Status Run: SYD-DPS-SYD

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benn_

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Trying to look at doing the “famous” J SYD-DPS-SYD status run (with flights from MEL as well)

looking on the QF website it won’t let me arrive and depart on the same day. (Ie. only stay in DPS for 1.5hrs).

how have people gotten around this?
 
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The direct SYD-DPS has only 80 minutes turn around doesn’t it?
Even if it was allowed no way would I risk it
 
looking on the QF website it won’t let me arrive and depart on the same day. (Ie. only stay in DPS for 1.5hrs).

how have people gotten around this?

I believe the only way to do a direct turn is by booking two one-ways.

This is priced quite reasonably in comparison to a return (approx $100 more) and the aircraft operating QF43 turns around to operate QF44 so there isn't a huge risk of missing the return flight due to late arrival.

The biggest risk would be transfer/immigration at DPS - I'm not sure whether the transfer desk will take a Qantas OLCI boarding pass, and if not, there are times when DPS immigration can take over an hour. You can pay your way to the front of the immigration queue for 250k IDR so if you are going to do the direct turn, take some cash.

All that aside, you can stay in any number of 3-4* hotels near DPS for $50-100 inc transfers so I'd recommend enjoying 24 hours in Bali - go to a spa, get some delicious Balinese food, lay by a pool etc.
 
The direct SYD-DPS has only 80 minutes turn around doesn’t it?
Even if it was allowed no way would I risk it
Why wouldn’t you risk it? It’s the same plane? Isn’t it?
 
I believe the only way to do a direct turn is by booking two one-ways.

This is priced quite reasonably in comparison to a return (approx $100 more) and the aircraft operating QF43 turns around to operate QF44 so there isn't a huge risk of missing the return flight due to late arrival.

The biggest risk would be transfer/immigration at DPS - I'm not sure whether the transfer desk will take a Qantas OLCI boarding pass, and if not, there are times when DPS immigration can take over an hour. You can pay your way to the front of the immigration queue for 250k IDR so if you are going to do the direct turn, take some cash.

All that aside, you can stay in any number of 3-4* hotels near DPS for $50-100 inc transfers so I'd recommend enjoying 24 hours in Bali - go to a spa, get some delicious Balinese food, lay by a pool etc.
Do you have to go through immigration or can you just remain airside?
 
Immi will have a field day on your return.
Not only on the Indonesian side, I know usually you don't have to pass immi on transit, but who knows what the Bali security officers or airport staff might do, say, **oh, you can't transit, (for what ever reason), and they make you go through Indonesian incoming immi)**.
At least entering NZ, you (if Aust PR/Aust citizen), can enter NZ without a visa.
Would you be willing to be "made" to go through Indonesian immi, not sure how much their incoming immi fee is, or outgoing one is.
If you have to do a QF status run, I would do a trip SYD - CHC (2 J, or 1 J and 1 F, or one F and a flexY), and back, or SYD - CHC with EK F, and then a flexY Y AKL back to SYD, would probably have to overnight in CHC or AKL.
You might be game to play the DPS route, but if for any reason, a plane goes techno, you are as the saying goes, stuffed!
Also, QF might just put onto JQ if they have a reason to, if the plane from SYD is inoperatable for some reason, that would be bad if you have paid for QF J.
Edit: Indonesia also has a departure tax of 200,000 IDR, about Aud$21.29.
You also might find that Smartgate might not work on your return, and you have to go through the staffed gate.
You can take this reply as useless waffle.
 
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Aud$10xx range
SYD - DPS subclass of J Aud$1093
SYD - CHC subclass of F Aud$1068
14Jul20
Which one would you choose?
You can substitute the weekend Sat if you want, and check prices.
If you haven't visited the QF SYD F lounge, the CHC one is the one to go for.
QF SYD J lounge not bad, but some on here say its not good, but to me, the QF SYD J lounge is ok.
Granted OP is looking for cheaper fares.
MEL - DPS is a 737.
 
You’ll have to clear immigration. I just flew Adl-Syd-Dps for only $899. QF43 arrives at 8pm which is a rather busy time at the immigration. It took me a good 30mins to clear the immigration, I’ve been stuck for over 1hr before so I would definitely advise against that turnaround trip. Hilton Garden Inn offers free shuttle to/from their hotel nearby and if you have HHonors points, it’s only 5000 points redemption.
Edit: in all my trips here, I’ve never ever seen any transfer desks between the arrival gates and immigration at DPS, maybe someone could correct me.
 
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At least entering NZ, you (if Aust PR/Aust citizen), can enter NZ without a visa.
Would you be willing to be "made" to go through Indonesian immi, not sure how much their incoming immi fee is, or outgoing one is.

For stays under 30 days Australian passport holders have had visa free entry to Bali since 2016.

Indonesia also has a departure tax of 200,000 IDR, about Aud$21.29.

...which is included in the airfare.
 
Edit: in all my trips here, I’ve never ever seen any transfer desks between the arrival gates and immigration at DPS, maybe someone could correct me.

