QF175: SYD-LAX (via BNE) / What to expect in BNE?

[Homer]

In a few weeks I am on QF175 SYD-LAX which stops off in BNE. I am waitlisting in D for the two direct SYD-LAX flights.

In the event that neither of my waitlists clears, what should I expect to occur in BNE? Do we just deplane and sit in the QC for an hour? Do we need to take our carry-on luggage with us? Will seat re-assignment occur?

 

[NM]

You will have to leave the plane and take belongings with you. The aircraft is cleaned and inspected for possible nasty things left behind before the LAX departure.

You will follow the signs for international connections, where you will go through security screening and then up an escalator to the departures level. Note that you will be subject to the usual international departures liquids limits, so don't purchase any duty-free liquids in SYD.

Once on the departures level you can make you way up to the Qantas Club up an escalator) and enjoy the lounge. Or if LAX is your final destination, you can then purchase duty-free liquids.

No seat reassignements should occur. You will only get one boarding pass in SYD that will show SYD-LAX on QF175, so you will need that same boarding pass to get through security, into the Qantas Club lounge and back onto the aircraft.

 

[Homer]

Thanks again NM!

 

[QF WP]

Note that you will be subject to the usual international departures liquids limits, so don't purchase any duty-free liquids in SYD.

Is BNE that much cheaper than SYD - I would have thought with the 20% voucher (floating around on a thread on AFF somewhere) that buying in SYD would be cheaper.

Alternatively, I presume your meaning may be that he only has one duty free allowance, irrespective of which (or both) port(s) he purchases them in and it would be easier to buy in BNE so the OP doesn't have to lug on board in SYD, then bring off in BNE during transit and then take back on again when finally departing for LAX.

 

[Homer]

If I may, I think NM is referring to the limitation on taking liquids on board the flight unless they are purchased duty free from the port of departure, which would mean if I purchased duty free in SYD then I would have to dispose of them in BNE as I would not be able to add them into my checked luggage. Duty free purchased in BNE can, however, be taken on board.

 

[NM]

Is BNE that much cheaper than SYD - I would have thought with the 20% voucher (floating around on a thread on AFF somewhere) that buying in SYD would be cheaper.

I was not commenting on the price. I was saying that if the duty-free liquids are purchased in SYD and carried onto the aircraft, then they will be confiscated during the transit stop in BNE when the passenger tries to get through the security screening for transit passengers. They are travelling SYD-BNE-LAX on QF175.

 

[QF WP]

Homer, thanks for the updated information - I was unaware of this condition (haven't flown Intl for 18 months). I still find it strange that it would be limited to point of departure from Australia, as the pax are still airside; however I can see that this might strike issues as they are not checked again for limits whilst on Australian soil.

I can't see anything on the Qf website about the issue. The Customs website (duty free allowance) also does not shed any light on NM's assertion. Can somebody advise where I could find it?

 

[NM]

... then I would have to dispose of them in BNE...

or drink it in-flight before arriving in BNE :shock: .

 

[NM]

I can't see anything on the Qf website about the issue. The Customs website (duty free allowance) also does not shed any light on NM's assertion. Can somebody advise where I could find it?

Look here for the current limits, and here in the linked FAQ for this specific situation.

You can also find some info on the QF web site about restrictions for various countries.

 

[serfty]

Homer, thanks for the updated information - I was unaware of this condition (haven't flown Intl for 18 months). I still find it strange that it would be limited to point of departure from Australia, as the pax are still airside; however I can see that this might strike issues as they are not checked again for limits whilst on Australian soil.

I can't see anything on the Qf website about the issue. The Customs website (duty free allowance) also does not shed any light on NM's assertion. Can somebody advise where I could find it?

The problem is that when transiting in Oz internationally, one's carry on gets x-rayed prior to going up to "Departures" from "arrivals".

It's at these x-ray stations were the liquid rules are enforced.

It gets worse in BKK where the x-rays are located at the entrances to each pier, with arriving and departing PAX able to mingle in the main concourses. You cannot buy any duty free that would exceed the liquids rules. (3½Oz bottles max, must fit in a 'Quart' clear plastic 'baggie' (Metric is 100ml, Litre Baggie).

Singapore have a similar setup, however, they have got around this by arranging to have your D/F delivered post x-ray.

So, any itinerary requiring an Int-Int transit in Oz has this problem. You can really only buy D/F liquids at the ports of your last international segment.

e.g.

• SIN-SYD-BNE - buy in SYD/BNE,
• LHR-SIN-SYD - buy in SIN/SYD,
• SIN-MEL-AKL - buy in MEL/AKL,
• BNE-SYD-SFO - buy in SYD/SFO,
• LAX-AKL-MEL (QF25) - Buy in AKL/MEL,
• LHR-BKK-SYD -buy in SYD.

 

[QF WP]

Well, what a small world it is . I just got a call from Homer, who turns out to be one of my clients in disguise. Now that's a small world....but great to know that I'll be hearing from him again.

Hope your waitlist comes through for one of the direct SYD/LAX flights.

Have fun in CHC ...tell us what EK is like though....