I thought I'd provide a further update on the saga to secure QF9. Arrived at MEL at 1 today (Sofitel booted us at 12 PM, so much for a late checkout) and the prospect of waiting 5 hours at MEL domestic for QF777 was too much. Told the taxi driver to drop us offer at the international terminal, went to the First class check-in area and inquired about getting moved to QF9. At first she wasn't sure if the computer would let her but thankfully it did and we managed to secure seats beside each other 46E/46F. So I thought the ol' motto of you won't get anything if you don't ask still holds true here!
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In case anyone is wondering why I went to First class check-in at the international terminal rather than the Qantas domestic terminal two reasons. First, I suspected that the First class reception would have more authority and tools to transfer flights over like that than someone in the domestic terminal. Second, and probably most importantly, if we were successful in making the transfer, you'd need to be at the international First check-in desk anyway to check in the bag, collect the special D stamped boarding pass, and to clear security and dommigration.
First order of the day after check-in was heading to the QF lounge which I did. Upon presenting our boarding passes we were told that there was an open slot for the spa, which after some convincing I managed to get my partner to agree to try. Currently sipping some champers and will probably have a light meal at the QFlounge before heading on this international flight to Perth, Australia.
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