Qantas MEL First Class Check-in

[Max Samuels]

Just wondering what everyone thinks of MEL's QF First check-in?

I LOVE it. Easily the best in AU, and off the top of my head, the only one I rate higher is AA Flagship First at LAX (it too is curbside, but also includes a private elevator to security!)

While many others (like CX in HKG) offer a nice F check-in experience, the location of the counter is not curbside so one still needs to hike through the check-in hall.

Obviously I have read about better ones out there like LH in FRA or AA in CDG, but I don't think MEL is too shabby

I do get nervous though when the porter takes my bags away on the trolley.... I can't but think of poor Shapelle

 

[jakeseven7]

I find the staff in MEL F check in some of the best on the ground, even when I'm schlepping on international Y they are proactive 'Lets see what seat you have Mr Jake, see if we can do something better for you if you like?' etc etc.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Do they give out express lane passes in MEL?

 

[Austman]

I don't know of a better international check-in experience in Australia?

Do they give out express lane passes in MEL?

Yes they do.

 

[Max Samuels]

Do they give out express lane passes in MEL?

It's now printed on your boarding pass...

And the MEL express security lane is NEW and the FASTEST I have ever seen!

 

[eminere]

I've never used it as have always only just connected through MEL, not originating. What's the experience like?

 

[RichardMEL]

Agree the staff are fantastic. They always welcome me back and seem to recognise me (poor them!) and are always friendly and speedy.

 

[Max Samuels]

And (gasps) seem to know the arrangement with the EK lounge and can direct you there if you ask....

 

[esseeeayeenn]

So should I only check in for my SYD-MEL flight in Sydney and collect my bags so I can experience the MEL F check in?
Or should I check in for both flights in SYD and just make a detour to the checkin desk in MEL to get an express path pass (or a new BP)?
Can you even use an express path pass if you are a domestic PAX on QF9 to PER?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

While many others (like CX in HKG) offer a nice F check-in experience, the location of the counter is not curbside so one still needs to hike through the check-in hall.

And once you check in at Qantas you have to hike through the terminal. six of one, half dozen of other??

 

[Max Samuels]

And once you check in at Qantas you have to hike through the terminal. six of one, half dozen of other??

True... that's why I called out AA LAX as the best one! At least with QF you don't have to lug your bags as far....

 

[Max Samuels]

So should I only check in for my SYD-MEL flight in Sydney and collect my bags so I can experience the MEL F check in?

Hmmm....... maybe.... but make sure it is open! As per the 3 hour discussion we are having somewhere else.
But I wouldn't bother, personally.... go past have a look by all means! But I think time spent drinking in lounge is more of a priority

Or should I check in for both flights in SYD and just make a detour to the checkin desk in MEL to get an express path pass (or a new BP)?
Can you even use an express path pass if you are a domestic PAX on QF9 to PER?

Yes you can do express path - it is not a function of your destination (ie PER rather than LHR), but a function of your Status (or class) and the fact that it is international.... actually from memory the "D" pax get a different line altogether?

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Hmmm....... maybe.... but make sure it is open! As per the 3 hour discussion we are having somewhere else.
But I wouldn't bother, personally.... go past have a look by all means! But I think time spent drinking in lounge is more of a priority


Yes you can do express path - it is not a function of your destination (ie PER rather than LHR), but a function of your Status (or class) and the fact that it is international.... actually from memory the "D" pax get a different line altogether?

I think D pax do get a different line at some point but I am not sure at what point they are separated in MEL so I am not sure if the express path card is worthwhile or not.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

True... that's why I called out AA LAX as the best one! At least with QF you don't have to lug your bags as far....

I don’t classify QF as a ‘true’ F checkin. It’s the same sort of ‘you gotta walk’ in line with BA, LX, NH.

True F check-in examples include LH in its purest form, and SQ and TG where you have almost zero interaction with anyone else. Straight from car to checkin to security to lounge.

Now if there was a separate lane for cars to drive under MEL airport, dropping you at a lift right under the MEL F lounge, which took you up to immigration and security... that would be something

 

[Max Samuels]

Now if there was a separate lane for cars to drive under MEL airport, dropping you at a lift right under the MEL F lounge, which took you up to immigration and security... that would be something

Sorry they built a carpark there...

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I don’t classify QF as a ‘true’ F checkin. It’s the same sort of ‘you gotta walk’ in line with BA, LX, NH.

True F check-in examples include LH in its purest form, and SQ and TG where you have almost zero interaction with anyone else. Straight from car to checkin to security to lounge.

Now if there was a separate lane for cars to drive under MEL airport, dropping you at a lift right under the MEL F lounge, which took you up to immigration and security... that would be something

I would add EY in Abu Dhabi to that list.

 

[Kangol]

I don’t classify QF as a ‘true’ F checkin. It’s the same sort of ‘you gotta walk’ in line with BA, LX, NH.

NH F check-in at NRT is in the terminal (not kerbside) but for F pax and not Star Gold/high status members. Security is dedicated and not busy.
BA T5 at LHR is similar but allows OWE in addition to F pax (which there are more of as well), so even though security is dedicated, you are at risk of it being busy. I went recently and one scanner was down, making the line start at the BP scanning area.
I wouldn't consider BA and NH to be a true apples to apples comparison.

I've only done AA Flagship F in JFK, and there is a priority lane to the front of the security line - which is the same as everyone else.
Looks like LAX is similar, but with a staff member escorting you to the front:

Review: American Airlines Flagship First Check In LAX | Two Hearts Traveling

See what American Airlines Flaghsip First Check In at LAX is all about.

twoheartstraveling.com

 

[Austman]

Yes there are lots of better F-class and J-class check-in experiences elsewhere in the world.

But where's a better international one in Australia?

Is Qantas F at MEL T2 the best?

 

[flyingfan]

Yes you can do express path - it is not a function of your destination (ie PER rather than LHR), but a function of your Status (or class) and the fact that it is international.... actually from memory the "D" pax get a different line altogether?

I think D pax do get a different line at some point but I am not sure at what point they are separated in MEL so I am not sure if the express path card is worthwhile or not.

MEL international immediately after security on the right is the manual queue (non SmartGate) for D passengers. There's no Express Path queue here.

Express Path comes into play before security (and right after you scan your boarding pass to enter the restricted area). The regular security queue is on the left and express to the right. You face the prospect of being penned in for a swab before they split into regular/express.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

MEL international immediately after security on the right is the manual queue (non SmartGate) for D passengers. There's no Express Path queue here.

Express Path comes into play before security (and right after you scan your boarding pass to enter the restricted area). The regular security queue is on the left and express to the right. You face the prospect of being penned in for a swab before they split into regular/express.

So it is worth grabbing an express path card / BP to use before security then?