Classic Award to Sydney - How Long to Leave for Separate Booking to Melbourne

[ayebee]

Apologies if this has been covered upthread - I searched but could not see the answer.

I managed to snaffle 2x F classic reward seats JNB - SYD for the exact date I wanted to fly in October.
I actually wanted JNB-MEL, connecting in SYD but it was not showing anything, and idly looking at Sydney it showed the F option, so grabbed it with idea I would worry about SYD-MEL later.

There are CR Y seats SYD - MEL available on day we arrive, but before I book can I check on others experience.
The SYD-MEL will be a separate PNR / ticket. I would allow at least 2 hrs for connection.

At JNB check-in, will I be able to get bags tagged through to MEL, and recognition that if the inbound is delayed QF will automatically rebook us onto a later flight, having satisfied MCT ?

&/or should I contact QF agent and get the PNRs linked ?

 

[Warragul]

Apologies if this has been covered upthread - I searched but could not see the answer.

I managed to snaffle 2x F classic reward seats JNB - SYD for the exact date I wanted to fly in October.
I actually wanted JNB-MEL, connecting in SYD but it was not showing anything, and idly looking at Sydney it showed the F option, so grabbed it with idea I would worry about SYD-MEL later.

There are CR Y seats SYD - MEL available on day we arrive, but before I book can I check on others experience.
The SYD-MEL will be a separate PNR / ticket. I would allow at least 2 hrs for connection.

At JNB check-in, will I be able to get bags tagged through to MEL, and recognition that if the inbound is delayed QF will automatically rebook us onto a later flight, having satisfied MCT ?

&/or should I contact QF agent and get the PNRs linked

Yes the bags can be tagged to MEL and boarding passes issued. I can't comment on the automatic rebook, although having checked in you like to think that would happen but can't say definitively. I have had call centre agents (from HBA) tell me that as it is a QF - QF 'connection' that it will be adjusted if delayed and link the PNRs in case of schedule changes in advance. Can't vouch for the accuracy as everything went as planned for me in similar scenario.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Apologies if this has been covered upthread - I searched but could not see the answer.

I managed to snaffle 2x F classic reward seats JNB - SYD for the exact date I wanted to fly in October.
I actually wanted JNB-MEL, connecting in SYD but it was not showing anything, and idly looking at Sydney it showed the F option, so grabbed it with idea I would worry about SYD-MEL later.

There are CR Y seats SYD - MEL available on day we arrive, but before I book can I check on others experience.
The SYD-MEL will be a separate PNR / ticket. I would allow at least 2 hrs for connection.

At JNB check-in, will I be able to get bags tagged through to MEL, and recognition that if the inbound is delayed QF will automatically rebook us onto a later flight, having satisfied MCT ?

&/or should I contact QF agent and get the PNRs linked ?

It will be soon enough to link the PNRs at checkin at JNB. When you present the second ticket to have your bags tagged through, it will have the effect of linking if I am correct.

Although call wait times now seem to be very quick, so it can’t hurt to try in advance (I wouldn’t spend two hours in the phone waiting! 5 mins and yes, ok)

They may not automatically rebook you on the next flight in any event, but I’m confident the check-in desk at the airport on the day will sim0y reaccommodate you if you present the inbound boarding pass.