Melbourne Qantas F check in and lounge as a platinum

[richie9x]

I am about to make my first international trip from Melbourne as a QF platinum. Have a few questions to make the most of it.

From what I gather I am able to use the first class check in at Terminal 2. Is this the curb side entrance next to Terminal 1? I am on QF 133 departing at 5:30pm. What is the earliest I can check in? I will probably only have carry on bags. 3 hours before flight? 6 hours? 9 hours?

What are the facilities like in the flounge for working?

The flight is a Jetconnect 737-800 to AKL interestingly I could select seat 4a well before T-80, although the exit row seats appeared to be blocked out. Is row 4 on these planes similar to row 4 on domestic 737-800 (as in extra foot space)?

Thanks,

 

[serfty]

I have taken this flight many times, back when it departed 7:30pm and more recently 6:00pm.

The First class check-in is indeed where you indicated; however, without checked luggage, you will not need to use it other than to pop in for an express emigration card card as you should be be able to OLCI (unless you get an exit row).

(FWIW, if you had luggage, the check-in limit is three hours, although this is not always enforced.)

Row 4 is better than the exit rows IMHO, although you won't get "gate to gate IFE" as the screens in that row need to be folded into the seats for take-off and landing. T-80 is not an issue for WP's as they can generally select from the unallocated front rows of their cabin on international flights upon booking.

The work areas in the Flounge are quite good; you have the choice of the 'offices' or standard work stations. When is your flight? Until Oct 1, QF9 departs at 3:30pm and the lounge gets quite empty after that.

 

[richie9x]

Thanks for all the info, very useful.

My flight is on the 26/8 leaving at 5:30pm. I'll be in Melbourne for the week before, so could go to the airport at any time on the 26th so figured if I went early I could make the most of the lounge.

 

[LAH]

Now that this topic has been brought up.
Had to fly akl-mel-akl. On return flight, had to book via Sydney due to availability.
Arrived MEL to first class kerbside check in and unloaded a mountain of baggage. (sent daughter in with my platinum card and ticket printouts to give her something to do). Of course, just finished unloading and she comes out to tell me that we have to check in at domestic. I should have known, but did assume that as I was to continue with an international flight they would check me in.

I am sure you all know this so I didn't post about it earlier. But, maybe someone doesn't know and won't make the same mistake.

Can't help myself ... have to add a bit of a grumble.I really did have a mountain of luggage - there wasn't anybody in the first class check in by the way. Even before my daughter went inside, the porters did not appear kerbside to assist ... there were in there, they were talking ...... (this is not the first time - I have learned that the porters are Sofitel and I haven't really been impressed with them, yet Sofitel in the lounge is very good)

Daughter came out to tell me ..... maybe I expect a little too much, but I loaded the trollies myself right out the front of first class check in, to go to domestic, without even a 'can I help you?' from the porters. They were definitely not occupied. Again, I might be expecting too much!