Qantas MEL-HNL

[motlking]

As in 1hr between aircraft arriving in Sydney and aircraft departing from Sydney?

It's actually 90 mins but yes that's what I meant.

 

[Quickstatus]

90 mins

A bit tight for a DOM-INT transfer
Should be OK if the flight from MEL is not delayed

 

[whughes3]

The International Transfer Counters are in the Qantas Domestic Terminal!

As you stand facing the security checkpoint they are in the bank of counters to the left.

Regards,

BD

Sorry, unless they have moved in the last few weeks, they are to the RIGHT of the security area. Have been for a long time.

 

[BD1959]

Sorry, unless they have moved in the last few weeks, they are to the RIGHT of the security area. Have been for a long time.

Interesting. Last time I looked (Sep) they were definitely to the left ... OK they're somewhere in the Qantas Domestic departure hall ...

Regards,

BD

 

[docjames]

Wishing free OP a pleasant trip, and noting questions all answered already, but noting it’s disappointing that this info (re transfers, checkin etc) isn’t readily provided with the e-ticket or easily found via the operating carrier ……and if it is there, isn’t in a reliable format that leaves the OP asking the AFF brains trust for clarification

 

[TheInsider]

Wishing free OP a pleasant trip, and noting questions all answered already, but noting it’s disappointing that this info (re transfers, checkin etc) isn’t readily provided with the e-ticket or easily found via the operating carrier ……and if it is there, isn’t in a reliable format that leaves the OP asking the AFF brains trust for clarification

This is what is on the e-ticket:

 

[docjames]

This is what is on the e-ticket:
View attachment 308305

Which is generic about checkin cutoff times and nothing about connection times (at Syd or elsewhere), whether you need to be earlier / which counter for int connection checkin at dom, how to get between terminals etc

I guess my point - why not provide this in an email with booking confirmation (“you have purchased a ticket needing a connection in Sydney, here’s what you need to do: ……….”), even if it’s not on the eticket (which I get has other info).

 

[Mooch]

Transferring terminals at Sydney is a rubbish and time consuming process (particularly coming back into Aus). Based on recent experience I’d be surprised if you can do it in 90 mins. Good luck!

 

[justinbrett]

Transferring terminals at Sydney is a rubbish and time consuming process (particularly coming back into Aus). Based on recent experience I’d be surprised if you can do it in 90 mins. Good luck!

It’s not too bad at that time of day. Although, the bus is less frequent.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

There is a bright side to this itinerary - you will earn more status credits flying via SYD than had you flown nonstop out of MEL. That being said, the transfer from domestic to international at Sydney is a challenge I hear (albeit I haven't had the good fortune of trying it recently).

 

[motlking]

There is a bus that runs from the QF transfer desk, gate 15 for pax transferring from domestic to international travelling on QF services.

If we can't get moved to an earlier flight, do you think catching the train would be quicker than the bus?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If we can't get moved to an earlier flight, do you think catching the train would be quicker than the bus?

I don't think so by the time you need to walk to the train station buy tickets wait for the train get off at the other end and walk back to the check-in hall.

 

[Ade]

If we can't get moved to an earlier flight, do you think catching the train would be quicker than the bus?

What @MEL_Traveller said and also good to note that at the transfer desk, they'd be scanning your BP .. meaning, the system knows that you are on your way to the international terminal ... so should any issues happen, staff can always go "oh, yea, they passed thru dom to int via the bus" .. know what I mean?

 

[motlking]

What @MEL_Traveller said and also good to note that at the transfer desk, they'd be scanning your BP .. meaning, the system knows that you are on your way to the international terminal ... so should any issues happen, staff can always go "oh, yea, they passed thru dom to int via the bus" .. know what I mean?

Ok gotcha, that would relieve some stress at least.
I'm assuming that we don't have to collect our luggage and check it back in at international. Honestly don't know why Qantas even sell a MEL-HNL flight with such a short layover if it doesn't give enough time to make the connecting flight.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

People on AFF, correct me if I'm wrong here, but if you have a tight connection like the OP, you should be able to cut the queue at security and emmigration given the tight connection?

-RooFlyer88

 

[BD1959]

I don't think so by the time you need to walk to the train station buy tickets wait for the train get off at the other end and walk back to the check-in hall.

Walking aside (and if you come in at Gate 2 the difference between the train station and Gate 15 will be marginal) why would you need to buy train tickets? I've not bought a ticket/used my Opal card in a long time, just tap on/off with my credit card. What am I missing?

Regards,

BD

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Walking aside (and if you come in at Gate 2 the difference between the train station and Gate 15 will be marginal) why would you need to buy train tickets? I've not bought a ticket/used my Opal card in a long time, just tap on/off with my credit card. What am I missing?

Regards,

BD

I forgot about tap and go!

 

[justinbrett]

People on AFF, correct me if I'm wrong here, but if you have a tight connection like the OP, you should be able to cut the queue at security and emmigration given the tight connection?

-RooFlyer88

When I have flown at that time of day (and specifically on QF3/QF103) it's been a ghost town. With smart gates now at passport control, it's even less likely to be an issue. You might be 5-6 people deep at each gate, but that's not going to be much of a delay.

Cutting the queue is not guaranteed but you can always ask.

If you're at T1 when the flight starts boarding, I'd say you'll have no issues in making the flight.

The issue comes from the connecting flight being late. 90 minutes is enough time to transfer. 45 minutes is not.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

When I have flown at that time of day (and specifically on QF3/QF103) it's been a ghost town. With smart gates now at passport control, it's even less likely to be an issue. You might be 5-6 people deep at each gate, but that's not going to be much of a delay.

Having used the "smart" gates back in late June, for a morning flight to Vancouver, I must say I was disappointed. Sure the line was only 5 or 6 deep, but the machines were malfunctioning that day and it took close to 20 minutes to clear emigration. I do recall there being an airport personnel yelling out destinations that were already boarding at the security line (including my destination) and that allowed me to cut ahead of a number of people.

Cutting the queue is not guaranteed but you can always ask.

I've cut queues many times at SYD be it for domestic or international flights. The key is to show the boarding as you go by. Fellow passengers won't be happy but it's not your fault that you've got a 30 minute connection!

-RooFlyer88

 

[Ade]

I'm assuming that we don't have to collect our luggage and check it back in at international.

If all the legs of the trip are on a single PNR and with QF, then no need to collect bags at domestic and re-checkin for international. Double check at check-in for the first leg if the bags are checked thru to the destination.