JQ to QF INT connection in MEL

[missafternoondelight]

Hi Guys,

I'm hoping to make a connection from a JQ DPS-MEL flight, arriving at 07:25, to a 09:30 MEL - ZQN (23 Apr). Booked separately, the JQ in *Class, and the QF in Y (discount Y).

The Jetstar website is pretty ambiguous when it comes to making connections to QF, so I called to ask if they could check my bags all the way through to avoid having to go through immigration and waste precious time. The operator informed me that it is up to the staff at DPS as to whether they will allow that or not, and that 2 hours is a perfectly adequate connection time. It is, provided the flight is on time, but I would prefer to go straight through if possible.

Anyone have any experience with JQ to QF INT?

 

[Mal]

It's certainly possible:

Jetstar International Flights

Full bag connectivity and passenger check-in.

QF International to JQ International v.v.
QF Domestic to JQ International v.v.

Baggage connectivity and passenger through check-in is available for customers connecting from/to Qantas domestic and international flights to/from Jetstar international flights. Passengers will receive boarding passes for both sectors at commencement of journey. This is available for both JQ marketed and QF codeshare customers.

Examples:
LHR (QF) SIN (QF*JQ^) DRW (QF*JQ^) CNS or
LHR (QF) SIN (JQ) DRW (JQ) CNS

Customers connecting from Qantas operated London Singapore flight to Jetstar's Singapore Darwin Cairns flights, will have their bags through checked and boarding passes provided for the whole journey.

CHC (JQ) SYD (QF) SIN

Customers connecting from Jetstar operated Christchurch - Sydney flight to Qantas operated Sydney - Singapore flight will have their bags through checked and boarding passes provided for the whole journey.

CBR (QF) SYD (JQ) SGN

Customers connecting from Qantas domestic flights to Jetstar operated International flights will have their bags through checked and boarding passes provided for the whole journey.

Being on separate itineraries may make things more complicated. Have a printout of both, and show both when you check-in.

 

[V1213]

If it's any comfort, yesterday's JQ36 arrived in MEL 20 minutes early, so there's some extra time...

 

[Austman]

Agreed, it should be possible. And it depends on the check-in staff. Sometimes they have problems with separate tickets.

Some details (not 100% accurate):

Flight Connections | Jetstar

http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/popup/flight-connections.aspx

 

[missafternoondelight]

Thanks very much, guys.
I have printed out both bookings as per Mal's wise instructions.
Comforting that yesterday was on time, V1213.
Thanks for info, too, Austman - will just have to cross fingers and be as sweet as possible to check in staff at DPS.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I have seen a lot of people come through DRW ex JQ from DPS who had wanted bags to be through checked to a final destination which can be done even though you had to collect your bags in DRW to clear customs.

The general consensus seemed to be "the Jetstar staff in DPS didn't seem to know what they were doing" type comments. Whilst their bags may have only been checked to DRW JQ (or sub-contractor more likely) had actually checked them to their next (QF) destination but hadn't given pax the boarding passes for the DRW/xx_ sector.

I'd say it was probably more a case of not realising their actions at checkin for the DPS/DRW bit checked pax in downline also & possibly the boarding passes for the subsequent QF sector didn't print out.

If they do say it's not possible at checkin I'd ask to speak to a checkin supervisor or a Duty Manager who may be able to do it.

Unfortunately it seems to be yet another example of companies subcontracting to the lowest bidder giving staff zero training and throwing them in the deep end & expecting them to deliver.

Yet again people booked on QF codeshare flights operated by JQ not given the standard of service they would expect from QF.

Agreed, it should be possible. And it depends on the check-in staff. Sometimes they have problems with separate tickets.

Some details (not 100% accurate):

Flight Connections | Jetstar

http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/popup/flight-connections.aspx

JQ at DPS had problems when connecting flights were on the same booking so it doesn't really look too rosey for pax with separate pnrs unfortunately.

 

[missafternoondelight]

I have seen a lot of people come through DRW ex JQ from DPS who had wanted bags to be through checked to a final destination which can be done even though you had to collect your bags in DRW to clear customs.

The general consensus seemed to be "the Jetstar staff in DPS didn't seem to know what they were doing" type comments. Whilst their bags may have only been checked to DRW JQ (or sub-contractor more likely) had actually checked them to their next (QF) destination but hadn't given pax the boarding passes for the DRW/xx_ sector.

I'd say it was probably more a case of not realising their actions at checkin for the DPS/DRW bit checked pax in downline also & possibly the boarding passes for the subsequent QF sector didn't print out.

If they do say it's not possible at checkin I'd ask to speak to a checkin supervisor or a Duty Manager who may be able to do it.

Unfortunately it seems to be yet another example of companies subcontracting to the lowest bidder giving staff zero training and throwing them in the deep end & expecting them to deliver.

Yet again people booked on QF codeshare flights operated by JQ not given the standard of service they would expect from QF.



