Can't leave Melbourne Airport During transit??? [DOH-MEL-ADL vv]

[MEL_Traveller]

I don’t think this is a security issue. I don’t think an airline can ‘force’ you to fly with them unless there was some restriction such as a visa or lack of immigration at the technical stop (not the case here for MEL/SYD).

HLO and you should be free to enter Australia. The airline rep directing you to A or B is just a rep. There’s no security breach leaving the airport, unless of course you bags in the hold, which might look a bit suspicious!

However, what QR might do is reassess the fare, if there is any difference between Melbourne and Adelaide. Or worse, recalculate the ticket as a full one-way walk-up DOH-MEL (rather than any discounted fare that might have been paid).

I wonder if they could just charge this directly to your credit card if they had that on file?

This tag flight is also to satisfy the Australian government’s seat caps. If QR Was found to have breached that cap by allowing the passenger to exit, and if there was some fine or penalty on QR for that breach, they would be within their rights to seek that compensation from the passenger.

 

[clifford]

I wonder if they could just charge this directly to your credit card if they had that on file?

This tag flight is also to satisfy the Australian government’s seat caps. If QR Was found to have breached that cap by allowing the passenger to exit, and if there was some fine or penalty on QR for that breach, they would be within their rights to seek that compensation from the passenger.

Best to fly QR (if at all) using FF points from another airline then.

But I do think that QR can be pretty vindictive, and you have to look at the debacle involving Australian women at DOH (let's just not say it wasn't QR, as everything is state controlled there).

 

[jase05]

Best to fly QR (if at all) using FF points from another airline then.

But I do think that QR can be pretty vindictive, and you have to look at the debacle involving Australian women at DOH (let's just not say it wasn't QR, as everything is state controlled there).

yeah, I love the airline and the country too much to jeopardise any future visits for the sake of saving a few bucks especially when it gives us two daily’s ex ADL

 

[Scarlett]

They can try to direct you anywhere they like but good luck physically stopping someone leaving if that’s what they choose to do.

A simple cough and a statement ‘something, something, covid’ should see you safely on your own way, if even challenged by QR staff.

 

[Warragul]

I don't think so. ABF couldn't give a damn as long as your're an Australian citizen and want to exit at MEL.

What are we talking about? The airline's profit margin?

Oh, and I did use to work at the Department of Immigration (as it was in those days). It's not what you are...

Exactly, Australian citizen can't be stopped from entering at whatever port they chose, from a legal perspective. The officers might think it's a bit odd but that's about it.

Whether the airline makes a note for future reference is an unknown quantity and worth at least thinking about any implications for future travel on said carrier.

 

[levelnine]

As with all forms of skiplagging, you can probably get away with it a small number of times, especially if you claim you're unable to board your onward flight due to medical reasons.

But it does put you at risk of being banned from the airline.