Advice on timing's for domestic and international flights

[nuthq]

Hi All,

I am departing MEL for SYD 12 noon this Saturday and then boarding VA29 at 3.15pm to AUH and then on to LHR.

What time should I aim to be at Melb and can I check my bags straight through to LHR?? I take it at SYD all I need to do is go through security/customs?

Thanks
Nuthq

 

[notzac]

A domestic leg of an international journey should take only a few moments longer to check in than a domestic-only journey .. I would personally get to MEL around 60-90 minutes before the flight, but as long as you make check in cut off, you'll be fine.

If everything is on a single itinerary, your bags will be checked through to LHR and all of your boarding passes ought to be issued at MEL. When you arrive at SYD, there is an international connections "gate" downstairs where you can get the bus to the International terminal. If you don't get given a wallet in MEL with the bus ticket, ask for the ticket at the desk in SYD. From there, straight through immigration and customs and then it's a bit of a hike to the EY lounge to wait for your flight to AUH.

 

[markis10]

When you arrive at SYD, there is an international connections "gate" downstairs where you can get the bus to the International terminal. If you don't get given a wallet in MEL with the bus ticket, ask for the ticket at the desk in SYD. From there, straight through immigration and customs and then it's a bit of a hike to the EY lounge to wait for your flight to AUH.

Downstairs?? It's Gate 37 from memory.

 

[MandM]

Downstairs?? It's Gate 37 from memory.

Yep, downstairs. It's Gate 46 (source - I did the transfer 2 days ago).

 

[markis10]

Yep, downstairs. It's Gate 46 (source - I did the transfer 2 days ago).

Cheers, it must have moved, pity VA have yet to update their site :evil:

http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/e...connecting-flights/#international-connections

At least its updated when you go to the individual airline info

http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/airline-partners/etihad-airways/

 

[Clivem]

It's Gate 37 from memory.

Yes changed 46. web site still notes 37 ?????

 

[markis10]

Yes changed 46. web site still notes 37 ?????

It does for some pages, bit of a race to the bottom between airlines when it comes to website mistakes and usability.

 

[nuthq]

Thanks all for your responses - I appreciate it!

Any idea on the chances of getting an exit seat for the Etihad flights for 2 of us? Happy to pay extra but will the VA staff even be able to do that at MEL??