What’s YOUR minimum transit time?

[Joy6328]

I’ve had a domestic flight change before my international one.

BNE-SYD now due to land at 17:45 with SYD-YVR scheduled to depart at 20:30

It feels too close to me, but am I just nervous / overreacting?

What would be your comfort gap to transit from a domestic flight to international one?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

With 2.75, going to Canada, I guess its tight.
Probably doable, but very, very very tight.
Thought I saw you mention 19.45, but at 17.45, maybe/probably/possibly ok.
Its probably doable, if you are on the same PNR, I have never been to the US/Canada, so can't say anything about extra security checks, if they do still selective extra security processing at the gate.
For SYD D - I, I would leave 2 hours, max.
For me, I only travelled Au - NZ, and its minimum procedural checs, Au - NZ.
I have had to do it in 1.75 one time, SYD - WLG/SYD - CHC, can't remember now, this was pre covid, pre rat test/pcr testing, I know they don't need/probably don't need to show evidence of vaccination now.
I had to run from the QF bus drop off, up the escalators, to the immi and security processing, was in J, but didn't have time for the lounge.
Got to the gate as boarding line was already very long.
This was pre covid, ADL - SYD - WLG/CHC, on a same PNR, ie, through tix.
Is yours a same carrier, ie, QF all the way?
Truth be told, I am not sure what would happen if you miss the connection, but with 2.75 hrs, its probably ok.
If on different carrier, I would be worried, if its all on QF, its probably ok.

 

[RooFlyer]

My policy is that there should be 2 later departures , to the international departure point from my starting domestic point and getting me there 3 hrs before international departure should my scheduled service should be cancelled. Many times that requires flying to the departure port the day before. I fly from HBA, which has fewer services to various international departure points, so I'm very conservative.

 

[Joy6328]

T

With 2.75, going to Canada, I guess its tight.
Probably doable, but very, very very tight.
Thought I saw you mention 19.45, but at 17.45, maybe/probably/possibly ok.
Its probably doable, if you are on the same PNR, I have never been to the US/Canada, so can't say anything about extra security checks, if they do still selective extra security processing at the gate.
For SYD D - I, I would leave 2 hours, max.
For me, I only travelled Au - NZ, and its minimum procedural checs, Au - NZ.
I have had to do it in 1.75 one time, SYD - WLG/SYD - CHC, can't remember now, this was pre covid, pre rat test/pcr testing, I know they don't need/probably don't need to show evidence of vaccination now.
I had to run from the QF bus drop off, up the escalators, to the immi and security processing, was in J, but didn't have time for the lounge.
Got to the gate as boarding line was already very long.
This was pre covid, ADL - SYD - WLG/CHC, on a same PNR, ie, through tix.
Is yours a same carrier, ie, QF all the way?
Truth be told, I am not sure what would happen if you miss the connection, but with 2.75 hrs, its probably ok.
If on different carrier, I would be worried, if its all on QF, its probably ok.

Thank you! Both flights are with QF but they are not on the same ticket. Domestic is using Amex travel credit and Canada is reward ticket.

With all the travel chaos lately it makes me nervous so I’m considering changing to an earlier flight - especially because we will (I assume) have to collect bags and transit to international terminal with 2 kids.

Really appreciate your insight.

 

[Joy6328]

My policy is that there should be 2 later departures , to the international departure point from my starting domestic point and getting me there 3 hrs before international departure should my scheduled service should be cancelled. Many times that requires flying to the departure port the day before. I fly from HBA, which has fewer services to various international departure points, so I'm very conservative.

That’s a good policy to have! I’ll sleep on it, but I think sanity wise I should just cough up and get an earlier flight…

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Ooo, thats a tough one.
I would get to BNE dom terminal earlier than the 16.30 one (if you can) than the flight you are booked on, and plead to be put onto an earlier flight, if at all possible.
Because its not a linked PNR, this means that if they can't put you on an earlier flight, you would need to get to SYD T1 and line up to get your passport swiped, even if you had done OLCI the night before in BNE.
Don't do like what I did, I had an ADL - PER - SIN flight in 2013, at ADL airport, I had done OLCI, but didn't realise that QF at ADL needed my passport swiped, ie, dipped and move on their computer.
Kept getting a red beep at the gate, this was already boarding time (!!!), gate agent said go to service desk, went to service desk, they swiped my Aust passport, and then the boarding pass reader was green then.
Other times, when I had done the passport swiping on my way from ADL - SYD/MEL - NZ, it was all green beep when the boarding pass reader read my home printed BP.
You could try online chat with QF, but the call centres are all overseas based, depending on your QFF status, if they can link the 2 PNR, the 6 alphanumeric code, then you can do the passport swiping at BNE.
Say you land at 5.35pm, (today timing), it might take you to 6.15pm/6.30pm to arr at T1, all depends on the fullness of the QF transfer bus, they leave when the bus is full, not really on a time schedule.
Line up, might take you to 6.45pm, 7.00pm, or even later, show passport for swiping, etc.
If you get through quick fast, you would be T1 immi secure zone by 7.15pm/7.30pm.

