BNE International Connection

[grilled_cheeze]

Hi all,

I have an upcoming flight in Y consisting of MEL-BNE-LAX. As it stands, I'm looking at a 1hr40min connection time in BNE. As I've never done this route through BNE before, will this be adequate time to make it to the terminal, make my way through customs etc? Initial thoughts are that it could be a little tight....

Also, do VA hand out customs express passes to J passengers only or is it extended to status pax? On my last flight from LAX I was given an express pass when travelling in PE but looking through the Velocity site can't find anything mentioning it.

Cheers

 

[asterix]

I've just booked SYD-BNE-DPS using points and our connection is 1h 35m so I hope it is alright as it was the only option available.

 

[Denali]

Im sure it can be done/is done often but my heart wouldn't handle the anxiety.

But in saying that, on the first day of school holidays last year I was able to do the transit in 1hr and thats with security and immigration being mayhem. We took the train and had an approx. 15min wait - I wonder if the bus would have been faster.

If you don't get a express pass in Melbourne, you can get one at BNE Int airport but for our trip, it was useless because of school holiday fiasco.

Can you leave MELB earlier?

 

[aaronm]

You should have enough time for the transfer, maybe ask at the MEL check in desk for seating close to the front of the plane, and (as the poster above mentioned) an express pass. I've done this transit as a Y+ passenger and was automatically given the express, but would still have had plenty of time otherwise.

 

[davidsilver]

Was it booked as 1 ticket? It seems achievable all things being equal. Your bags will be checked through to LAX so no need to collect them. The bus runs more frequently than the train and is right outside the exit from VA terminal.

As VA WP I've always been given an express path card so you should be able to ask for one. Having said that the last time I transited through BNE there was no need for it because there is a heap of e-gates which makes the process, I believe, a lot quicker

 

[BAM1748]

If on the same ticket then no problem, just keep moving with intent.

 

[grilled_cheeze]

Thanks for the info.

Looks like it should all be OK. Fingers crossed for no delays out of MEL!

 

[serfty]

You get to use the train to connect from Domestic to International at BNE. Your Boarding Pass folder will have a tear off strip which is your 'ticket'.

Keep an eye on the airtrain timetable - you need to be heading there from the gate at least 5 minutes before the next rain's departure.