BNE Airport - Tbus available for free QF transfers

[serfty]

From tomorrow (Dec 1) customers can transfer free on TBus with a Qantas boarding pass. The blurb says it replaces the existing AirTrain arrangement but goes on to state the AirTrain customer offering will continue to apply - which is a bit contradictory.

Latest Qantas News

Inter-terminal Bus Transfers - Brisbane Domestic and International Airports

23 November 2009​

Effective from 01 December 2009, a new inter-terminal transfer system for Brisbane Airport will be launched - TBus

Customers travelling Qantas with connecting services between Brisbane Domestic Terminal and Brisbane International Terminal and visa versa can use the TBus transfer service free of charge when presenting a connecting Qantas boarding pass.

The new offering replaces the existing AirTrain arrangement from 01 December 2009. The same AirTrain customer offering will continue to apply however customers can now transfer free on TBus with a Qantas boarding pass, rather than the AirTrain.

Benefits

The new product will provide a more seamless transfer option for Qantas connecting passengers with increased frequency and timetable options. It includes a dedicated drop off and collection point for both terminals which are conveniently located near the check-in area.

Tbus timetable - http://clients.bluewirehosting.com.au/bac/files/pdf/Parking/A1_bustimetable_proof.pdf

 

[Mal]

So what BNE has done, is to extend the once free International Airport <-> DFO bus to the domestic airport, but charge passengers $5 to go between the two terminals. One assumes that Intl<-> DFO is still free.

(At least there are still references to free bus from International to DFO).

At least the hours and frequency are much better than airtrain!

-- But bizarrely, http://www.airportvillage.com.au/bustimes.html still claims that a bus from the domestic or International airport to DFO etc is free. Perhaps it operates in a triangle, and they only charge people for the DOM<->INT portion?

Could be a way to get a free transfer - DOM>DFO>INT.

 

[docjames]

Seems better - the infrequency of the airtrain is a pain. You'd think QF would get them to stop in the middle now (rahter than the DJ end!).

One also suspects it's cheaper for QF to pay for the bus than what airtrain were charging them per passenger.

Note also now every 20 mins (vs train @ 15mins), but with earlier start and later finish times thankfully.

 

[markis10]

The roads will be a lot less conjested heading towards the DFO once the terminal links are open on Thursday from the new gateway, that may also explain the switch to a bus!

 

[spiggy_topes]

provide a more seamless transfer option

Who wrote this? It's either seamless or not seamless - you can't have degrees of seamlessness. Almost as bad as 'very unique'. Ugh.

Yes, I'm a grammar naz_...

 

[serfty]

...
One also suspects it's cheaper for QF to pay for the bus than what airtrain were charging them per passenger.
...

Actually, the blurb indicates complimentary train access will continue - the Tbus is an alternative.

 

[NM]

Actually, the blurb indicates complimentary train access will continue - the Tbus is an alternative.

Technically it does not mention complimentary train access to continue. It says "The same AirTrain customer offering will continue to apply ...". This only mentions "AirTrain customer" and not "Qantas customer". So the statement says Airtrain customers can continue to pay to go between Domestic and International terminals on the trains. However (and they use the word however), the free transfer by presentation of a Qantas connecting boarding pass will be via the bus.

But it certainly was not clear.

 

[serfty]

Fair enough - that interpretation certainly makes it less contradictory.

 

[docjames]

Technically it does not mention complimentary train access to continue. It says "The same AirTrain customer offering will continue to apply ...". This only mentions "AirTrain customer" and not "Qantas customer". So the statement says Airtrain customers can continue to pay to go between Domestic and International terminals on the trains. However (and they use the word however), the free transfer by presentation of a Qantas connecting boarding pass will be via the bus.

But it certainly was not clear.

That was how i interpreted the (poorly worded) statement.

 

[straitman]

Let us wait and see what the outcomes in real life turnout to be.

 

[Fifa]

Does anyone know if the free QF transfer on Tbus is available for those arriving on a QF flight and departing on a partner airline ie Air Niugini?

 

[NM]

Does anyone know if the free QF transfer on Tbus is available for those arriving on a QF flight and departing on a partner airline ie Air Niugini?

According to the Qantas web site:

Brisbane International Airport:

For passengers continuing on a Qantas domestic flight you will need to collect your bags and proceed to the Domestic Transfer desk located on Level 2. From there you can make your way to the TBus collection point for transfer to the Brisbane Domestic Terminal. This service is complimentary for all Qantas, codeshare and oneworld customers, just present your boarding pass or e-ticket to the TBus staff upon boarding on the arrivals level.

Brisbane Domestic Airport:

For passengers connecting to a Qantas international flight make your way to the to the TBus collection point for transfer to the Brisbane International Terminal. This service is complimentary for all Qantas, codeshare and oneworld customers, just present your boarding pass or itinerary ticket to the TBus staff upon boarding, located on the ground floor.

So according to those quotes, if arriving on Qantas into the domestic terminal and connecting to Air Niugini would not qualify, unless you are booked on the QF codeshare flight number.

The criteria seems to be that you are connecting to a Qantas flight.

 

[Fifa]

Wow - that was a quick response thanks NM!
As it's not a QF codeshare I suppose we'll just have to spend 5 bucks :-|

 

[NM]

Wow - that was a quick response thanks NM!
As it's not a QF codeshare I suppose we'll just have to spend 5 bucks :-|

Hang onto your inbound QF boarding pass and show it at the bus. Its possible the written and practical interpretations may differ

 

[Fifa]

Does anyone know if the free QF transfer on Tbus is available for those arriving on a QF flight and departing on a partner airline ie Air Niugini?

An update...

On arrival (QF) at BNE we boarded the very full Tbus straight away and were not asked for any payment. At the Virgin stop each person was told the fare was $5 so maybe, because we got on at the QF terminal we did not get asked.

On our return, the Domestic Transfer desk was not manned, so we headed out to the bus stop, waited around 15 mins and just showed our QF e-ticket when boarding.

 

[Worldtraveller8888]

Does anyone know how the transfer arrangement works for VirginBlue/Pacific Blue transfers? I know someone flying SYD/BNE/CHC this week (all on one ticket). This is on the DJ website:

Train passes are availbe for all connecting Pacific Blue flights & a bus service is available for all connecting V Australia flights.

But I don't find that terribly helpful in working out if either the train or bus is 'complimentary'...