Jetstar to move to MEL T4

[gizzard]

I realise that this was news over a year ago but I couldn't find a thread on it so have posted it here.
Melbourne Airport News & Events Archive | Melbourne Airport

I wonder whether it will be a longer walk from QP to the T4 JQ gates in SYD or MEL.
I'm also wondering whether JQ check-in and flight information that is currently available in the MEL QP (and not in SYD) will be taken away to make things "simpler and fairer".

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I realise that this was news over a year ago but I couldn't find a thread on it so have posted it here.
Melbourne Airport News & Events Archive | Melbourne Airport

I wonder whether it will be a longer walk from QP to the T4 JQ gates in SYD or MEL.
I'm also wondering whether JQ check-in and flight information that is currently available in the MEL QP (and not in SYD) will be taken away to make things "simpler and fairer".

It will obviously be a much much further walk and will require going through two security screening points

 

[TomVexille]

I assume this going to make JQ even more unattractive for those with access to the QP/J lounge

 

[boomy]

I assume this going to make JQ even more unattractive for those with access to the QP/J lounge

Exactly!
When I fly to SYD I don't mind JQ but for the return to MEL I try to avoid them for that reason (unless the plane departs from the int' terminal ).
Soon I will be avoiding JQ on both ways.

 

[TomVexille]

Exactly!
When I fly to SYD I don't mind JQ but for the return to MEL I try to avoid them for that reason (unless the plane departs from the int' terminal ).
Soon I will be avoiding JQ on both ways.

I do wonder if it will make a difference to loads on QF/JQ once T4 is finished.

Also, are there any destinations out of MEL currently that are only served by JQ and not QF?

 

[docjames]

Mcy, OOL immediately spring to mind

 

[TomVexille]

Mcy, OOL immediately spring to mind

Of course. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Bofter]

The detailed plans for MEL T4 show a large space of the upper floor reserved for a lounge. There has been no announcement as to who, if anyone, will be taking it up. I don't see it likely that Qantas will establish a lounge for Jetstar flyers. Nearby, Virgin has already set up its Club in new space and expanded its Lounge, so unless they do provide a more premium space for Platinum and Business flyers, i think it will just be for a future lounge and perhaps offices in the meantime.

 

[serfty]

The detailed plans for MEL T4 show a large space of the upper floor reserved for a lounge. There has been no announcement as to who, if anyone, will be taking it up. ...

don't forget retail space ...

 

[gizzard]

Also, are there any destinations out of MEL currently that are only served by JQ and not QF?

There are certainly several that are non-stop, unlike QF. Eg OOL, TSV

 

[Bofter]

don't forget retail space ...

Don't worry - my working assumption for Melbourne airport is a shopping centre with a car park attached that just happens to have aircraft nearby. This is a proper top floor however, so quite out of the normal passenger flow where there was plenty of retail space and paid food outlets shown.

 

[dajop]

Maybe the currently most profitable airline in Australia will move their lounge and operations to T4, although won't need a "large space". Alternatively there could be an opportunity for a pay lounge operator, fits neatly with the LCC model.

 

[blackcat20]

I assume this going to make JQ even more unattractive for those with access to the QP/J lounge

Definitely.

When it comes to OOL, you can take QF if you don't mind the stop in SYD (and who says no to more SC?)

 

[serfty]

http://melbourneairport.com.au/docs/appendix-j--detailed-plans-and-description.pdf

 

[JessicaTam]

I assume this going to make JQ even more unattractive for those with access to the QP/J lounge

You would need to allow at least a 15 minute walk plus security processing time. So maybe 30 minutes more than the 5 minute walk it is now. Quite the disincentive.

 

[TomVexille]

You would need to allow at least a 15 minute walk plus security processing time. So maybe 30 minutes more than the 5 minute walk it is now. Quite the disincentive.

Easily a 600-700 meter walk

 

[gizzard]

You would need to allow at least a 15 minute walk plus security processing time. So maybe 30 minutes more than the 5 minute walk it is now. Quite the disincentive.

It wouldn't be so bad if the QP continued to offer JQ check-in and flight information. SYD is a similar case and, as I pointed out to a QF CSR this week, without those facilities in the SYD QP I have had occasion to:
- walk from bus stop at QF to JQ Terminal to check-in/check flight status
- walk back to QF for QP with security check en-route
- walk back to JQ in time for boarding with another security check
.....and then if the flight has been delayed significantly you can repeat the trip.

The walk from MQL QP to T4 certainly seems far more daunting if there's a reason to return to QP and it could mean getting pretty wet too unless a cover is built between the terminals. (I'm having difficulty interpreting the plans to figure that one out).

 

[JessicaTam]

It wouldn't be so bad if the QP continued to offer JQ check-in and flight information. SYD is a similar case and, as I pointed out to a QF CSR this week, without those facilities in the SYD QP I have had occasion to:
- walk from bus stop at QF to JQ Terminal to check-in/check flight status
- walk back to QF for QP with security check en-route
- walk back to JQ in time for boarding with another security check
.....and then if the flight has been delayed significantly you can repeat the trip.

The walk from MQL QP to T4 certainly seems far more daunting if there's a reason to return to QP and it could mean getting pretty wet too unless a cover is built between the terminals. (I'm having difficulty interpreting the plans to figure that one out).

The new T4 is integrated with the existing terminals. They will all be under the one roof.

 

[AdMEL]

It wouldn't be so bad if the QP continued to offer JQ check-in and flight information. SYD is a similar case and, as I pointed out to a QF CSR this week, without those facilities in the SYD QP I have had occasion to:
- walk from bus stop at QF to JQ Terminal to check-in/check flight status
- walk back to QF for QP with security check en-route
- walk back to JQ in time for boarding with another security check
.....and then if the flight has been delayed significantly you can repeat the trip.

The walk from MQL QP to T4 certainly seems far more daunting if there's a reason to return to QP and it could mean getting pretty wet too unless a cover is built between the terminals. (I'm having difficulty interpreting the plans to figure that one out).

The new T4 is integrated with the existing terminals. They will all be under the one roof.

Without looking at the plans, I would have assumed T4 would be made part of the existing building, given its location beside the existing building and also given one of the great things about MEL is that it is in one building. Makes it one of the best airports in the world IMO, putting aside my hometown bias.

Gizzard, can one not get real time flight info on their mobile, thus avoiding walking to the gate until necessary?

 

[gizzard]

...I would have assumed T4 would be made part of the existing building...
Gizzard, can one not get real time flight info on their mobile, thus avoiding walking to the gate until necessary?

Sensible assumptions but, my experience is that reality can be very different.

A different airline, for sure, but I was checking VA's estimated departure and arrival times the other day using the net and they certainly didn't resemble the real situation. So, yes, you can use your mobile but with the distance between terminals you might regret that you trusted what you read. I'd prefer to follow the screens and announcements and, as you would probably be aware, those too can be far from accurate.