Collection of baggage for overnight transit

[thommo9]

My wife is returning to Australia on EK408 (on a Qantas ticket) into MEL, then will stay in Mel overnight at an airport hotel and then departing the next morning on a Qantas domestic flight.

I have told her that she will collect baggage for customs as per normal and then she will need to hang on to the bags overnight and check them in again the next morning. Is that correct?

She would prefer to have the baggage overnight but if need be, is there a way to re-check the bags in straight away and then have HLO for the evening?

 

[AIRwin]

I doubt it as check-in at MEL is open only until 9 pm:
https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/airport-guide-melbourne-domestic/global/en#departures

 

[straitman]

My wife is returning to Australia on EK408 (on a Qantas ticket) into MEL, then will stay in Mel overnight at an airport hotel and then departing the next morning on a Qantas domestic flight.

I have told her that she will collect baggage for customs as per normal and then she will need to hang on to the bags overnight and check them in again the next morning. Is that correct?

She would prefer to have the baggage overnight but if need be, is there a way to re-check the bags in straight away and then have HLO for the evening?

You are correct in that she will need to look after the bags overnight herself.

 

[Doyvid]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but what about leaving the country? I'm in a similar situation soon, flying MEL - SYD in the evening, staying overnight in SYD, then on the EK flight to CHC early the next morning, all on the same ticket. Will I have to collect my checked luggage? Or will this be checked all the way through to CHC?

 

[straitman]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but what about leaving the country? I'm in a similar situation soon, flying MEL - SYD in the evening, staying overnight in SYD, then on the EK flight to CHC early the next morning, all on the same ticket. Will I have to collect my checked luggage? Or will this be checked all the way through to CHC?

It would normally be checked all the way through. You would need to check with the airline if you can just check it part way.

 

[theblank]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but what about leaving the country? I'm in a similar situation soon, flying MEL - SYD in the evening, staying overnight in SYD, then on the EK flight to CHC early the next morning, all on the same ticket. Will I have to collect my checked luggage? Or will this be checked all the way through to CHC?

I donno if there is one at the airport but Central Train station in sydney has a baggage storage service, I have used it a few times. They open fairly long hours. Google has all its details. Mind you, there is a fair amount of walking/dragging the bags around central bloody rabbit warren station from the airport line to it (and I got lost last time i did it). If you are going that far might as well keep going to the hotel.

 

[Doyvid]

It would normally be checked all the way through. You would need to check with the airline if you can just check it part way.

Great, thanks for the info. I'd rather have them hold onto the bag for the ~8 hours, rather than have to carry it to/from my hotel for such a brief stay.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Sorry to highjack the thread, but what about leaving the country? I'm in a similar situation soon, flying MEL - SYD in the evening, staying overnight in SYD, then on the EK flight to CHC early the next morning, all on the same ticket. Will I have to collect my checked luggage? Or will this be checked all the way through to CHC?

I have done this many times coming from PER through SYD en route to AUH, NOU, VIL and NAN and my bag has NEVER been checked through.
I have always had to collect it from the domestic sector and check it in again for the international sector the next day.
I was under the impression it could be checked through if the connecting flight was within 24 hours.
However I queried this with QF and was told bags will not be checked through if the flight leaves the next calendar day.
My experience was the same with VA connecting with EY en route to AUH.

 

[Doyvid]

I have done this many times coming from PER through SYD en route to AUH, NOU, VIL and NAN and my bag has NEVER been checked through.
I have always had to collect it from the domestic sector and check it in again for the international sector the next day.
I was under the impression it could be checked through if the connecting flight was within 24 hours.
However I queried this with QF and was told bags will not be checked through if the flight leaves the next calendar day.
My experience was the same with VA connecting with EY en route to AUH.

That's good to know, thanks!

