Connecting at SYD, from MEL to ZQN

[TtiGeR]

Hi,

My partner has two upcoming flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Sydney. Both flights were booked by my company. The Sydney to Queenstown leg was booked as a group booking and thus the Melbourne to Sydney one is on a separate PNR because not everyone requires a connection.

I asked the event organiser if she can access the VA terminal transfer bus and was told the following.

Yes, as she is travelling on Virgin Australia on the international flight, she will have access to the inter-terminal bus operated by Virgin.She may be able to have her bags checked through to Queenstown, in Melbourne. If she asks at the service desk they can do this, even with separate bookings.

However, when I tried to confirm this Velocity Platinum, I was given a straight "no" because the flights were not on the same booking.

The VA website is a bit vague. It says that a $15 per person bus transfer charge apply for guests travelling from International to Domestic via Sydney but did not mention this for guests travelling from Domestic to International through Sydney.

I understand there is Airport Link (train) available for $5 but would prefer to use VA's bus transfer if possible.

Does anyone know which info is correct?