage. How many airports offer that service. The volunteers go out of the square to help, great. One final thing, a great place to kip, is AIA, if you have an early connection, upstairs, top deck, lots soft quiet seats.

Auckland Int'l Airport review by C Taylor

22 October 2006   Customer Rating : n/a

After arriving at AKL intl terminal from Seoul and needing to transfer to the domestic in quick time - Immigration, customs, quarantine were most helpful when my wife and I indicated we were in a hurry to catch a domestic flight, the quarantine even helping us to jump a barrier to the head of the queue. Alas we missed our flight and were unable to reschedule to a later flight without paying the full upfront ticket charge. Lesson here - allow at least 2 hours from touchdown at intl to takeoff at domestic terminal. Our travel planners (FLIGHT CENTRE NZ) only allowed 1-1/2hrs and thereby put us out of pocket big time.