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Doyvid, why not stay at the SYD int airport Rydges?
I am doing that in Jul this year.
Instead of going from SYD dom to the city, by train or airport shuttle, and then early out again to the airport.
Yes, the Rydges SYD airport is quite pricey, more than a city hotel, but is it worth it dragging your bag/s all the way around the dom airport, to the city on the train, from the then around Central station, trying to find the baggage storage area, and then having to pick it up again with the earliest train to the airport.
SYD airport train fare also not cheap either, and return fare is valid only until 4am, but last train is 12.30am.
2 one ways, even by bus or airport shuttle, is at least $35/$40.
I arrive into SYD 21.30 in Jul, and out to AKL on the LA, which leaves later than the EK, but still, seeing the EK flight SYD - CHC leaves about 7.30am or so, I wouldn't chance it. Airport opens 4.30am for checkin, and the lounges at 6am.
If you fuff around with the train, the next day, you won't have a lot of lounge time.
If you haven't booked a SYD hotel, I would do the Rydges if I were you.
Train from SYD dom - SYD int is $5 or so.
The taxi rank at SYD dom is a dead zone at 4am, I had to phone for a taxi as I was staying at the Ibis budget one time, on my way to NZ.
Why not, MEL - SYD dom arr say, 19.00, pick up bags, take train to int, go to Rydges, have dinner, early sleep, then just walk across to int terminal to check in early next morning for flight to CHC.
If you don't have lounge access, never mind, still better than trying to work your way back from the city (too) early the next day by train or shuttle/Uber.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Doyvid, why not stay at the SYD int airport Rydges?
I am doing that in Jul this year.
Instead of going from SYD dom to the city, by train or airport shuttle, and then early out again to the airport.
Yes, the Rydges SYD airport is quite pricey, more than a city hotel, but is it worth it dragging your bag/s all the way around the dom airport, to the city on the train, from the then around Central station, trying to find the baggage storage area, and then having to pick it up again with the earliest train to the airport.
SYD airport train fare also not cheap either, and return fare is valid only until 4am, but last train is 12.30am.
2 one ways, even by bus or airport shuttle, is at least $35/$40.
I arrive into SYD 21.30 in Jul, and out to AKL on the LA, which leaves later than the EK, but still, seeing the EK flight SYD - CHC leaves about 7.30am or so, I wouldn't chance it. Airport opens 4.30am for checkin, and the lounges at 6am.
If you fuff around with the train, the next day, you won't have a lot of lounge time.
If you haven't booked a SYD hotel, I would do the Rydges if I were you.
Train from SYD dom - SYD int is $5 or so.
The taxi rank at SYD dom is a dead zone at 4am, I had to phone for a taxi as I was staying at the Ibis budget one time, on my way to NZ.
Why not, MEL - SYD dom arr say, 19.00, pick up bags, take train to int, go to Rydges, have dinner, early sleep, then just walk across to int terminal to check in early next morning for flight to CHC.
If you don't have lounge access, never mind, still better than trying to work your way back from the city (too) early the next day by train or shuttle/Uber.

I've done this twice en route to NOU because the flight leaves at 07:40.
So easy to walk across the road, check in, run the gauntlet through immigration and relax with a champagne in the F lounge.

 

[La Mouette]

I was under the impression it could be checked through if the connecting flight was within 24 hours.
However I queried this with QF and was told bags will not be checked through if the

I fly QF LHR-MEL-SYD frequently, and the most coherent answer I've received from QF is that the connecting flight has to be within eight hours. With QF10 the gap is 8.5 hours, so no luck. Going the other direction SYD-MEL-LHR is fine.

 

[La Mouette]

My wife is returning to Australia on EK408 (on a Qantas ticket) into MEL, then will stay in Mel overnight at an airport hotel and then departing the next morning on a Qantas domestic flight.

I have told her that she will collect baggage for customs as per normal and then she will need to hang on to the bags overnight and check them in again the next morning. Is that correct?

She would prefer to have the baggage overnight but if need be, is there a way to re-check the bags in straight away and then have HLO for the evening?

Some thoughts on the MEL airport hotels if your wife hasn't booked yet ...

In MEL, if you stay at the Parkroyal, you can keep your baggage trolley overnight - take it from the Int'l baggage carousel up to your room, etc. and then over to Domestic in the morning to check in. The Parkroyal is a bit dated and the most expensive option.

The Holiday Inn is very dated ...

The Ibis is an Ibis ...

The Quest Melbourne Airport is less expensive, very new/modern and quiet, and has free WiFi, and a free shuttle from 6am to 10pm. It's my favourite to date.

I've also found that if your international flight has QF Chauffeur Drive, you can also use it in the middle city for a free lift to a hotel. I'm my case, I've just used it for a very quick trip from the Quest to check in before the shuttle started running. But in theory, you could use it to stay anywhere.

