MEL-SYD-NOU minimum connection time

[Princess Pia]

We’re looking at booking a trip to New Caledonia next year and the Qantas app has flights from Melbourne connecting through Sydney with a connection of 1hr and another with 1hr 15min. I thought the MCT in Syd was 90min for domestic to international?

 

[Ade]

We’re looking at booking a trip to New Caledonia next year and the Qantas app has flights from Melbourne connecting through Sydney with a connection of 1hr and another with 1hr 15min. I thought the MCT in Syd was 90min for domestic to international?

SYD Dom to Int MCT is 0100 hour (60 mins) ...

 

[Princess Pia]

SYD Dom to Int MCT is 0100 hour (60 mins) ...

Thanks. Is it worth risking do you think, especially given there are only two flights a week I think from SYD- NOU. The other option is to fly out of BNE with a 2hr connection

 

[Cloud9]

Thanks. Is it worth risking do you think, especially given there are only two flights a week I think from SYD- NOU. The other option is to fly out of BNE with a 2hr connection

Personally, I'd never do T3 to T1 at SYD with less than 2 hours.

I know they _technically_ will try and filter those with imminent departures through to the buses, but you've still got variables like delays on the ground, delays from the winds, delays landing, then the risk of a bus going ten seconds before you get to gate.

I'd be doing BNE with the two hour connection, myself.

 

[Ade]

Thanks. Is it worth risking do you think, especially given there are only two flights a week I think from SYD- NOU. The other option is to fly out of BNE with a 2hr connection

Depends on the traveller i think ... Personally, I will always take the slightly longer layover - just gives me peace of mind that, should things go south, there is more time to recover and gives downtime in the lounge (depending on pax FF status) to grab a meal, drink, shower, spa (if available).

Also, I'd look at the metal (i.e. A330 vs E190 vs B737 etc) - say, there is A330 in the shorter layover and I'm in a hurry, then I'd risk the shorter layover, else, I'd take the longer one ...

 

[Warragul]

QF codeshare on Aircalin is the other option

 

[elanshin]

Given that's the first flight of the day out of MEL for Sydney the odds of it running late are pretty low. Assuming its on time (and sometimes its early) you shouldn't have too many struggles connecting as this is also probably just before the main peak of SYD Int'l departures.

Whether that's a risk you are comfortable with is up to you. Otherwise it'll be an overnight in SYD or not via Qantas.

 

[aikman]

If no mobility issues or bulky hand luggage, I'd take the short connection.

 

[offshore171]

especially given there are only two flights a week I think from SYD- NOU.

This is key.

I wouldn't take that itinerary. Something as simple as an early morning fog delay could put your whole trip in jeopardy. I'd probably lay-up the day before, or take the BNE option.

 

[Quickstatus]

This is key.

Agree - however,
I wonder if late for the Qantas operated flight would the codeshare operated by Aircalin be available if on the one QF ticket assuming both flights are on the same day?

@Princess Pia
It is Ok to take the short connection IF the onward flights are many, as the airline can put you on a later flight more or less easily if the inbound is delayed

But as QF SYD -NOU frequency can be variable sometimes 2x/week , I would not risk it with a 1hr connection.

The problem is that the QF NOU is early morning, so even the earliest departure from MEL is problematic . If I use my minimum 2hrs you would have to depart before 0600 or the day before - if you want to use Qantas

I actually think the AirCalin via Qantas codeshare at approx midday is better - better connection time and larger aircraft and maybe their new A330-900neo.
Qantas should codeshare on that flight - look for QF8xx_ flight number

Aircalin operates from SYD with the A330-900neo and from BNE with the A320

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Given that's the first flight of the day out of MEL for Sydney the odds of it running late are pretty low. Assuming its on time (and sometimes its early) you shouldn't have too many struggles connecting as this is also probably just before the main peak of SYD Int'l departures.

Whether that's a risk you are comfortable with is up to you. Otherwise it'll be an overnight in SYD or not via Qantas.

Unless it's an A220 which seems to be more frequently cancelled. B737 yes

I'd say QF would re-accommodate on AirCalin if you missed it.

 

[offshore171]

I'd say QF would re-accommodate on AirCalin if you missed it.

Subject to capacity.

 

[aikman]

Qantas will highly likely give you an express pass for security.