Transfers at SYD (T2 <-> T1)

[anat0l]

I've booked myself a *A trip originating from SYD. I'm considering my options for feeder flights from BNE, and thinking of a VA J redemption.

If I book BNE-SYD on DJ J, to connect with a TG F flight:

• Am I entitled to the free transfer service at Gate 37 by virtue of my having flown a DJ flight (similar to the QF arrangement)?
• Will my bags be able to be routed all the way through to my final destination, avoiding the need for me to claim my bags at SYD T2 then re-check at TG at SYD T1?

The Virgin website doesn't make it awfully clear what's going on. It mentions that both the DJ flight and onward flight have to be on the same itinerary to be eligible for the Gate 37 service. Then again, I've also seen somewhere that Virgin may give "train vouchers" for other T1 transfers. I've also heard others here say that Gate 37 may be available free of charge to VFF Platinums (of which I am one).

Of course, if I can't route my bags all the way, then considering Gate 37 is moot.

I could book with QF instead and use Gate 2, though IIRC Qantas have stopped any bag routing or interlining where the connecting carrier is not QF, JQ, oneworld or a QF codeshare partner.


On the way back, my flight into SYD is on NZ, so I assume there will be no problem for me to use the onward check-in facility for Virgin at SYD T1, then a free transfer to T2.... right?

 

[jneufeld]

It's my understanding that unless the flights are all on the one booking you will have to collect your bags and recheck at T1. The exception to this is if the airlines have and inter-airline baggage agreement, I am fairly sure that there is no such agreement between TG and VA.

I have done the SYD seamless transfer with VA to EY and it was no problem, as the airlines are partnered.

In order to be checked all the way through on your way back, at your NZ point of check in you would need to present your VA booking and they could then check it through.

I may very well stand corrected by anyone wiser than me

 

[serfty]

I think you'd be SOL.

While Int->Dom. connections can be done for a $15 fee when on separate bookings, this is because DJ have a luggage recheck facility at T1.

There would be no such facility at gate 37.

Domestic and International Flight Connections | Virgin Australia

Looks like the train and $5 is the way to go (unless you have time for the 400 bus at $3.50).

 

[markis10]

I don't think it will make much difference which one, worst case is a $5 transfer via rail with your bags.

 

[chrisjrn]

I've booked myself a *A trip originating from SYD. I'm considering my options for feeder flights from BNE, and thinking of a VA J redemption.

If I book BNE-SYD on DJ J, to connect with a TG F flight:

• Am I entitled to the free transfer service at Gate 37 by virtue of my having flown a DJ flight (similar to the QF arrangement)?
• Will my bags be able to be routed all the way through to my final destination, avoiding the need for me to claim my bags at SYD T2 then re-check at TG at SYD T1?

The answer is: *unless* your booking is an interline DJ-TG ticket, you'll need to transfer yourself. If may be worth calling up TG and seeing if they'll add a domestic DJ leg to be your feeder flight and then transfers will be free (just go to gate 37 to arrange the transfer on landing in SYD), and bag routing will be done too (DJ and TG do had an interline deal -- Other airline partners | Virgin Australia ).

Otherwise, if you make the booking yourself, you'll need to go to baggage claim to pick up your bags. From there, take the train (it's just below baggage claim) -- it's $5 for a terminal transfer.

Hope this helps.

 

[LiamR]

This thread here also has a lot of info in the same situation. I've posted my answer there...

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ns/virgin-not-so-seamless-transfer-36515.html

 

[anat0l]

This thread here also has a lot of info in the same situation. I've posted my answer there...

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ns/virgin-not-so-seamless-transfer-36515.html

Thanks LiamR but your informative reply in that thread only partly answers some questions.

For starters, as a Platinum it would seem that I'd have no trouble using Gate 37 under any circumstances that I like.

However, if VA/DJ can't interline with TG, even to the extent that I can't send my bags all the way through (actually a complex itinerary - it would be routed through to BKK then ICN then FRA then LCY), then all this transfer stuff is moot as I'd need to claim my bags and use the train to get to T1, paying the $5.50 or whatever it is to get there. I wouldn't even mind if I didn't get all my BPs but the bags were still routed all the way through (then all I'd do is pickup my BPs at T1).

I could understand if I were to go flying on a Virgin partner (e.g. NZ or EY) - even if they are on separate tickets, interline and full baggage check should not be a problem.


I'm not saying Virgin should be able to do what I want; just looking at my options. So far, it's looking like claim, train and check-in at T1, which pretty much nullifies any benefit of choosing either QF or VA apart from flights and availability. In saying that, I've never used the Gate 37 transfer desk at SYD T2 before. (In fact, haven't even used the SYD T1 Virgin domestic check-in either).


It should be noted that the website says nothing about Golds and Platinums having virtual free rights to the Gate 37 / SYD T1 transfer shuttles. So this must just be an unwritten goodwill gesture (though if not offered, can't be demanded as there is no written rule).


Just for kicks, if you use the transfer desk at Gate 37 at SYD T2, where do you end up being dropped off at T1? And vv. from SYD T1? (For the latter, I'm guessing the answer is, Gate 37).

 

[jneufeld]

However, if VA/DJ can't interline with TG, even to the extent that I can't send my bags all the way through

Maybe worth calling up VA to see if the agreement allows for baggage check through on separate bookings, as the VA website doesn't give much away.

Just for kicks, if you use the transfer desk at Gate 37 at SYD T2, where do you end up being dropped off at T1? And vv. from SYD T1? (For the latter, I'm guessing the answer is, Gate 37).

Heading to T1 the bus exits the airside area and joins the regular road that links the 2 terminals (unlike the QF bus that remains airside), and will drop you off outside T1. Basically like the paid transfer bus, just pick up is from airside, rather than landside.

Heading to T2 as you have cleared customs and are outside the secure area you are dropped at the front door of T2, you then have to clear security, but that should be able to be done via kerbside lounge access as your bags would be checked through.

 

[notzac]

Sadly, I think you'll find that without all flights on a single ticket, VA won't interline your bags on to the TG flight (and yes, they do have an interline agreement). I don't know whether it's a policy thing or a technical limitation of Navitaire, but I'd guess it's a little from column A mixed with a little from column B.

 

[Bundy Bear]

I would be taking the train, if only to get the F tag for your bag when you check in with Thai.

 

[BVT]

I would be taking the train, if only to get the F tag for your bag when you check in with Thai.

Or, just travel with carry on only!:mrgreen:

 

[clifford]

I think you'd be SOL.

While Int->Dom. connections can be done for a $15 fee when on separate bookings, this is because DJ have a luggage recheck facility at T1.

There would be no such facility at gate 37.

Domestic and International Flight Connections | Virgin Australia

Looks like the train and $5 is the way to go (unless you have time for the 400 bus at $3.50).

Well, the 400 bus could cost as little as $2.50. It does for me.

 

[Fifa]

Well, the 400 bus could cost as little as $2.50. It does for me.

I only paid $2.10 for the T1 to T3 bus trip not so long ago.
Or if you have a 'Travel 10' it is only $1.68!