Anyone tried using Avios to book flights on QR (from Europe to DOH) and VA (DOH to SYD) separately? How does the airport layover go?

[incdus]

I am able to redeem miles from Europe to Doha, and then Doha to Sydney on separate tickets but not together (the second leg is the wet-lease Virgin Australia flight, which Qatar Airways is partnered up with). Can anyone suggestion if

a) Qatar Airways would be able to combine the 2 tickets and take care of the luggage? Star Alliance has done that for me in the past

b) Assuming that's a no, will that be enough time to get out, collect luggage, and check back in again. The tickets will be in J for both, and the layover is around 3 hours.

Context: I would be getting the tickets for my mum who is in her 60s, so I wouldn't do it if it's TOO troublesome, but for this long-cough flight - if it's possible, it's definitely worth it at her age

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So the booking would be qatar airways and qatar airways again? Presumably not the VA code?

Qatar will through check luggage on separate tickets QR-QR.

No need to do anything in advance. When checking-in for the Europe to Doha flight, give the check-in agent the booking reference for the DOH-AU flight. The agent will do what they need to do to link the bookings.

Assume two separate bookings because Europe-AU is not showing as an option when booking?

 

[incdus]

So the booking would be qatar airways and qatar airways again? Presumably not the VA code?

Qatar will through check luggage on separate tickets QR-QR.

No need to do anything in advance. When checking-in for the Europe to Doha flight, give the check-in agent the booking reference for the DOH-AU flight. The agent will do what they need to do to link the bookings.

Assume two separate bookings because Europe-AU is not showing as an option when booking?

Nah the DOH-SYD flight is a VA code flight but operated by Qatar.

And yes, the whole journey doesn't show up for redemption on Avios, but does if you buy with cash.

 

[andye]

Ive had QR through check bags on a MEL-DOH-HEL (CX award) to a HEL-LHR (BA award) previously

 

[incdus]

Ive had QR through check bags on a MEL-DOH-HEL (CX award) to a HEL-LHR (BA award) previously

Amazing. The kind of datapoint I was looking for, appreciate it!