Late flights SYD-MEL - risky option?

[simongr]

Hi all

Just reassessing my travel pattern for April and May and on my fortnightly trips to MEL I am thinking of flying down late evening the day before rather than the morning. The 4:30AM wake ups are not helpful to anyone.

Just checking the schedule though there doesn't seem to be many options:

QF487 8PM
QF497 10:05PM

Just wondering if I am missing some flights in my EF search (yes I know I could look at DJ but I have existing QF bookings) or of these truly are the only options.

If they are the only options is there any real risk taking the last flight (10:05M) EF shows 88% reliability and average 18 mins late.

It will be straight to the hotel and bed for me though...

 

[Heleigh]

Have you tried the QF website there appear to be flights leaving every 1/2 hr between the flight you have indicated.

 

[Mal]

There is always a big risk with the last flight out of SYD - all you need is a big storm, and the airport could be closed for hours, or a plane going "tech" and there goes your flight (curfew issues).

Check the QF timetable on their website - should show the scheduled flights available.

All that said - I think this type of event only occurs once per month at most - so I wouldn't fret.

 

[oz_mark]

QF487 8PM
QF497 10:05PM

Pretty much it, aside from an extra flight on Thurs and Friday (8.30)

 

[Austman]

One thing about QF497 (which I have caught a few times). The crew is very much aware of the curfew and the whole departure process is done as fast as possible. They ask you to be at the gate extra early and so on. Of course things can still go wrong...

 

[jb747]

One thing about QF497 (which I have caught a few times). The crew is very much aware of the curfew and the whole departure process is done as fast as possible. They ask you to be at the gate extra early and so on. Of course things can still go wrong...

I regularly catch the last aircraft back to Melbourne, but, I'm much more wary about the last flight to Sydney. That curfew is an impassable obstacle.

But...look at the weather forecasts. If it mentions thunderstorms at either end, then go early. Same with fog.

 

[serfty]

I have done the QF497 (nee QF475) many times - at the QP they'll announce it and close up the club around 9:30pm.

Personally I would book the 8pm.

 

[simongr]

Have you tried the QF website there appear to be flights leaving every 1/2 hr between the flight you have indicated.

Ithink those other flights are on another carrier...

I have done the QF497 (nee QF475) many times - at the QP they'll announce it and close up the club around 9:30pm.

Personally I would book the 8pm.

I just wish there was a 9PM. I would like to be at home for the good night to the boy but might have to think abut practicalities...