JQ at DPS had problems when connecting flights were on the same booking so it doesn't really look too rosey for pax with separate pnrs unfortunately.

Thanks for this advice, Oz.. has sufficiently lowered my expectations.
It did seem a little strange to me that the airline would not have a defined policy and would leave this to the discretion of check in staff.

 

[Austman]

I think it depends if the JQ check-in staff can work out the bag-tags. I've been on separate tickets a few times (but not out of DPS) and on one occasion, they ended up writing the connecting flight details on the bag tag by hand. It worked but!

They almost certainly will not be able to give you your QF boarding pass, but that's not a big deal.

Let us know how you go!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Thanks for this advice, Oz.. has sufficiently lowered my expectations.
It did seem a little strange to me that the airline would not have a defined policy and would leave this to the discretion of check in staff.

I didn't mean to rain on your parade or be the bearer of bad tidings.....you never know your luck. :-|

The phrase "a man who expects nothing is never disappointed" did spring to mind though.

 

[turtlemichael]

Related but different question. Being a nervous nelly about connecting on and off JQ on to QF, I tend to leave an overnight between flights. I am coming back from HNL on JQ in *class and the flight is scheduled in to SYD at 3.50pm. The 7.35pm to CNS in discount Y looks tempting. Practically speaking, if JQ is delayed what will QF say? Separate PNRs but maybe a request to QF to note the JQ flight.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Related but different question. Being a nervous nelly about connecting on and off JQ on to QF, I tend to leave an overnight between flights. I am coming back from HNL on JQ in *class and the flight is scheduled in to SYD at 3.50pm. The 7.35pm to CNS in discount Y looks tempting. Practically speaking, if JQ is delayed what will QF say? Separate PNRs but maybe a request to QF to note the JQ flight.

I think it's definitely easier through checking bags CNS QF JQ HNL on the outbound sector as you are dealing with Australians checking you in so have more knowlege of local procedures etc in their own country.

A lot of checkin people overseas seem to think for that reason your bags can only be tagged to SYD because that is where you are entering Australia & need to clear customs however we all know that even if your bag is tagged HNL JQ SYD QF CNS that it's still possible to clear customs then just to the bag drop after customs formalities.

JQ overseas tend to use contractors a lot so to be honest I don't really fancy your chances of somebody in HNL through checking bags to CNS, the disadvantage being in your bags were through checked to CNS & JQ was late into SYD & you missed your connection, QF would have an obligation to move you to the next flight and/or accommodate you if necessary.

If bags only checked to SYD on JQ & they were late causing you to miss your QF flight that evening SYD/CNS I have a feeling QF would change your flight without charge but depending on who you get they may drag out the old chestnut "we're not obligated to accommodate you because the bookings were entirely separate....."

If it was myself in this situation I would book the QF flight that evening be confident that things would be fixed should I misconnect.

I am more inclined to book a nights accomm at the beginning of a trip where missing an international connecting flight would have a snowball effect on the rest of your flights etc.

 

[turtlemichael]

Thanks OBB. In fact I was most more concerned about QF's attitude to a late passenger on a discount economy ticket. One other factor, which the OH reminds me of, this is right on Christmas (2 days before) so there is likely to be limited availability to CNS from SYD anyway. My inclination now is to have a night in SYD and avoid the worry. Unless JQ4 is 24 hours late of course. :shock:

 

[missafternoondelight]

Re: JQ to QF INT connection in MEL Update

Just checked in and worst possible outcome - they claimed they aren't 'allowed' to check my bags through, because I have to clear immigration with the bags. Honestly I think the staff just have no idea how to do it.

Also, flight is delayed 40mins as of right now (I think the last time one of my JQ flights was delayed 40 mins it ended up being more like 2 hours), so my chances of getting on QF177 are looking pretty slim right now. Might have made it if either the flight was on time, or they had checked my bags through, but not looking good with neither of those conditions satisfied. Remaining optimistic.. miracles happen.. don't they? haha.

At the very least others can learn from my mistakes..

 

[Austman]

Re: JQ to QF INT connection in MEL Update

Just checked in and worst possible outcome - they claimed they aren't 'allowed' to check my bags through, because I have to clear immigration with the bags. Honestly I think the staff just have no idea how to do it.

Also, flight is delayed 40mins as of right now (I think the last time one of my JQ flights was delayed 40 mins it ended up being more like 2 hours), so my chances of getting on QF177 are looking pretty slim right now. Might have made it if either the flight was on time, or they had checked my bags through, but not looking good with neither of those conditions satisfied. Remaining optimistic.. miracles happen.. don't they? haha.

At the very least others can learn from my mistakes..

What a hassle and so wrong. You shouldn't have to clear customs and migration if you are just doing an international transit in Melbourne. And Jetstar even publish this as an allowed connection with baggage transfer (JQi to QFi at MEL, needs 1 hour MCT). But it seems you have about 70 minutes to make the connection. So you might be lucky!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Re: JQ to QF INT connection in MEL Update

Just checked in and worst possible outcome - they claimed they aren't 'allowed' to check my bags through, because I have to clear immigration with the bags. Honestly I think the staff just have no idea how to do it.

