35 Minute Connection Time - Melbourne

[jajappamon]

Hi all,I arrive in to Melbourne from Perth at 3:55pm on a Saturday. I need to book a connecting flight and am wondering if 35 minutes will be enough time between the arrival of my flight from Perth and the departure of my next flight. Also, given that these will be on two separate bookings are they likely to move me to the next available flight if I miss my connection due to a late arrival?

 

[docjames]

No way would I risk that connection on unlinked bookings. If unconnected but same airline (excluding JQ or TT), I'd allow approx 60mins. It also depends on how many flights per day there are to your final destination and what the "consequence" of missing connection. If you've got an important appointment at your destination, you need more time. If its one flight a day, you need more time (or you'll be stuck for a whole day) etc.

Oh, and I'd try and do it on one booking where possible too.

 

[serfty]

I agree with docjames ...

 

[jajappamon]

Thanks very much for your responses.

Looks as though the 35 minute connection time isn't going to work, there is another flight that same day but it means being stuck at Melbourne Airport for over 4 hours.

Do you think they would allow me to make use of 'Fly Ahead' at the gate if I happen to be there at least 30 minutes prior to departure of the earlier connecting flight?

I think going with the above option might be safer than booking the earlier one and then missing it and having to hope that they move me to the later one without charge!

 

[Mogul]

Where is your connecting flight going to ?

 

[jajappamon]

Going to QLD, both flights are on Virgin of course.
I am still considering risking the short connection, but wonder if they'd look after me if the perth flight was delayed.

 

[docjames]

If its booked less than the minimum connection time you'd find yourself with issues i suspect.

Again, would strongly advise a longer connection.

 

[MarkD]

Bugger it, book the short connection, then when you miss it, jump on facebook, and whinge and whine, claiming to never fly Virgin again..........

Seriously though, I have done exactly what you are thinking about, checked in before I boarded the first flight, jumped off one, straight onto the other (Back when you had to do two separate bookings to get two lots of SC). Didnt enjoy the flight at all, then ma and Pa Kettle took forever to find their bags andwaddle off down the Aerobridge. made it, but only just, hence, I wouldnt reccomend

 

[pootle]

Def a no no, is there a specific reason why you are booking 2sep flights and not a joined pair?

 

[Sojourner]

Definitely no. I've been held up too many times to risk a 35 min connection! If you are plat or gold, book a later flight and try for the fly ahead option. I've done this a few times and it's always been fine.