 

[Joy6328]

Ooo, thats a tough one.
I would get to BNE dom terminal earlier than the 16.30 one (if you can) than the flight you are booked on, and plead to be put onto an earlier flight, if at all possible.
Because its not a linked PNR, this means that if they can't put you on an earlier flight, you would need to get to SYD T1 and line up to get your passport swiped, even if you had done OLCI the night before in BNE.
Don't do like what I did, I had an ADL - PER - SIN flight in 2013, at ADL airport, I had done OLCI, but didn't realise that QF at ADL needed my passport swiped, ie, dipped and move on their computer.
Kept getting a red beep at the gate, this was already boarding time (!!!), gate agent said go to service desk, went to service desk, they swiped my Aust passport, and then the boarding pass reader was green then.
Other times, when I had done the passport swiping on my way from ADL - SYD/MEL - NZ, it was all green beep when the boarding pass reader read my home printed BP.
You could try online chat with QF, but the call centres are all overseas based, depending on your QFF status, if they can link the 2 PNR, the 6 alphanumeric code, then you can do the passport swiping at BNE.
Say you land at 5.35pm, (today timing), it might take you to 6.15pm/6.30pm to arr at T1, all depends on the fullness of the QF transfer bus, they leave when the bus is full, not really on a time schedule.
Line up, might take you to 6.45pm, 7.00pm, or even later, show passport for swiping, etc.
If you get through quick fast, you would be T1 immi secure zone by 7.15pm/7.30pm.

I think I’ll move to an earlier flight AND see if they can link my PNR - thank you!!

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

QF541 to QF75 is within the valid transfer time, according to the QF website, if you succeed in getting PNR linked..

 

[Matt_01]

My policy is that there should be 2 later departures , to the international departure point from my starting domestic point and getting me there 3 hrs before international departure should my scheduled service should be cancelled. Many times that requires flying to the departure port the day before. I fly from HBA, which has fewer services to various international departure points, so I'm very conservative.

We must have gone to the same school of hard knocks below was my response to another AFFer who reached out on this very subject.

"In general I will not book onto the last flight of the day to meet an international connection as if anything goes wrong you are normally stuffed. I prefer to catch the 2-3rd last flight out from the start point to the connection location and if needed will stay overnight ..........

 

[Ade]

I’ve had a domestic flight change before my international one.

BNE-SYD now due to land at 17:45 with SYD-YVR scheduled to depart at 20:30

It feels too close to me, but am I just nervous / overreacting?

What would be your comfort gap to transit from a domestic flight to international one?

For any international ex-any AU port, I’d strongly recommend 2 and half to 3 hours. The security situation at airports is insane. It’s just unpredictable and you may end up with a really lengthy security process and queue or you might get all done really quickly. So it’s better to be early than late is my logic.

Also depends on few other things like class of travel - SYD has special queue for J & F pax. Do you have lounge access in the departure port - so that should be early, you can relax comfortably. Etc

My trips begin ex-CBR, so for any international trip, I always have a domestic deferment preceding. So I get early to CBR and request to be put on an early flight. Depending on your fare class and seats remaining on an earlier service this might or might not be possible. Just letting you know about the caveats. I usually book saver or flex fares for international and have always been able to fly early.

From previous experiences this year, I always make sure that I have 3 hours at a minimum when flying out of SYD.

For your situation though, I think 2 hours 45 mins should be sufficient. You could also rock up early to BNE and request to be put on an earlier flight, explain that you feel it’s better to be early to SYD to avoid any delays with security. Most of the check in staff are aware and accommodative, as long as there is seats remaining in the fare class you have booked.

Good luck and let us know how you go.

 

[Ade]

transit to international terminal with 2 kids.

I just read this info. So with kids, it might be a little easier. Those with kids get to clear security via a seperate queue. After passport control, turn right and walk to the end of the regular queue, there will be a security guard that manages the queue for airline crew, those travelling with kids, infants & those requiring assistance like wheelchair etc

I think I’ll move to an earlier flight AND see if they can link my PNR - thank you!!

This will definitely work in your favour. As I mentioned in my previous response, I was successful in linking PNRs when one trip was booked via AMEX credit and other was a rewards ticket on QF. The check-in agent at the first domestic departure port can link the PNRs. Alternatively, for peace of mind, you may also contact the QF customer service ahead of your travel and get the PNRs linked. Another advantage of linking PNRs is that you can check your bags thru to your destination. No need to take the bags out at SYD and re-check in again for YVR leg

but I think sanity wise I should just cough up and get an earlier flight…

If the same fare class is available, you don't have to pay anything. Latest experience, requested CBR check in staff to move me to the 0605 service instead of the 0710 service to SYD on 08/09.

