Article: Qantas’ Melbourne First Class Check-in Suite Reopens 26 April

[Mattg]

I know my first question seems to have been answered, but confirming as Platinum member on a MEL > SYD > International, I can’t use the dedicated first check in counter and instead I use the International desk at domestic at MEL?

Correct. You'll need to check in at the domestic terminal.

Second question - I have 2.35 hour layover is Sydney. Is this enough time to transfer to the international terminal and make my way to the first lounge?

Yes, that would be enough time. You'll have around an hour in the lounge - possibly a bit more if you take the train across to T1 and don't get held up too much at international security at SYD.

 

[flyingfun]

Yes, that would be enough time. You'll have around an hour in the lounge - possibly a bit more if you take the train across to T1 and don't get held up too much at international security at SYD.

Thank you! From memory (from last time I did an international transfer in SYD, maybe 7 years ago), Qantas has a transfer bus. Is it best to take the train, rather than their transfer bus?

 

[whughes3]

Thank you! From memory (from last time I did an international transfer in SYD, maybe 7 years ago), Qantas has a transfer bus. Is it best to take the train, rather than their transfer bus?

The QF transfer bus is certainly operating, and usually works pretty well; just go to Gate 15 when you arrive at T3. Whether it is faster/slower than the train probably depends to some extent on which gate you arrive at and time of day (it runs more often in the mornings).

 

[SYD]

Thank you! From memory (from last time I did an international transfer in SYD, maybe 7 years ago), Qantas has a transfer bus. Is it best to take the train, rather than their transfer bus?

The bus is free but it’ll be a question of how often it is running.

If you have the option of changing to an earlier MEL-SYD flight that’s something to consider to ensure quality Lounge time.

What cabin are you flying ex-SYD? The priority security lines are still only for F/J PAX not status PAX in whY. But outside the morning peak, it’s not a huge difference.

 

[serfty]

Thank you! From memory (from last time I did an international transfer in SYD, maybe 7 years ago), Qantas has a transfer bus. Is it best to take the train, rather than their transfer bus?

They have a transfer bus from gate 15, but depending on the time of day it may only go every half an hour.

Your flight would generally start boarding 40 minutes before the scheduled departure so that cuts into time.

Personally I'd be happier with at least three hours - I rarely voluntarily book less than 4 hours.

 

[delphiki89]

Shame no all day bag drop at MEL. Have to wander around the terminal until check in opens for my evening flight.

 

[whughes3]

Shame no all day bag drop at MEL. Have to wander around the terminal until check in opens for my evening flight

Leave your checkin bags at the storage facility downstairs and then adjourn to the domestic J lounge for as long as you need. Have done this myself a few times...

 

[delphiki89]

Leave your checkin bags at the storage facility downstairs and then adjourn to the domestic J lounge for as long as you need. Have done this myself a few times...

Doh! Lesson learned for next time!

 

[Danger]

The Qantas website says the check-in "suite" is open "until the closure of check-in for QF93". That flight (which isn't even daily) departs at 12.30pm, a hell of a lot earlier than QF155 11 hours later.

 

[DC3]

Thank you! From memory (from last time I did an international transfer in SYD, maybe 7 years ago), Qantas has a transfer bus. Is it best to take the train, rather than their transfer bus?

So, how did all that go? Get some time in the FL? I realise that it was some time back.

 

[Sprucegoose]

The Qantas website says the check-in "suite" is open "until the closure of check-in for QF93". That flight (which isn't even daily) departs at 12.30pm, a hell of a lot earlier than QF155 11 hours later.

QF93 is a genuine international flight whereas QF155 is domestic to our 7th State.

 

[Larko1]

The Qantas website says the check-in "suite" is open "until the closure of check-in for QF93". That flight (which isn't even daily) departs at 12.30pm, a hell of a lot earlier than QF155 11 hours later.

QF155 last flew on 29 Jan. 24. QF95 is the last flight @ 10.55pm.

 

[RichardMEL]

I wonder if that was written when QF93 departed in the evening? Iirc it only changed back for the latest schedule.

Would not surprise me if the page was out of date.

I have used it for QF9 and 21 which are post the 93 in the current schedules.

 

[serfty]

I flew the 6:50pm QF157 Sunday - First Check in was open at 4pm ...