SYD-MEL-SIN Check in and MCT in Melbourne

[Colster]

Hi All,
Firstly, thanks for reading this post. I know there are existing threads re this, but I am a little wary.

I have a QF SYD-MEL-SIN flight booked which lands in MEL (QF447 - arriving @ 17:35) leaving me 85 minutes to clear domestic and get through customs onto QF8405 (EK405 @ 19:00). Boarding for this flight starts one hour before departure which would leave me 25 minutes from QF DOM @ MEL to be at the gate. I am a little worried about the timing (and lack of Flounging) so am wondering if I should request to get on an earlier flight... I understand the MCT is 60 minutes, but with boarding starting at 18:00, does this mean the transfer time is 25 mins?

Also, whats the procedure at SYD DOM when doing the INT transfer in MEL? Do I just dump my bag with the tag down the auto shute, or do I need to see an agent etc?

Thanks all...

 

[dajop]

Boarding for this flight starts one hour before departure which would leave me 25 minutes from QF DOM @ MEL to be at the gate.

You don't need to be concerned about when boarding starts (which I doubt is one hour, that's probably when they request people to be at the gate) - the main thing to be concerned about is to be at the gate before boarding finishes, which is probably around 20 mins before the flight is due to depart, so this give 65 minutes to do the transfer.

At that time of night 85 minutes is manageable - even with a 30 minute delay on the inbound flight. I certainly have taken both EK and SQ flights at that time and immigration and security are usually very quiet, the main delay is if you get stuck behind the crew (I usually go airside <1 hr before flight). Other than that it's a breeze, in fact I've never needed to use express pass during that time, usually put that down to the fact that most passengers go airside around 1.5-2 hrs before the flight, and there aren't other flights after 19:30 SQ departure for a while.

Having said all that, if you get to SYD early, it doesn't hurt to ask to get on an earlier flight.

 

[Hvr]

If you're not sure about the lay out of MEL AP let me set your mind at ease. It is a short undercover walk from the domestic terminal to the international terminal. It is very well sign posted and you'll go straight through the Border Force line.

As a WP you'll get an express pass for the Border Force line which as noted above probably wont be required, put it away and save for next time if this is the case.

A classic Aussie saying that is applicable here is she'll be right.

 

[kermatu]

For international flights which start with a domestic leg I have always gone to an agent first as they scan your passport and ensure all tags are correct. Not sure it is required but I always do it. From there you'll have hand luggage only.

Other advantage of seeing an agent is they may get you on an earlier flight - especially as you are WP. The connection time is fine, but missing out on F Lounge time is unacceptable!