MEL-SYD-DFW check in

[dede]

I'm WP and about to fly MEL-SYD-DFW for the first time with QF and was wondering about checking in of luggage. Can I still use the International First check in at MEL to check my bags all the way or do I check in domestically for the first leg?

Do the bags get checked in all the way or do they have to be collected at SYD?

What happens on the return journey?

I'm flying with my mother who's 82 so don't really want to saddle her with pushing a luggage trolley.

 

[opusman]

You have to check in at the international connections counter in T1, not the F checkin unfortunately. Your bags will be tagged through to DFW, no need to collect them in SYD.

On the return journey, you'll have to collect your bags in SYD, clear customs and then recheck them for the leg to MEL.

 

[dede]

Thanks, I knew I'd get a quick response. I've allowed a long transit in Sydney just in case the MEL flight is delayed so that I can enjoy the SYD First Class lounge.

 

[kermatu]

Thanks, I knew I'd get a quick response. I've allowed a long transit in Sydney just in case the MEL flight is delayed so that I can enjoy the SYD First Class lounge.

Very wise. Enjoy the flights and lounge-time!

Just to add to opusman's response, on return in Sydney once you collect your bags you will need to re-check them for the flight to MEL but you do need to transport them to the domestic terminal - there is a transfer counter area about a 200m walk to the right once you exit customs.

There is a small chance given you are flying F that you will be met by a Qantas F host who will guide you. Pretty rare sightings though.

 

[BD1959]

You have to check in at the international connections counter in T1, not the F checkin unfortunately. Your bags will be tagged through to DFW, no need to collect them in SYD.

... and a far from "premium" experience the International Connections counters are in T1. Was there a few weeks ago for the very same route, it's cold, drafty and no priority lines. Very "Jetstar" - quite fitting given the previous occupants of that part of the terminal (almost!). Bags were appropriately tagged and express vouchers provided for Sydney, so that part of the service worked.

Regards,

BD

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

At QF SYDd, when your plane from MEL arrives, don't exit onto the open area.
Go to Gate 15/16 zone, you see a transit area, it looks like a gate a plane would go from, but you go downstairs to catch the bus to QF SYDi.
One good thing about the QF service from QF SYDd to QF SYDd is that the QF bus will drop you off at QF SYDi in a spot that not many people will use, and you just have to catch the lift or escalator up one level.
Good that you have given yourself some time as a transit, so you can explore it.
I prefer the QF system at SYDi than the VA system.
VA bus uses the main public road, while the QF bus uses a dedicated internal road at SYD airport. The QF bus overall is faster.
Sit opposite from the driver, on the left side of the bus, as it gives a great view of SYD airport runways.
Bus can get a bit crowded, as its a rigid bus, not that long extended one they use in some airports overseas.
Sometimes, the bus will wait till more people fill it up, even though there is supposed to be a "scheduled" departure from QF SYDd to QF SYDi.
I have done the transfer with QF many times, living in ADL and having to transit from SYDd to SYDi terminals for the QF and VA/NZ services to NZ.
Edit: there are lifts at both terminals, if your mum needs a wheelchair, or if the escalators at QF SYDi T1 is too steep.
Buses have ramps if I remember correctly.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

http://economytraveller.com/sydney-airport-terminal-transfer-the-cool-way/
I don't own that site, 2nd picture, down, the right hand side, with Aerocare in it, will show you the spot where the QF SYDi transfer bus will drop you off.
Behind the Aerocare spot, you can see the "mouth" of the where the escalators will take you up one level to departures.
MEL will have given you a BPs and express cards and OPC to fill in, which you can do in MEL.
You put your passport on a glass photocopier sort of thing, look to the right a bit to a bright light, you hear a light beep and you are through, (at SYDi to do outgoing passport processing).
You drop off the OPC into a clear box at SYD too. They don't really chase you to drop it into the box, so if you want to do your "civic duty", you can drop them off.
I have seen people still having them on the plane to NZ!

 

[BD1959]

What happens on the return journey?

I'm flying with my mother who's 82 so don't really want to saddle her with pushing a luggage trolley.

Hi dede,

Just thinking a little further on the return - and the need to clear customs/recheck your bags without inconveniencing your mother ....

Have you considered requesting wheelchair assistance? This would then "free" you to concentrate on getting your baggage through and re-checked ... I know what would happen if I were to suggest such for *my* mother ... but then I wouldn't live long enough to be bothered about transiting .. !!

Regards,

BD