QF10 PER - MEL experiences?

[DrJ]

Now that QF 9/10 MEL/PER/LHR is up and running, as someone who is booked on return to MEL using the domestic legs in a couple of months, I was wondering what the realities are re the domestic leg of QF10 from PER to MEL are, namely -

• does one proceed normally through T4 security (presumably after checking in physically with photo ID to obtain a physical BP with the D sticker), spend some time in the Dom J lounge, and then have to clear outbound immigration/ int security in T3 with enough time to spare before boarding?
• Confirmation that access to the new “int transit lounge” is denied, and if so, how is it policed? Do pax ex LHR and continuing to MEL need to retain the LHR-PER BP to prove they flew that sector?
• What is the J service like on the PER- MEL sector of QF10? Anything above and beyond what is offered on a standard PER-MEL/SYD/BNE on a 330, eg real Champagne?

While the flight back on QF9 is a no brainer (Flounge access at MEL T2), I am thinking of changing the outbound flight to a more convenient time it J on this sector is no better, and the new lounge at PER is off limits.

 

[calmelb]

I haven’t flown that returning leg yet (only did the QF9 Mel-LHR this past Saturday) but I presume the computer at the lounge will tell whether you can access (link up from arrival etc), plus on the computer the staff can pull up your same day bookings/ flights.

The QF9 also had a very domestic style flight over. No PJs/ Amenity kits, no WP welcome aboard (even in J), there was Champagne but not sure what it was (only had a welcome drink), so unless you have a real push to fly the 787 (and fight at MEL arrivals) then I wouldn’t bother.
Though I’m sure some others on here have flown the 10 and might have more information about it

 

[JessicaTam]

You won't get access to the transit lounge, but will be directed to the dom lounge. The orange 'D' sticker on your BP should speed you through immigration. Just remember that you are limited to 100ml LAGS.

 

[travellerqff]

I flew this route on the 787 before it came QF9/10 and selected row 20 (as you can domestically). The premium economy cabin was treated and offered as an international service, after take off the curtains were closed and the business class drinks trolley served the cabin. The meal was also served on business class plates, cutlery, glasses etc.

I then flew on the inaugural QF9 in economy, with a friend seated in business and premium economy also (poor me ) and the service was still as good to me.

The Flounge was relatively empty. I also noticed that the majority of economy passengers were only flying to Perth, with orange D stickers on their boarding passes – and there wasn’t much fanfare so I’m assuming they had no idea of the flight. It was in Perth and on QF9 Perth – London that the festivities began.

 

[texter]

Bumping this thread.
When you arr at MEL, is there a dedicated line for domestic passengers at immigration? Dont want to be stuck in a queue with all the other passengers..

 

[JessicaTam]

Bumping this thread.
When you arr at MEL, is there a dedicated line for domestic passengers at immigration? Dont want to be stuck in a queue with all the other passengers..

Yes. Follow the sings for "D" pass holders. I think it is the same as the express channel.

 

[travellerqff]

Side note, I was in the Perth domestic business lounge yesterday at 1800~ and overheard a passenger commenting that after arriving on QF10 LHR PER, he had to recheck-in for QF568 to SYD at 2355 and QF wouldn’t let him check-in until 1755 (6 hours out).

 

[calmelb]

Side note, I was in the Perth domestic business lounge yesterday at 1800~ and overheard a passenger commenting that after arriving on QF10 LHR PER, he had to recheck-in for QF568 to SYD at 2355 and QF wouldn’t let him check-in until 1755 (6 hours out).

Maybe he was booked on separate tickets and either didn't mention this to LHR check in or they had the wrong rules

 

[avante]

Hi all - bumping this thread as I am considering this flight, but given it's an international flight number, would I be better off taking the next flight, departing an hour later at 3:15, as I'm not looking forward to spending more time at the airport! On the other hand, that means a 4-hour flight on the 737. I'd be travelling on Y as per company policy, but on Gold, and hoping to score a rewards upgrade (on either flight).

My meeting in Perth finishes at 12:30, so can't fly any earlier than 2pm (though, now thinking about it, I wouldn't even make the QF10 if I need to play by international travel rules!). So I guess my options are really, 3:15pm on the 737 (QF768), or the 4:55pm on the A330 (QF776), which gets me home at midnight...

 

[JessicaTam]

Hi all - bumping this thread as I am considering this flight, but given it's an international flight number, would I be better off taking the next flight, departing an hour later at 3:15, as I'm not looking forward to spending more time at the airport! On the other hand, that means a 4-hour flight on the 737. I'd be travelling on Y as per company policy, but on Gold, and hoping to score a rewards upgrade (on either flight).

My meeting in Perth finishes at 12:30, so can't fly any earlier than 2pm (though, now thinking about it, I wouldn't even make the QF10 if I need to play by international travel rules!). So I guess my options are really, 3:15pm on the 737 (QF768), or the 4:55pm on the A330 (QF776), which gets me home at midnight...

It looks like you wouldn't make QF10 so treat the following as general comments!

If you are travelling in J then the 787 would be a vast improvement on the 737. Departing from PER you access the same lounge so no difference there.

If you are in Y, then the 737 would be my preference if there weren't any A330 flights that suit.

Arriving in MEL [on QF10] you would need to negotiate immigration so that would slow the arrivals process down a bit - but not by too much as the 'D' sticker pax use the express lanes.

Edit: added detail.

 

[Daver6]

One advantage of QF10 is you can save points and just upgrade to Y+ for a bit more comfort if you don't have the need for a flat bed.

 

[avante]

Awesome - thanks so much for the insights! Sounds like if flying Y, then in order of decreasing comfort, it would be A330, B737 and then B787, whereas if J, then perhaps B787 / A330 and then B737?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

In your circumstances, I would get the Y on the 737, QF is very likely to give you a shadow, ie, you have your own seat, and one next to you as well, the next seat being empty.
Mind you, flying as a dom pax on an int flight has it good side, if you have a lot of time to play with, so to speak, before and after the flight.
But if your time is limited, then do the 737, ... or if you are lucky, and QF "gives" you the 330.
I don't mind the J product on the 737, have done it several times trans Tasman, have done PER - ADL in Y, too, so I do know about going numb in Y on the 737, mentally and bodily.
For the QF10, its not only post flight, but pre flight as well, you have to get to the airport to show id, and then have a BP with the orange sticker even if you have done OLCI, you would still have to line up to show photo id, passport or drivers licence.
Then coming into MEL, have to pass the duty free ladies, and not be able to buy anything, ... not allowed, more so.
I have done the dom pax on an int flight several times, into MEL and also SYD.