Air NZ tightens up busy Koru lounge access

Air New Zealand plans to curb access to its Koru lounges in response to overcrowding.

The airline sent an email to frequent fliers yesterday saying that, from August 1, it will reduce the number of guests that Elite members can bring into the lounges and limit the number of lounge eVouchers certain credit card holders can earn.

The maximum age for children who may accompany members is 17. Members travelling on Air New Zealand can bring up to three children with them (aged 3-17) in addition to their guest allowance. Infants under 3 are allowed on a complimentary basis.

‘‘These changes come as a result of member feedback from our recent Koru Programme survey,’’ the airline said.

Air New Zealand has to turn away passengers from the Koru lounge at Auckland International Airport during times of high demand, the airline said last month.

A spokeswoman for the airline said some customers were redirected to the airport’s Strata lounge during busy periods.

The airline was working with Auckland Airport to increase its available lounge space, she said.

In October travellers expressed frustration at being diverted to the Strata lounge because of the overcrowding in Air New Zealand’s Koru lounge.

At the time the airline blamed Auckland Airport for failing to provide clear direction and timelines for a new passenger lounge it was planning at the international terminal.

The airport hit back saying Air New Zealand ignored its advice two years ago that the Koru lounge it built was too small.

The Koru lounge at Auckland Airport’s international terminal opened in 2015 at a cost of $14 million, and is Air New Zealand’s flagship lounge in New Zealand.

It’s accessible to passengers with Airpoints Elite, Gold and Elite Partner status as well as Koru members and business class passengers departing on Air New Zealand flights.