Can't leave Melbourne Airport During transit??? [DOH-MEL-ADL vv]

[MEL_Traveller]

I don’t think this is a security issue. I don’t think an airline can ‘force’ you to fly with them unless there was some restriction such as a visa or lack of immigration at the technical stop (not the case here for MEL/SYD).

HLO and you should be free to enter Australia. The airline rep directing you to A or B is just a rep. There’s no security breach leaving the airport, unless of course you bags in the hold, which might look a bit suspicious!

However, what QR might do is reassess the fare, if there is any difference between Melbourne and Adelaide. Or worse, recalculate the ticket as a full one-way walk-up DOH-MEL (rather than any discounted fare that might have been paid).

I wonder if they could just charge this directly to your credit card if they had that on file?

This tag flight is also to satisfy the Australian government’s seat caps. If QR Was found to have breached that cap by allowing the passenger to exit, and if there was some fine or penalty on QR for that breach, they would be within their rights to seek that compensation from the passenger.

 

[clifford]

I wonder if they could just charge this directly to your credit card if they had that on file?

This tag flight is also to satisfy the Australian government’s seat caps. If QR Was found to have breached that cap by allowing the passenger to exit, and if there was some fine or penalty on QR for that breach, they would be within their rights to seek that compensation from the passenger.

Best to fly QR (if at all) using FF points from another airline then.

But I do think that QR can be pretty vindictive, and you have to look at the debacle involving Australian women at DOH (let's just not say it wasn't QR, as everything is state controlled there).

 

[jase05]

Best to fly QR (if at all) using FF points from another airline then.

But I do think that QR can be pretty vindictive, and you have to look at the debacle involving Australian women at DOH (let's just not say it wasn't QR, as everything is state controlled there).

yeah, I love the airline and the country too much to jeopardise any future visits for the sake of saving a few bucks especially when it gives us two daily’s ex ADL

 

[Scarlett]

They can try to direct you anywhere they like but good luck physically stopping someone leaving if that’s what they choose to do.

A simple cough and a statement ‘something, something, covid’ should see you safely on your own way, if even challenged by QR staff.

 

[Warragul]

I don't think so. ABF couldn't give a damn as long as your're an Australian citizen and want to exit at MEL.

What are we talking about? The airline's profit margin?

Oh, and I did use to work at the Department of Immigration (as it was in those days). It's not what you are...

Exactly, Australian citizen can't be stopped from entering at whatever port they chose, from a legal perspective. The officers might think it's a bit odd but that's about it.

Whether the airline makes a note for future reference is an unknown quantity and worth at least thinking about any implications for future travel on said carrier.

 

[levelnine]

As with all forms of skiplagging, you can probably get away with it a small number of times, especially if you claim you're unable to board your onward flight due to medical reasons.

But it does put you at risk of being banned from the airline.

 

[eddie eagle]

I have booked this flight DOH-ADL in October and plan to get off in MEL. I have no intention of going to ADL. I always fly HBO.

how did that go in October 2023?

 

[alexc]

Hi everyone, just reviving this thread as I've booked myself a flight in Feb of QR988. It was the only flight that had a worthwhile redemption in J class (of course I realise why now)

Just wondering from the collective experience
1. Are any lounges open?
2. Is it possible to leave the airport and return at 4am?

It seems mildly deceptive that there is no mention of the technical stop till you receive your confirmation email.

Look forward to hearing everyone's' experience.

 

[eddie eagle]

Hi everyone, just reviving this thread as I've booked myself a flight in Feb of QR988. It was the only flight that had a worthwhile redemption in J class (of course I realise why now)

Just wondering from the collective experience
1. Are any lounges open?
2. Is it possible to leave the airport and return at 4am?

It seems mildly deceptive that there is no mention of the technical stop till you receive your confirmation email.

Look forward to hearing everyone's' experience.

Velocity app or website when you "book a flight" is very, very clear that there is a long layover, and clearly quantifies this long layover as 6 hours and ten minutes in melbin.

A couple of people here have claimed they are just going to leave with no checked luggage, however not a single person has posted that has been able to leave and then return to catch the remainder of the "international" flight to Rads.

 

[alexc]

Velocity app or website when you "book a flight" is very, very clear that there is a long layover, and clearly quantifies this long layover as 6 hours and ten minutes in melbin.

A couple of people here have claimed they are just going to leave with no checked luggage, however not a single person has posted that has been able to leave and then return to catch the remainder of the "international" flight to Rads.

Oh I booked it direct on Qatar using Avios and when booking it just shows up as a very long flight and it only shows the “technical stop” in your itinerary after you’ve booked.

I’m just curious to hear what other passengers experiences were..

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi everyone, just reviving this thread as I've booked myself a flight in Feb of QR988. It was the only flight that had a worthwhile redemption in J class (of course I realise why now)

Just wondering from the collective experience
1. Are any lounges open?
2. Is it possible to leave the airport and return at 4am?

It seems mildly deceptive that there is no mention of the technical stop till you receive your confirmation email.

Look forward to hearing everyone's' experience.

Prolly not much point to leaving the airport between 00:00 and 0400! Flying business class you should arrive fairly well rested, so not much point in forking out for a hotel?

And there’s nothing around the airport. A cab into town and back will probably be in the region of $200.

Might be an opportunity to catch up on some emails!

 

[Mwenenzi]

Hi everyone, just reviving this thread as I've booked myself a flight in Feb of QR988. It was the only flight that had a worthwhile redemption in J class (of course I realise why now)

Just wondering from the collective experience
1. Are any lounges open?
2. Is it possible to leave the airport and return at 4am?

It seems mildly deceptive that there is no mention of the technical stop till you receive your confirmation email.

Look forward to hearing everyone's' experience.

This has been asked before. Will you have checked baggage?
1. No. Look at MEL airport web site and OW lounge info. Airport Lounges: oneworld Lounges & Airport Lounge Access

2. No. Leaving the airport means processing AU immigration & customs. So the next MEL ADL would be a domestic flight. QR (and all international airlines) do not have rights to carry domestic passengers.

FT thread on this flight QR988 DOH-MEL-ADL Exiting at MEL - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[Secco]

So looks like if you have checked luggage then ending your trip in Melbourne is not going to be possible

 

[VPS]

So looks like if you have checked luggage then ending your trip in Melbourne is not going to be possible

Some people have had success with telling Qatar they want their baggage and they are not going to Adelaide but YMMV

 

[bcworld]

So looks like if you have checked luggage then ending your trip in Melbourne is not going to be possible

More than likely your bag is not going to go to ADL without you. But don't expect to be claiming it off a baggage belt half an hour after your flight. You're causing major inconvenience by doing this.