 

[Joy6328]

I just read this info. So with kids, it might be a little easier. Those with kids get to clear security via a seperate queue. After passport control, turn right and walk to the end of the regular queue, there will be a security guard that manages the queue for airline crew, those travelling with kids, infants & those requiring assistance like wheelchair etc


This will definitely work in your favour. As I mentioned in my previous response, I was successful in linking PNRs when one trip was booked via AMEX credit and other was a rewards ticket on QF. The check-in agent at the first domestic departure port can link the PNRs. Alternatively, for peace of mind, you may also contact the QF customer service ahead of your travel and get the PNRs linked. Another advantage of linking PNRs is that you can check your bags thru to your destination. No need to take the bags out at SYD and re-check in again for YVR leg


If the same fare class is available, you don't have to pay anything. Latest experience, requested CBR check in staff to move me to the 0605 service instead of the 0710 service to SYD on 08/09.

Very helpful info - thank you!!

Post automatically merged: Sep 11, 2022

We must have gone to the same school of hard knocks below was my response to another AFFer who reached out on this very subject.

"In general I will not book onto the last flight of the day to meet an international connection as if anything goes wrong you are normally stuffed. I prefer to catch the 2-3rd last flight out from the start point to the connection location and if needed will stay overnight ..........

I have never missed a flight though i have come close a few times. I don’t want this one to be my first!!

 

[serfty]

Very helpful info - thank you!!

Post automatically merged: Sep 11, 2022

I have never missed a flight though i have come close a few times. I don’t want this one to be my first!!

Separate tickets?

No Way anything less than 4 hours! Even if both on the same carrier. And I'd be looking for 6 hours.

If everything goes right or even slightly wrong you'd had a longish layover at SYD even with kids, but on the other hand (especially with kids) ...

There is such a thing as SCT.

Later this year I have a MEL-xSYD-SIN with QF1, single ticket. Transit time is the best part of 5 hours. I had a schedule change recently and was auto rebooked with a 1:40 transit, I had to call and get rebooked back to a transit time I was OK with.

 

[JohnK]

I used to be happy with a 3-4 hour connection but since travel started up this year I've have had a rethink.

Where possible I will try to do domestic sectors the day before international flight and even then don't wait until the last flight of the night. I've been involved and seen too many delays with short connections and it's not worth the stress.

 

[Matt_01]

Later this year I have a MEL-xSYD-SIN with QF1, single ticket. Transit time is the best part of 5 hours. I had a schedule change recently and was rebooked with a 1:40 transit, I had to call and get rebooked back to a transit time I was OK with.

The week after next I have a flight ADL-xMEL-DXB on separate PNRs and when the original booking was made I had not included the ADL-MEL sector as I knew I could just add that in later. Then EK hiked up the taxes and by the time I was ready add in the ADL-MEL flight the repricing saw the taxes jump from around $600 to $2500. Hence why these are separate PNRs, I have allowed for a 5 hour layover in MEL something that pre covid I would not have done.

 

[Ade]

something that pre covid I would not have done.

Oh, absolutely … pre-CoVID, 5 hours is too much .. I usually leave 2 hours, sometimes even less for transits pre-CoVID … nowadays, I never feel comfortable if the transit is less than 4 hours … #SuchTimesWeLiveIn

 

[MrJetset]

Recently flew SYD-BNE-DXB-AMS QF connecting to EK F all on one ticket.

Initial transit was 2.5 hours but given recent events decided to make it 6 and book a dayroom at the Pullman BNE airport. Was not going to leave anything to chance, especially as flights are full in premium cabins and even if QF wanted to reaccommodate me, they probably couldn't.

 

[mviy]

Before COVID I would want to arrive about 3 hours before the international flight.

Will need to try asking for an earlier flight to SYD next time I fly overseas via there. QF keeps only offering connections that are tighter than I would like. I would prefer at least 3 hours if not more now. Considering I have WP now and can access the FLounge again, the longer the better.

 

[JohnK]

Before COVID I would want to arrive about 3 hours before the international flight.

Will need to try asking for an earlier flight to SYD next time I fly overseas via there. QF keeps only offering connections that are tighter than I would like. I would prefer at least 3 hours if not more now. Considering I have WP now and can access the FLounge again, the longer the better.

Not sure if still the case but if you make a booking you have until midnight to make changes/cancel.

If website offers poor connections make booking and call same day to get booking changed to the flights you want.

 

[Sojourner]

On separate tickets... I just wouldn't do it. But if I had to, I would suggest at least four hours. But in saying that it depends on where you are going, e.g. are there other flights they could put you on if the plane your first leg is on is delayed or out of action for any reason, if the airport known to be frequently screwed at particular times of the year due to fog etc.