So - regarding the transit…
Hopefully I am providing some useful useful info to make a difference.
First a couple of useful anchors:
1. You won’t be the first that have been through this transit experience and you won’t be the last!
2. Just in case you are wondering: *It is not possible to walk between the Domestic and International terminals!*
3. Don’t panic if you are on the Jetstar flight and it seems to be leaving late. The flight time is only 1hr 10. Anything up to about 0820 departure has you ariving on time.
So - what to do at Coolangatta…
1. If you can find someone to help you (!) see if there is any way your baggage can be prioritised to come off first. I actually suggest you go as early as possible and check in and give yourself time to talk to someone . If they are user friendly you may just be able to get a priority unloading sticker or something that gets your luggage off early. I don’t know for sure but there is no harm in asking, as you know. You can always go for a walk outside or something once checked in.
2. It may be worth asking if the luggage can be checked through. I really doubt it but again. No harm in asking…..
Once in Sydney…..
You have 2 hours transit assuming Jetstar arrives on time at 0930
1. Do your weees BEFORE getting your luggage as soon as you get off the plane (or when in flight!) then hotfoot it to the baggage collection. They will have told you on the plane which on it is but there will also be signs as you know.
2. The transit bus runs every 15m from outside T2 and takes 10 mins…. I have attached a pic - the bus stop is the purple icon and it’s not far from the front entrance.
While you are waiting for the luggage - one of you do a reccy and find its exact location. I’m not sure if you can take a trolley to the bus but I doubt it.
If there are any QANTAS people lurking (possibly not) then it could well be worth alerting them of the situation. They may be able to contact their international counterparts. There are free airport ambassadors around too and they may have a useful hint. But I wouldn’t hang around anyway once you have you bags!
If you think Flavio can manage all the bags it may be worth Sam staying close by the bus stop and getting the driver to wait (assuming F is only a minute or so away). But you will have to make you own decision about that.
There is a Plan B also, although I am not sure that it really helps… You can get a train which is only 2 minutes but it takes 5 mins to get to the platform and 5 minutes to get back up to T1 so there may not really be any time saved. It costs a little but it is an alternative.
3. Finally, this link will really help you at the other end….
Flight Details
The Counter is Checkin C so that is pretty close I think. Allow 15m to get to the gate so as soon as you have checked the bags in go straight to security etc. But it’s Gate 9 so not too far which is good! It may be worth finding someone to talk to there too, as all the checkin stuff will be electronic probably.
But do make sure your luggage is booked all the way. It should be and it will make the Santiago transit easier - !
Go well…. I will be cheering you from the sides….
