Melbourne Domestic to International transfers

[Andyzx]

There have been some good discussions on transiting SYD threads, my question is about MEL

I have to buy a SYD-MEL flight Y class connecting to a QF29 J class to HKG at 22:50pm. The tickets will be separate. At this stage I am looking at Qantas arriving at 21:00. Its a 330 and haven't flown in this metal before. I have a day in HKG before hopping on BA28 to LHR. Its critical that I have baggage with me when I reach LHR as the suit needs to come out. Will have a carry on for HKG

The questions

1. Is this sufficient time to transfer dom to intl at MEL
2. Should I check my bags through in Syd, Mel or HKG. Would prefer Syd then no hassles
3. Any chances of getting an international size carry on, into a domestic Y flight as carry on, or should I check that through to MEL and pick it up. I need two bags as BA weight limit is 23kg's
4. Is there an arrivals lounge in HKG that I can use, I had assumed that I will use QP, for a shower etc, as part of my in transit process.

Cheers and appreciate the advise
Andy

PS thanks to those that have publish "what to do in HKG for a day" really helpful.

 

[dajop]

Is this sufficient time to transfer dom to intl at MEL

From a logistical perspective 1:50 is plenty of time to tfr at MEL (no buses, only a travellator!), only problem is if there is a substantial delay to the flight. If you got your BP's in SYD and thru checked your luggage a transfer at that time of night even if the aircradt was running an 1 hr late you could still easily make it. (the minimum connection on the oneworld timetable is from the arriveal at 9:30pm).

From a protection point of view it would be worth trying to get the SYD-MEL sector on the rest of the ticket as well, or at least a conjunction ticket.

 

[david870mdg]

Can you ring QF and ask them to link the PNRs that may make it simpler at check in.
Check in at the "Domestic to INTL" counter for QF (assuming you're flying them SYDMEL).
Theres only the CX arrival lounge landside at HKG so you wont be able to access that.
However if you just transit through airside you can access the QF lounge, others may advise as to whether they allow you to transit, then go in and out of immigration/security (returning later).

 

[banger2]

Hi Andyzx,
I did almost this connection last week, excepting I arrived at 2130 from Sydney...easy as! As suggested checkin at the International Connection checkin desk to get your bags checked through, it was on the far left at T3 when I was there, but may change(?). In Melbourne, a short smiling walk past all the pax checking into international flights through the never ending duty free.... I scored the 330-200...very quiet aircraft I thought.
Sorry cant help with the lounges, coz never actually been in one...even AUS.
Have fun
Ashley

 

[HardieBoys]

At Sydney Terminal 3, there is a separate check-in desk for Qantas passengers who are travelling on a domestic flight and connecting to an international flight. It's to the far left of the terminal. They should issue you with both boarding passes, and check your bags through. (I've done SYD-PER-SIN once like this, and SYD-MEL-HKG many times.)

In Melbourne, exit the domestic section and turn right to walk to the international section. It's very close.

In HK, I'm not aware of any BA/QF dedicated arrivals lounge. You may be able to gain access to the Qantas lounge for a shower, but you would need to have an onwards boarding pass to access it (I'm guessing here, as I've never tried). The Immigration into HK is on the lower level of the airport, and the QF lounge is on the level above this.