Tight transit in Mel - achievable?

[xabialonso]

Hi all!

I have a Qantas classic rewards booking SYD-MEL-DOH in June22. The schedules are: SYD-MEL flight (QF487 1900 - 2035) and the MEL-DOH flight (QR905 2220 - 0555 +1).

My question is if my MEL transit time a bit tight? Am a bit anxious that I'll miss my connection and have been thinking of ringing Qantas to ask if they can put me on an earlier SYD-MEL flight, or simply paying for an earlier SYD-MEL flight out of my own pocket (if I miss the first flight of my classic rewards booking will it void the rest of this booking?).

Hoping to hear your thoughts on the best course of action. Thank you all!

 

[Hvr]

(if I miss the first flight of my classic rewards booking will it void the rest of this booking?).

Yes, it will void the rest of the flight.

Turn up early and ask if you can catch an earlier flight. Noting you're doing an international connection this can often be done at the desk.

MEL is an easy airport to transfer from DOM-INT, turn right when you pass security at the DOM terminal and it's a quick walk to the INT terminal, undercover.

If you end up on the original flights and they're on time it will be an easy transfer.

 

[dajop]

You should be able to get from gate to gate easily within 30 minutes, So you still have about 45 minutes fat baked in for a late arrival, to be at the QR gate 30 minutes before departure. But if at all concerned Hvr's advice is sound.

 

[xabialonso]

@Hvr thankyou for your reply.

Once my flight arrives in Mel, do you know if I will need to go landside, check-in at the QR counters and then go through security again?

 

[Hvr]

All BPs should be issued at the SYD check in. There is usually a special desk for pax doing a DOM-INT transfer.

At MEL you will go landside and then a quick walk to the INT terminal, all in the same building, and then through security.

Make sure you don't take LAGS >100ml with your carry on. They are allowed on the DOM flight, but will be confiscated when you clear security for the INT flight.

 

[xabialonso]

@Hvr thanks for your response, certainly makes me feel less anxious! Think I will take up your advice and turn up early at SYD and ask to be put on an earlier flight (rather than calling Qantas and ask for the change and be put on hold for 3 hours!)

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I freely admit I know nothing about QF but I do have a fairly good grasp of MEL - your timings will not be a problem if your SYD-MEL flt is on time or close to it - transfer in MEL so simple - all 4 terminals under same roof - T1 QF to T2 Int basically a 5 min walk with no trains or buses to worry about - but I always arrive early if I can - personally I would check with QF to see if you can get an earlier flt but others here are more QF savvy than I am

Terminal map:

 

[Mwenenzi]

@Hvr thankyou for your reply.

Once my flight arrives in Mel, do you know if I will need to go landside, check-in at the QR counters and then go through security again?

With (QF487 1900 - 2035) and the MEL-DOH flight (QR905 2220 - 0555 +1) you have 01:45hr. At MEL that is sufficient. At SYD would be a risk.
As above MEL, T1 to T2 is 5 minutes if you walk slow. Not the 25m-45m bus/train/taxi as for SYD.

As you will have your boarding pass, arriving at MEL you will go through the international security check and then AU border force emigration controls. For most people that is swiping your passport in the kiosk. After escaping the duty free shopping maze you are in the terminal proper. Time to visit a lounge if you have access.

At 20:35 T1 arrivals will be quite. Are other international flights that leave at night (no curfew)

Melbourne Airport (MEL) - Terminal 2 Departures - Today

Flight departures from Terminal 2 Melbourne Airport (MEL) - Today

www.melbourne-airport.com

Today is EK409 at 21:15, QF93 at 21:30, TR25 at 21:45, QR905 at 22:20, FJ930 at 23:35 & SQ218 at 23:35.
But security & emigration queues will keep moving.

 

[xabialonso]

Thank you everyone, really appreciate you taking time out to respond!