Minimum recommended international connection time in Sydney

[CardsFan]

I'm looking at booking an AA award flight from Christchurch to LAX via Sydney and have never flown that route, so I'm a bit worried about how much connecting time to allow. The only option I see is about 90 minutes. A Qantas agent assured me over the phone that would be enough time but also said I would have to go through immigration in Sydney, collect my baggage, go through customs, and then check-in for the AA-operated flight from Sydney to LAX. That sounds like a lot to do with only 90 minutes connection time. If anyone has advice on the feasibility of that option, I would love to hear it!

 

[AIRwin]

No need to clear immigration for an international-international connection (CHC-SYD-LAX without any domestic connection) so just proceed to international transfers. Wonder which QF call centre?

 

[Forg]

No need to clear immigration for an international-international connection (CHC-SYD-LAX without any domestic connection) so just proceed to international transfers.

Yes, this … maybe the AA call centre was talking for US airports? [or do they do international transfers without going through immigration now?]

But 90 minutes should be plenty, allows for the flight from Christchurch to be a bit late as well. Unless you have F lounge access & want to spend time in the lounge.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Any plane hold bags?
Ie not HLO/...
Linked PNR?
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(((Personally I would do (CHC - AKL JQd ) then LAX with paid rev tix))).
Not ideal but this gives a bit more time.
Via SYD, it's doable, but a bit too short.
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Not a lot of QF flights CHC - SYD in a day.
Maybe go through the day before if no other options and you needed the CR/rewards tix.
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The AA72 flight SYD - LAX today has been cancelled.
This is something to keep in mind.
If this happens to the OP, he/they would have to come out through immi anyway, and stay the night at the Rydges if they get offeed that.
Or find your own hotel.
if lucky, they would be put onto the QF flight the next day, if unlucky, have to wait the next day for the AA flight.

 

[Mwenenzi]

I'm looking at booking an AA award flight from Christchurch to LAX via Sydney and have never flown that route, so I'm a bit worried about how much connecting time to allow. The only option I see is about 90 minutes. A Qantas agent assured me over the phone that would be enough time but also said I would have to go through immigration in Sydney, collect my baggage, go through customs, and then check-in for the AA-operated flight from Sydney to LAX. That sounds like a lot to do with only 90 minutes connection time. If anyone has advice on the feasibility of that option, I would love to hear it!

So a single award CHC-SYD-LAX issued by QF freq flyer.
Or booked with AA ff miles? I note from your first AFF post in 2016 you have/had AA ff miles.
AA72 SYD LAX 11:15 06:20
So guessing on the QF138 CHC SYD 06:05 07:35 flight.

If 2 separate tickets can be different with checked bags. QF will *not* interline on separate itineraries, unless

• QF to QF
• QF to EK
• 1 itinerary is an award (QF web site does not state if QF or other airline award. If both flights are awards may not be interlined. So some doubt.)

Very busy at that time of day [~08:00] AU immigration/customs/quarantine to landside. Then upstairs to drop bag/security/AU emigration would be a risk with 90 minutes. Peak time for SYD T1 international arrivals.
But as others the QF agent was wrong if 1 single award. If a single award bag will be interlined at SYD. You would not need to process AU immigration. Just follow the transfer signs.

 

[Forg]

At that time of day [~08:00] AU immigration/customs/quarantine to landside. Then upstairs to drop bag/security/AU emigration would be a risk with 90 minutes. Peak time for SYD T1 international arrivals.
But as others the QF agent was wrong if 1 single award.

Do you need to go through to landside if you're getting straight onto another international flight?

So even if it's two totally separate tickets so your bag isn't checked the whole way through, you can't grab your bag & head back into the departures area without actually "entering Australia"?

 

[Mwenenzi]

So even if it's two totally separate tickets so your bag isn't checked the whole way through, you can't grab your bag & head back into the departures area without actually "entering Australia"?

No. Bag pickup if after immigration and before customs-quarantine. Only way out is via customs to landside.
Different countries have different methods for immigration - customs (bags)

 

[CardsFan]

So a single award CHC-SYD-LAX issued by QF freq flyer.
Or booked with AA ff miles? I note from your first AFF post in 2016 you have/had AA ff miles.
AA72 SYD LAX 11:15 06:20
So guessing on the QF138 CHC SYD 06:05 07:35 flight.

If 2 separate tickets can be different with checked bags. QF will *not* interline on separate itineraries, unless

• QF to QF
• QF to EK
• 1 itinerary is an award (QF web site does not state if QF or other airline award. If both flights are awards may not be interlined. So some doubt.)

At that time of day [~08:00] AU immigration/customs/quarantine to landside. Then upstairs to drop bag/security/AU emigration would be a risk with 90 minutes. Peak time for SYD T1 international arrivals.
But as others the QF agent was wrong if 1 single award. If a single award bag will be interlines at SYD. You would not need to process AU immigration. Just follow the transfer signs.

Thanks. Yes, the trip would be booked as a single award ticket with AA miles (CHC-SYD-LAX). So if I understand you correctly, that means the bags wouldn't need to be collected in Sydney and no need to go through immigration or back through security. Just follow transfer signs and head to next departure gate. Is that right?

 

[dajop]

Thanks. Yes, the trip would be booked as a single award ticket with AA miles (CHC-SYD-LAX). So if I understand you correctly, that means the bags wouldn't need to be collected in Sydney and no need to go through immigration or back through security. Just follow transfer signs and head to next departure gate. Is that right?

Almost correct. You will need to go through security, there is a security checkpoint for transiting passengers (not the general security checkpoint for passengers originating in Sydney).

 

[flyerof]

minimum of 4 hours to be safe in case of any delays.