Checking in early to J* International flight

[Steady]

Hi, I posted this yesterday in the J* thread but have not had any replies so thought I would repost it here.

I recall reading, or maybe it was a discussion with another AFFer at some point (or I may have even done it....) that it is possible to check into a J* international flight early by using check in counters that are open for another flight.

I am looking at booking JQ57, but the connecting flight options available to me arrive into MEL at either 1.5 hours, or 5 hours before JQ57's scheduled departure. I would be taking a family member who has never, and will likely never again get to experience an F Lounge. No point stuffing around with the international departure for only 30 minutes in the lounge.

JQ7 departs almost 3 hours before JQ57, so the Int. check in counter would be open, we will have checked luggage.

While potentially troublesome with checked luggage, we could wait in the domestic J-lounge, check in when it opens, and get 1.75 to 2 hours which would be fine - but I would like to know my options.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

We travelled MEL/BKK on JQ a year ago and despite travelling HLO they wouldn't check us in early even after they'd finished the earlier flight. For that reason I wouldn't be too hopeful in your case particularly as you will have checked bags. The kiosks at the airport didn't open earlier than the 3 hour prior mark so we couldn't even self checkin.

I thought you could do OLCI for international flights on JQ ex AU to BKK or HKT but tried that and it wasn't allowed.

Never hurts to ask of course however I would have a plan B.

 

[Steady]

Thanks OBB