VA Internation transfer at Perth

[MarkD]

Just a warning to those transferring at PERTH. Travelled late November, took the option of BNE-PER-SIN, with my two teenage sons. Wasn't that much longer, time wise and basically double the SC for same $$. No dramas I thought, 3.5 hrs stopover, free transfer bus between terminals. Anyway, we had major storms in BNE and the BNE-PER sector delayed by 2.5hrs (Absolutely not blaming any airline for weather delays). They managed to make up about 20 minutes but still just over 1 1/14 hours in Perth to get from domestic to International. We were HLO thankfully, so we went inside, having never transited PER before, tried to get my bearings. There was NO VA staff to answer questions, the terminal was abandoned. I had confirmed transfers, BP issued by VA, on VA codeshare flight (Operated by Singapore). Could not find the free transfer bus, as time was not on our side, and no bus was visible, I opted for a Taxi. The first driver flat out refused to take me to international saying it was too short a trip for him, I got a tad upset, and called him several expletives informed him the local taxi authority would be informed of his practices, jumped in the next cab and he happily took me. That cost me $25. Anyway finally arrive at international, race through immigration/customs etc, get to gate as final call is being made. The SQ staff then ask whether I have checked in at PER, I hand them my BP, issued in BNE by VA, ie checked through to SIN, they were not aware I was transferring, then started stressing in case I had luggage. They didnt say much, and I didnt ask, but is it safe to assume, they thought I would have missed the flight, due to late arrival of connecting flight?

Regardless of the reasons, I was disappointed with the way VA handled the delay, I feel they should have had some staff at PER to answer questions and help me find the transfer, as I am unfamiliar with transferring between the two terminals at PER. Flightwise, the flight was good, cabin crew were great, catering was good. SQ of course were very professional and I must say they are by far the best International airline I have flown on, they continue to excel.

Not worthy of a complaint, because I dont stress about things like this, and Im not going to try and claim $25 for a cab, but just be aware if transferring in PER, you are on your own, VA dont give a rats.

 

[Intra]

Not worthy of a complaint, because I dont stress about things like this, and Im not going to try and claim $25 for a cab, but just be aware if transferring in PER, you are on your own, VA dont give a rats.

True, VA may not give a rats once all departures are done for the day (I'm not going to say either way), with the contractor saving money I'm sure and sending everyone home, but I would have also done a quick Google search particularly after learning about the delays ect. on where and how regularly the shuttle bus service runs (2nd Vehicle Loading Bay ahead of the Taxi's towards the middle of T3/T4 is where all the Buses go, runs every 20 minutes til Midnight, then every 30 minutes til 6am I think it is - I'm going off the top of my head now from when I did the search last month)

It all won't matter soon anyway once T1 & T2 become one and all VA/Partner Flights fly out of the one building - I'm moreso looking forward to the new VA Lounge, the current one at T3 is average.... PER has to be though currently the most annoying airport system in all of Australia for Domestic/International Transfers, or even just catching flights. I hear many passengers rock up to T3/T4 for Tigerair flights and miss them cause they don't realize they needed to be at T2 - A good 10/15 minute drive away!? (Glad I read my itineraries & don't fly TT anyway)

 

[a330j]

mmm...thanks for the heads up. Your experience has me worried. I'm doing the same trip in March. Before I booked I rang Virgin and was assured that transfers are easy and my 2 hour transfer time was plenty of time - should have taken that with a grain of salt I guess. What is concerning was that the SQ staff were not aware you were transferring.

 

[MarkD]

What is concerning was that the SQ staff were not aware you were transferring.

Im pretty sure they assumed we had missed the flight, due to its late arrival, and the small timeframe.

I would have also done a quick Google search particularly after learning about the delays ect. on where and how regularly the shuttle bus service runs (2nd Vehicle Loading Bay ahead of the Taxi's towards the middle of T3/T4 is where all the Buses go,

Yep, had all that sussed out, just no buses there, couldnt find a sign for inter terminal buses (Honestly didnt look too hard, because time was not on my side) and I didnt want to be stranded in PER waiting for a bus, when I should have been on my way to SIN. Really just posted to make others aware that they may need to be prepared to jump a cab if need be.

 

[Cynicor]

PER is pretty poor to navigate, I sympathise with you. It's always a combination of factors but at least you made the flight. And welcome to Perth pricing, where a 5 min taxi ride is $25.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Not worthy of a complaint, because I dont stress about things like this, and Im not going to try and claim $25 for a cab ...

I would try an email, they will probably give you a travel bank credit at least.
I wasn't given a meal when travelling on a flexi for the first time. They gave me a $50 credit.
Not a fraction of the value of the fare difference but better than nothing.