Also, flight is delayed 40mins as of right now (I think the last time one of my JQ flights was delayed 40 mins it ended up being more like 2 hours), so my chances of getting on QF177 are looking pretty slim right now. Might have made it if either the flight was on time, or they had checked my bags through, but not looking good with neither of those conditions satisfied. Remaining optimistic.. miracles happen.. don't they? haha.

At the very least others can learn from my mistakes..

How absolutely frustrating for you. I think this scenario demonstrates a total lack of understanding by the people checking you in at SIN that there should be no reason why you have to clear customs in MEL if you have an immediate connection to an international flight. It would seem they are treating ZQN as though it's a domestic connection not an international one.

As I've said previously whether or not you are travelling SIN JQ MEL QF ADL or SIN JQ MEL QF ZQN the bags can stll be tagged through to your final destination. The first example you can still clear customs then to the bag drop afterwards & the second example you should just be able to transit without clearing customs or collecting your bag.

The only thing you may need to do is get your boarding pass for the MEL/ZQN sector at the transfer desk in MEL if you weren't issued with it in SIN.

Again this is an example where JQ or subcontractors of, totally let down passengers travelling on a QF Group airline. In the past if you were travelling QF SIN/MEL there wouldn't have been a problem with bags being checked all the way & you may have even got checked in by someone who was actually employed by QF vs a contractor of a subsidiary.

I don't believe you are the one who's made a mistake either. You've done your research but been let down by a network of inexperienced people who rather than find out if something's possible tell you it can't be done because they don't know how to do it and won't ask anyone how it can be.

Let us know what happened in any case.

 

[Austman]

Re: JQ to QF INT connection in MEL Update

How absolutely frustrating for you. I think this scenario demonstrates a total lack of understanding by the people checking you in at SIN that there should be no reason why you have to clear customs in MEL if you have an immediate connection to an international flight. It would seem they are treating ZQN as though it's a domestic connection not an international one..

I agree!! But ozbeachbabe I think it was DPS that was the problem? I suspect SIN check-in staff might have known a bit better.

It seems hard sometimes for check-in staff to do baggage interlining. It's not just a JQ/QF thing either... happens with many airlines.

 

[Mal]

Re: JQ to QF INT connection in MEL Update

I don't believe you are the one who's made a mistake either. You've done your research but been let down by a network of inexperienced people who rather than find out if something's possible tell you it can't be done because they don't know how to do it and won't ask anyone how it can be.

100% agree. While posters here aren't "Jetstar", I think the answers given in most threads are equally as good (if not more accurate) than what the call centre will advise!

VERY POOR FORM JETSTAR!

 

[missafternoondelight]

Hi Guys!
Just got home.
Long story short, missed ZQN flight; JQ36 was 1 hr and 10 mins late, and we dwelled on the tarmac for 35 minutes, unable to get out as we had no gate and no stairs. With having to clear customs, by the time I got to the Qantas checkin it was 09:20 - QF177 departing at 09:25. Too late.

Qantas were kind enough to book me onto a MEL-SYD-ZQN with them the next morning, using the fare I had paid, and costing me another $60. Very sporting of them given that technically I should have forfeited my fare (being a no show).
Quite a contrast to Jetstar; when I asked if staff could radio ahead or help in any way on board, both of the senior cabin crew chastised me for trying to make the connection - 'that's really not enough time, you should leave at least four hours.' When I explained that their website and call centre said 2 hours was an adequate connection time *and* had said that it was possible to check bags through the reply was, 'oh we can't check bags through, because you have to clear immigration.' They thought I was stupid.. honestly I was shocked at the lack of knowledge and regard for connecting passengers the staff had.

My journey on Easter Sunday to Queenstown, entirely with Qantas seemed to be designed just to highlight the shortcomings of Jetstar - everything was simply too easy, and I made my 1 hr 20 minute connection in SYD with ease, helped along by the Qantas courtesy bus and my bags being whisked away without me. Qantas really came out the hero in this whole debacle, and has made me pretty determined to stick to Qantas only connections where possible, or other organised airlines, like Cathay.
I would not attempt a JQ to QF international connection again, without an overnight buffer, JQ are just too unreliable, and too unwilling to assist if things go awry.
Thanks very much for your help though, guys! We've all learnt a lesson here...

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Love the comment by 'senior crew' (probably been there maybe 6 months tops) that you should've allowed 4 hours. They've got to be kidding - there's cities out there with lesser connection times even when you have to change airports!

Do the JQ crew even know that a) ZQN is in New Zealand & b) that NZ is not the same thing as Australia?!? The concept of a transit in Australia when arriving from one country & travelling to another seems totally foreign to them.

This a a such an example of "paying peanuts & getting monkeys".

Glad you didn't have to fork out for a new fare though.