I'll be flying through on 22 Feb, will post back.
 
Immi will have a field day on your return.
Not only on the Indonesian side, I know usually you don't have to pass immi on transit, but who knows what the Bali security officers or airport staff might do, say, **oh, you can't transit, (for what ever reason), and they make you go through Indonesian incoming immi)**.
At least entering NZ, you (if Aust PR/Aust citizen), can enter NZ without a visa.
Would you be willing to be "made" to go through Indonesian immi, not sure how much their incoming immi fee is, or outgoing one is.
If you have to do a QF status run, I would do a trip SYD - CHC (2 J, or 1 J and 1 F, or one F and a flexY), and back, or SYD - CHC with EK F, and then a flexY Y AKL back to SYD, would probably have to overnight in CHC or AKL.
You might be game to play the DPS route, but if for any reason, a plane goes techno, you are as the saying goes, stuffed!
Also, QF might just put onto JQ if they have a reason to, if the plane from SYD is inoperatable for some reason, that would be bad if you have paid for QF J.
Edit: Indonesia also has a departure tax of 200,000 IDR, about Aud$21.29.
You also might find that Smartgate might not work on your return, and you have to go through the staffed gate.
You can take this reply as useless waffle.
Poochie you say the same about NZ status runs and many of us have done them countless times with no issues whatsoever.

If you do have to go through Immigration then it’s a no go. If there is a transit desk, (surely there must be for flights heading out to say, Doha? as sometimes Qatar have great deals) then it’s fine. However if you have to book as two single fares and the first leg is delayed or cancelled then I have no idea what they might do for the return flight.
 
You might be game to play the DPS route, but if for any reason, a plane goes techno, you are as the saying goes, stuffed!

What are you on about? 🤣 There's only one QF A330 flight in and out of Bali each day. If the SYD-DPS flight goes techno the DPS-SYD flight will be delayed also.
 
What are you on about? 🤣 There's only one QF A330 flight in and out of Bali each day. If the SYD-DPS flight goes techno the DPS-SYD flight will be delayed also.
However they might put people on the DPS-Mel route if that’s not full for those stuck in Bali.
 
Maybe it’s just me, but in spite of completely understanding why we do Status Runs, (let’s face it, I’ve done a few myself in the past) I still reckon tacking on a few days R&R makes more sense than just transiting an airport terminal.
 
There is a transit desk at DPS however I haven’t used it as we are either staying or flying out the next day. The last couple of times the lineup is quite long though and looks severely understaffed so there is a chance it could take some time to get through
 
However they might put people on the DPS-Mel route if that’s not full for those stuck in Bali.

Sure, they may try to move some of the 27 J pax on QF44 into whatever is remaining of the 12 J seats on QF46, but if they can't get in contact with you to confirm the change surely they'd call the next person down the list?

Maybe it’s just me, but in spite of completely understanding why we do Status Runs, (let’s face it, I’ve done a few myself in the past) I still reckon tacking on a few days R&R makes more sense than just transiting an airport terminal.

Completely agree, although it's also plausible OP has limited time before their anniversary and isn't able to take much/any annual leave.

I quite enjoy working runs into holidays though - my own DPS trip next month is part of a ~700SC 'holiday run' with a few days each in Bali, Singapore and Penang, connecting onto award flights for two weeks in Japan. PLUS snagged a J seat on a 747 MEL-SYD flight (sadly not upper deck though) and get to check out the new F lounge in SIN!
 
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Sure, they may try to move some of the 27 J pax on QF43 into whatever is remaining of the 12 J seats on QF46, but if they can't get in contact with you to confirm the change surely they'd call the next person down the list?



Completely agree, although it's also plausible OP has limited time before their anniversary and isn't able to take much/any annual leave.

I quite enjoy working runs into holidays though - my own DPS trip next month is part of a ~700SC 'holiday run' with a few days each in Bali, Singapore and Penang, connecting onto award flights for two weeks in Japan. PLUS snagged a J seat on a 747 MEL-SYD flight (sadly not upper deck though) and get to check out the new F lounge in SIN!
If the OP doesn’t want to spend a night in Bali then the strategy if there is a delay and subsequent rebooking is a bit risky.

We are doing the same in March - stumped up for J to DPS then decided we should have a holiday as well. Won’t help me much this year but will sort the WP requal for partner.
 
Sure, they may try to move some of the 27 J pax on QF43 into whatever is remaining of the 12 J seats on QF46, but if they can't get in contact with you to confirm the change surely they'd call the next person down the list?



Completely agree, although it's also plausible OP has limited time before their anniversary and isn't able to take much/any annual leave.

I quite enjoy working runs into holidays though - my own DPS trip next month is part of a ~700SC 'holiday run' with a few days each in Bali, Singapore and Penang, connecting onto award flights for two weeks in Japan. PLUS snagged a J seat on a 747 MEL-SYD flight (sadly not upper deck though) and get to check out the new F lounge in SIN!
Just curious, is Bali>Singapore>Penang the destinations in that order? If so, what airlines please? sounds like a good idea.
cheers
 
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