 

[Doyvid]

Doyvid, why not stay at the SYD int airport Rydges?
I am doing that in Jul this year.
Instead of going from SYD dom to the city, by train or airport shuttle, and then early out again to the airport.
Yes, the Rydges SYD airport is quite pricey, more than a city hotel, but is it worth it dragging your bag/s all the way around the dom airport, to the city on the train, from the then around Central station, trying to find the baggage storage area, and then having to pick it up again with the earliest train to the airport.
SYD airport train fare also not cheap either, and return fare is valid only until 4am, but last train is 12.30am.
2 one ways, even by bus or airport shuttle, is at least $35/$40.
I arrive into SYD 21.30 in Jul, and out to AKL on the LA, which leaves later than the EK, but still, seeing the EK flight SYD - CHC leaves about 7.30am or so, I wouldn't chance it. Airport opens 4.30am for checkin, and the lounges at 6am.
If you fuff around with the train, the next day, you won't have a lot of lounge time.
If you haven't booked a SYD hotel, I would do the Rydges if I were you.
Train from SYD dom - SYD int is $5 or so.
The taxi rank at SYD dom is a dead zone at 4am, I had to phone for a taxi as I was staying at the Ibis budget one time, on my way to NZ.
Why not, MEL - SYD dom arr say, 19.00, pick up bags, take train to int, go to Rydges, have dinner, early sleep, then just walk across to int terminal to check in early next morning for flight to CHC.
If you don't have lounge access, never mind, still better than trying to work your way back from the city (too) early the next day by train or shuttle/Uber.

That sounds like a most excellent idea. I'm doing this as a J status run, with the DSC promo to secure gold for another year. I was considering staying in the city, but because of the tight flight turnarounds (and wanting to spend the most time I can in the lounges), I think I'll definitely stay at one of the airport hotels. Rydges seems like a winner, too!

Thanks for all of your help, everyone.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I fly QF LHR-MEL-SYD frequently, and the most coherent answer I've received from QF is that the connecting flight has to be within eight hours. With QF10 the gap is 8.5 hours, so no luck. Going the other direction SYD-MEL-LHR is fine.

Inbound is completely different to outbound.
In Australia, luggage can NEVER be through-checked from an incoming international sector to a connecting domestic sector, regardless of the timing.
This is because PAX must claim their bag and assume responsibility for it through customs and immigration.
So you could never have bags through-checked from LHR-MEL-SYD.
When you fly SYD-MEL-LHR I assume you complete the domestic sector and board the first international sector on the same calendar day.
This doesn't seem to be a problem and I am not even sure this is limited to 8 hours.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Melbourne Airport Ibis is an ibis Budget, so no lift/s. Ground floor rooms go fast.
Aircond can be like a jet engine, in volume, its noisy if you turn the aircond on.
Quest is far out from any of the terminals, not walking distance.
I like the Parkroyal, might be a bit "dated" but still, its the best one out of the 4. Ducted aircond and if you pick room away from T1 - T4 its quite ok.
Now, I can't understand why on earth Hyatt would build a hotel at Essendon though!

 

[La Mouette]

Inbound is completely different to outbound.
In Australia, luggage can NEVER be through-checked from an incoming international sector to a connecting domestic sector, regardless of the timing.

Maybe this is just a terminology issue, but it's certainly possible to leave your baggage at international terminals in Australia. Yes, you need to clear Customs with it first, but if you leave it at the transfer counter, you don't have to cart it on the bus with you. I've done it myself in SYD.

See:

https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/airport-guide-sydney-international-terminal1/global/en

After you clear customs, follow the signs located outside the terminal, entry is external to the main terminal within a short walk via a weather protected walkway. Recheck your baggage at the Seamless Transfer Check-in counters.

 

[Vic]

Melbourne Airport Ibis is an ibis Budget, so no lift/s.

Is this a rule, that Ibis budget means no lifts? I've stayed in an Ibis budget that had lifts

 

[badseed]

I tend to use the Holiday Inn (the old Travelodge building).

It's usually $80 to $120 less per night than the Parkroyal, still walking distance to the terminals (~5 minutes longer), and a free shuttle if it's raining.

Yes it's more dated than the others, but the rooms are fine, and if you're only there to sleep and get up at ridiculous o'clock, that's all that's needed.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Maybe this is just a terminology issue, but it's certainly possible to leave your baggage at international terminals in Australia. Yes, you need to clear Customs with it first, but if you leave it at the transfer counter, you don't have to cart it on the bus with you. I've done it myself in SYD.

See:

https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/airport-guide-sydney-international-terminal1/global/en

After you clear customs, follow the signs located outside the terminal, entry is external to the main terminal within a short walk via a weather protected walkway. Recheck your baggage at the Seamless Transfer Check-in counters.

Leaving your luggage at a third party facility which has nothing to do with any airline you might be flying is nothing like through-checking luggage.
You have to wait and collect bags, take them through customs, take them to the third party facility, pay them for the service.
You are responsible for transporting your luggage between terminals and re-checking it for the subsequent flight.
On the up side of course you have access to your bags and their contents in the interim.
Sorry but that isn't just a question of terminology.