SYD transfer travelling to DFW in F

[11sjw]

It's certainly a bucket list trip and probably the only time (although never say never) I will fly long haul in F. I will be like a kid in a candy shop. I might ring up and see if I can get the MEL-SYD leg moved to an earlier time.
The only other way I could fly F long haul is upgrade from J for the return leg DFW-SYD using points (I have about 80,000 QF points). I'm guessing the 'lounge' in DFW is not comparable to the F lounge in Sydney.
Appreciate everyone's comments here. But it's definitely an exciting trip for me. What may seem like a mundane experience to some, will be something new and very, very exciting for me.

Good on you and yes get an earlier flight if possible. The F Lounge is great and you'll get the full experience given you're flying F.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I'm guessing the 'lounge' in DFW is not comparable to the F lounge in Sydney..

I have only been in the F lounge in DFW once and I didn't pay that much attention to it, as we were meeting up with friends and more interested in talking to them. However my impression was that I have been in nicer J lounges, so definitely no comparison. I hope you enjoy every minute of your experience.

 

[TomVexille]

I think moving the Dom flight to an earlier time is good idea and remember to update chauffeur pick up online if you do that just in case, although they will call you the day prior to reconfirm.

Your profile says you like wine so if I can give one advise, don't drink too much in the Flounge! Unlike the food, alcohol will be much better onboard and you're on a day flight...

No chauffeur drive on USA flights

 

[boomy]

No chauffeur drive on USA flights

Oh right, forgot their simpler and fairer change to keep LHR but cancel USA chauffeur.

Gotta love Qantas and their sense of humour.

 

[Justinf]

Trying to ring Qantas. Apparantely a 35 minute wait. Yikes.

Edit: gave up after 45 minutes.

 

[boomy]

Trying to ring Qantas. Apparantely a 35 minute wait. Yikes.

Edit: gave up after 45 minutes.

Wow that's long wait!

QF should have some sort of priority for pax who travel in premium cabins like EY system.

 

[Justinf]

Wow that's long wait!

QF should have some sort of priority for pax who travel in premium cabins like EY system.

I have messaged QF on twitter. They are usually really good in responding and have helped enormously in the past.

 

[DC3]

Don't expect to make it to the F Lounge, with a 9.30am flight from MEL, as I have done similar. Too much time wasted transiting SYD, not to mention any delay ex MEL.

As already suggested, you need a much, much earlier flight.

 

[JohnK]

Don't expect to make it to the F Lounge, with a 9.30am flight from MEL, as I have done similar. Too much time wasted transiting SYD, not to mention any delay ex MEL.

As already suggested, you need a much, much earlier flight.

Why? The transfer bus runs every 10 minutes in morning? If flight is on time he should be through to F lounge by 11:45am at latest. If he can grab the earlier flight or one before then he'll have a bit of extra time in lounge.

 

[Hvr]

Ok lets get specific, when is the OP flying? What day of the week will affect flight availability.

The sooner the departure the more urgent it is to get started (noting that the OP has contacted Qantas).

What flights are available and which one is best? Always good to spoon feed the operator about your preferred flights.

As the first time in first it is essential the OP maximises their F lounge experience.


I also agree the SYD domestic to international transfer is a pain and the whole F lounge visit could be missed with any mishap.

When I travel to DFW later this year I'm due to arrive at SYD at 0855 for a 1400 departure. This is the sort of timing the OP needs.

 

[DC3]

Why? The transfer bus runs every 10 minutes in morning? If flight is on time he should be through to F lounge by 11:45am at latest. If he can grab the earlier flight or one before then he'll have a bit of extra time in lounge.

Just based on my personal experience (admittedly only once ). My flight ex MEL went back to take on more fuel before departure, as we had waited so long in the queue for take-off (some may find that hard to believe, but true). So, late arrival into SYD. The 2.5 hour connection to NAN was stuffed. Only just made it to the international gate. Too much stress, not to mention the only view of the F Lounge was from below, while rushing past . I won't be trying that one again.

While I understand that some are not too fussed with F Lounge time, the OP would like some time there. Go-to Gate for the OP may be at about 1210 (or so), and while he will only have a very short walk to the gate, he probably would want to be on his way before 12.30pm.

If OP wants to relax in the F Lounge for some time (not just 30-45 minutes, which is hardly worth the effort), earlier flight recommended. If that MEL flight runs late for any reason, then ......

 

[serfty]

Why? The transfer bus runs every 10 minutes in morning? If flight is on time he should be through to F lounge by 11:45am at latest. If he can grab the earlier flight or one before then he'll have a bit of extra time in lounge.

For 50 minutes, everything has to go right. ... 90 minutes gate to lounge is the longest I have experinced with g15, bus, emigration, security, long walk through shopping mall etc.

Add to that the flight would be called upto an hour before scheduled drparture due being a US destination.

 

[LA10]

As someone in a similar position to the OP (I'll be going to the F lounge in may for the first time), I just wanted to say thanks for all the tips in this thread.

 

[Justinf]

Travelling on a Tuesday, the day after the Anzac Day public holiday so it's be pretty busy on the roads.
I've tried calling the phoneline again and was on hold, this time for another 45 mins before giving up. I have tweeted Qantas as well but no reply as yet.
I agree. I need an earlier flight if possible, but I didn't realise it was going to be this hard.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Why? The transfer bus runs every 10 minutes in morning? If flight is on time he should be through to F lounge by 11:45am at latest. If he can grab the earlier flight or one before then he'll have a bit of extra time in lounge.

When it works it is fantastic when it doesn't (usually due to delays on the connecting flight), it is highly stressful. I have lost track of the number of times a two hour connection time has been too short to make a flight without stress, for myself, or a family member (let alone make it to the lounge). Generally these days if the flight is before 2pm, I overnight at the airport, rather than risk a connection.

 

[DC3]

Travelling on a Tuesday, the day after the Anzac Day public holiday ....

I don't know if you have access to EF, but D/I/J availability on the morning of 26th is currently showing as:



Edit: Edited to include J, I and D

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Travelling on a Tuesday, the day after the Anzac Day public holiday so it's be pretty busy on the roads.

Can you have a look at your QF eticket itinerary receipt or your booking via MMB and check the fare bucket?

You may also be able to view your eticket by entering your QF pnr into www.checkmytrip.com

 

[Justinf]

Can you have a look at your QF eticket itinerary receipt or your booking via MMB and check the fare bucket?

You may also be able to view your eticket by entering your QF pnr into www.checkmytrip.com

Looks like MEL-SYD is J.
SYD-DFW is A.
DFW-SYD is I.
SYD-MEL is I.

 

[DC3]

So, 6.00am departure QF400 from MEL, has plenty of J availability (at least 9). Also, showing new J on A332 at this stage:

 

[Justinf]

Nice. Thank you. Now if only I could get through. Just tried phoning again and it said it was a wait of 40 minutes. I;m too exhausted to hold for that long. Might see if I can ring in the middle of the night.