International Reward Flight with domestic connection

[Demonoid]

Hi guys

I am looking to book a reward business class flight, using a combination of Qatar and Emirates to get me from Athens to Canberra.

I have found an itinerary that gets me into Melbourne by midnight, and then allows me book a flight into Canberra the next day. Given I have family in melbourne I can spend the night there. And as the final Canberra leg is part of the one ticket, there is no extra points cost.

My question is, as I will be clearing customs in Melbourne, can I take all my stuff out of Melbourne airport, go to parents place, come back the next day and check in, given its all on one ticket? Do I need leave my suitcases there. It just seems like a good deal - in that I can visit the parents in Melbourne, and essentially that flight to Canberra costs no extra points. Am I missing something...is there a catch?

 

[opusman]

You will have to collect your bags to clear customs in Melbourne. After that you can do whatever you want with your bags! I doubt you'd be able to re-check them for your onward flight that early anyway.

 

[kermatu]

Hi guys

I am looking to book a reward business class flight, using a combination of Qatar and Emirates to get me from Athens to Canberra.

I have found an itinerary that gets me into Melbourne by midnight, and then allows me book a flight into Canberra the next day. Given I have family in melbourne I can spend the night there. And as the final Canberra leg is part of the one ticket, there is no extra points cost.

My question is, as I will be clearing customs in Melbourne, can I take all my stuff out of Melbourne airport, go to parents place, come back the next day and check in, given its all on one ticket? Do I need leave my suitcases there. It just seems like a good deal - in that I can visit the parents in Melbourne, and essentially that flight to Canberra costs no extra points. Am I missing something...is there a catch?

No catch. This is a good benefit of reward flights but also paid flights the last domestic leg is often substantially lower cost.

You have to collect all bags on arrival in Melbourne anyway. The domestic check-in area will not be open so you have to keep bags with you until check-in- which seems to suit you, so all good!

 

[Demonoid]

Thanks Kermatu (and Opusman). For some reason I had a horrible through that they'd keep me stranded at the airport!

It is a good deal...

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Thanks Kermatu (and Opusman). For some reason I had a horrible through that they'd keep me stranded at the airport!

It is a good deal...

Having a domestic tag flight on an international award is almost always a good deal. Being ADL based I obviously do this a lot and have stayed at SYD and MEL airport hotels, with my suitcase, before heading back the next morning for the flight home. Very easy and convenient.