Connection times in JNB

[Seat0B]

We have a booking with Airlink from Victoria Falls to JNB arriving at 1545 and a separate PNR on QF back home JNB-SYD-CPT same day departing 1845 so a 3 hr connection time.

As I understand it we will have to collect bags and clear immigration and customs at JNB and then separately check in for the QF flight.

Published MCT int-int is 90 mins. We are both WP and it’s a J ticket, so should not have hordes at the QF check in.

Could those with more experience at JNB advise if this is an OK connection time or is it cutting things too close?

Now that QF and Airlink are getting more friendly, is there any chance of being able to through check the bags?

What else do I need to know about this?

 

[AIRwin]

Looks like the same flight 4Z495 has landed closer to 4 pm most days in the last week so it may also be worth tracking the inbound flight 4Z494 from JNB just in case

 

[RooFlyer]

Only one experience, last year. JNB is a bit of a ratty airport; immigration was slow, with the agents in full 'lets have a chat and jokes to the bloke leaning into the booth'. 3 hrs too tight for me, but you know conservative I am.

 

[kpc]

If the incoming is on time, you will be fine even if immigration is slow...if the incoming is late, and immigration is slow (took me 1 hour last year coming off Qf63 in J), there could be a problem (bags were well and truly waiting for us!). I personally would have overnighted at Jnb airport but I am very risk adverse!

 

[Seat0B]

Thanks everyone. I’m also on the conservative side. Unfortunately overnight is not an option due to other commitments. I think I’ll have a look to see if there’s an earlier flight we could take and what the change fees are. I’ll report back.

 

[Seat0B]

There is an earlier flight (by 90 mins, worth it), and it is actually cheaper (extra worth it) and my Magnificent Sunbird fare allows fee free changes, so I felt relieved. Went to Airlink web site, clicked manage my booking, selected modify flights and hey presto



And the only way to make contact is via a web form, with a "we will try to get back to you within 48 hrs" note on it. Arghhhhh - their web site is even worse than the QF web site.

I think I am going to be quite stressed before this is resolved.

 

[AIRwin]

There is an earlier flight (by 90 mins, worth it), and it is actually cheaper (extra worth it) and my Magnificent Sunbird fare allows fee free changes

Refundable?

 

[Seat0B]

Refundable?

Yes, minus an unspecified admin fee. I've asked for all that info in the web enquiry. I've also found an Australian agent's number that I will give a call on Tuesday - won't have a chance to do that tomorrow - and maybe they can help me out with what I need.

 

[Seat0B]

@AIRwin, looks like the admin fee is modest - maybe ZAR440 or ZAR500 depending on what you read. So cancel and re-book might be a reasonable option. I will wait until I talk to local agent on Tuesday as all round it would be easier if I could just change the flight, but that is a very reassuring alternative, for not too much out of pocket ~AUD40-50 per person.