AFF folk - Cruiserette and myself have 2 x Suite Savers dep SYD SQ222 at 15:15 on 19/06 to SIN then F SIN-BCN.
At time of booking no 2 x Suite Saver availability ex MEL hence SYD booking – but now need to get from MEL to SYD morn 19/06.
Will be flying VA and then need to get to SQ F Lounge so what time would you good people suggest arr into SYD?
Thanks in anticipation.
Thanks guys for your input - maybe I wasn't too clear.
It’s been like an eternity since I transferred SYD Dom to Int (MEL has a civilized terminal with both under 1 roof) – and Rita my SQ MEL g/f would kill me if I didn’t go make myself known to her SYD counterpart.
Yes legroom won’t be looking for eternity in SYD SQ F – maybe 1 hour max pre boarding – is that clearer?
Did you ever get an answer on this?
IMHO the Sydney lounge is very average, so I wouldn't rush to spend any time there. I would pad with enough time to make sure you make the flight, but I wouldn't press for much lounge time. Lets just say I would board when boarding is called...
The DOM -> INT transfer in SYD is a series of "simple" steps, but it can be painfully slow. As soon as one thing goes wrong (delayed inbound, someone walks slow, just miss the bus / train, pick the wrong security line, etc, etc) you can suddenly lose 30 mins (or more!).
- Arrive on your inbound flight (hopefully on time...)
- Collect bags and exit the domestic terminal (checked bags slow this down)
- Get to the international terminal (via bus or train normally)
- Check-In
- Clear Immigration & Security
- Go to the lounge
- Go to gate / board (remember SQ board early)
On a good day with hand carry only, this exercise can take mere minutes
On a bad day, it could easily take an hour (or more!)
I am always reluctant to say a number because it could prove to be wrong on the day, but I would usually allow
at least a couple of hours (before departure time) just to be safe. Remember, a 15:15 SQ flight would normally commence boarding sometime between 14:15 and 14:30. Add some lounge time, the terminal transfer, and contingency to the equation, I would suggest you probably want to be on the ground by 13:00 at the latest. (That is, 2 hrs, 15 mins before your flight. You could easily spin this out to the recommended 2.5 - 3hrs if you are worried).
Of course, there are stories of ~10-15 minute runs from an aircraft at the gate in T2 or T3 to the airside QF F lounge in T1, but that relys on absolutely everything going to plan (and in these cases, the departing flight is usually many hours away!!).