Recent Experiences with Qantas' terminal transfer at SYD

[Beano]

Strangely, there is still no mention of this on the QF website or anywhere else I can find.

Me too! I couldn't find it there, though the Sydney Airport website does suggest a change though it might be the regular transfer bus..

 

[fletty]

Connecting from Brisbane to QF1 next week with MrsFletty and FlettyJnr, I think we might just take the train, and gain some more Flounge time as a result.

 

[BNEFlyer]

From what I have read here, looks like the on-site check-in is gone. You have to check-in at DOM. But I could be wrong! Any help out there?

I really hope not! Not sure I can manage luggage + chair between terminals.

 

[CaptJCool]

How long did you have to wait?

(I'll also be doing a D-I on relatively tight connection next week).

The bus was already there
So 2 minutes
Then we took the longer road there crossing over the Alexandra canal and eventually up being dropped by Rydges

 

[Beano]

I really hope not! Not sure I can manage luggage + chair between terminals.

I might like to know that too. Is the transfer desk still operating at the INT terminal though it looks like you may have to go elsewhere for the bus.?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Want to get some "real world" advice on an INT-DOM transfer. Travelling with my mum CHC-SYD-BNE (EK>QF) in J. She'll be using a wheelchair from aircraft door to aircraft door and we have a 2h15m transfer time.

Seems like we'll have enough time (provided no delays etc.), but what is the actual transfer experience like via the bus? I have never transited INT-DOM at SYD before and had no idea there was a separate, almost off-site check-in zone for domestic flights until I saw a YouTube video recently.

Wow, ... that would be a hard thing to do.
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Yes, there is a separate check in site, at the int terminal, if you have a look at the Sydney Airport T1 map, go out the zone a arr door, turn right, follow a very long walkway, to the int -> dom transfer zone.
Depending on when you are arriving, they might have opened the int road bus by then, or make you do bag drop at that zone, then have to use the outside road bus.
The bus will be very full, as they cram people on.
Good luck.
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If you miss the last flight, EK CHC -> SYD arr quite late in the evenings, you might have to overnight in SYD, if you miss the flight.
===
If it works, 2.15 is tight, but doable, but if the arr process is lacking, ie, you are held up by the DAFF person wanting a bag opening, you might have to overnight.
With the wheelchair, you might get expedited part way.
But still have to do the first booth for Smartgate, unless you want to try the staffed ABF entry desk, and bypass the booths, (that first booth is the one that asks a few questions on the touchscreen)....

 

[Flyfrequently]

I really hope not! Not sure I can manage luggage + chair between terminals.

With the wheelchair @BNEFlyer you should be provided with assistance/streamlined through the formalities.
With my experience in Melbourne, we were met at the plane door, first off as we were in J, perhaps mention to cabin crew that you have a tight connection.
I hopped into the wheelchair and was whisked through immigration & customs - crew lane from memory.
The staff remained with us, Mr Flyfrequently collected our bags and then taken kerbside for our transport to airport hotel.
There is a YouTube clip that shows the normal way to exit SYD I to D transfer.
Let us know how you go.

 

[pauldab]

With the wheelchair @BNEFlyer you should be provided with assistance/streamlined through the formalities.
With my experience in Melbourne, we were met at the plane door, first off as we were in J, perhaps mention to cabin crew that you have a tight connection.
I hopped into the wheelchair and was whisked through immigration & customs - crew lane from memory.
The staff remained with us, Mr Flyfrequently collected our bags and then taken kerbside for our transport to airport hotel.
There is a YouTube clip that shows the normal way to exit SYD I to D transfer.
Let us know how you go.

Melbourne and Sydney INT > DOM transfer is very different, same building versus separate ones and I wouldn't be surprised if the SYD assistance staff don't handle the full transfer after you pass through Customs/Quarantine

 

[Flyfrequently]

Melbourne and Sydney INT > DOM transfer is very different, same building versus separate ones and I wouldn't be surprised if the SYD assistance staff don't handle the full transfer after you pass through Customs/Quarantine

Yes, I do understand this @pauldab
I was outlining my experience and hope that Sydney would be able to do this.
For wheelchair assistance in AMS and HKG with my fractured foot, I was taken through formalities from plane to kerbside and staff waited with me for our transport.

As you say, wouldn't be surprised, but hopefully for @BNEFlyer their transfer is smooth.

 

[BNEFlyer]

Melbourne and Sydney INT > DOM transfer is very different, same building versus separate ones and I wouldn't be surprised if the SYD assistance staff don't handle the full transfer after you pass through Customs/Quarantine

I’m expecting we will be handed off at the domestic check-in at INT once mum is on the bus and then picked up again at DOM. Can’t stress about delays etc but hopefully it’s a smooth process. Thanks everyone!