Transfer from International to domestic at BNE

[sanne]

I haven't ever done this as we live on the Sunshine Coast so I can't give my daughter any help. We are all arriving from Singapore on SQ at 7am and she is then catching a flight to Gladstone.

What is the procedure for this and how long should we leave before booking her flight to Gladstone. I'm thinking 2 hours is a bit tight.

I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks very much.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Is the BNE/GLT flight QF or VA?

Same ticket or separate tickets?

 

[sanne]

Is the BNE/GLT flight QF or VA?

Same ticket or separate tickets?[/QUOT

Sorry forgot to say! Not on same ticket, couldn't do it as part of a RTW. I haven't booked the flights yet from BNE/GLT. Waiting to see what is the best in terms of time and price.

Thanks for replying.

 

[SuzieQ68]

I would say 2 hours is a bit tight as from memory there are a number of flights arriving around the same time (used to fly in/out of BNE). If there are lots of flights, could take a little longer to clear immigration, get your bags, clear customs, transfer between INT-DOM, check in, clear security, get to gate. I think I'd allow a little longer if at all possible just to be on the safe side. Others who travel more regularly through BNE might have a different opinion though - it's been awhile since I've come in through BNE.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

As it's separate tickets I would leave a bit more time than two hours. Even if your flight lands on time, it's processing by Australian Customs that causes big delays resulting in heaps of people missing their onward connecting flights.

Your chances improve somewhat if you're on an Aussie or other passport that's eligible to use Smartgate however when you book the BNE/GLT flight err on the side of caution.

I'm not sure whether SQ will through check to QF or VA if separate tickets and if they don't it means that you'll be up the creek without a paddle if you're delayed in Customs resulting in you missing the cut off time for checkin for either airline which may result in you having to buy another ticket.

On exiting Customs on level 2 at BNE Intl terminal, turn right and you'll see both the VA & QF domestic transfer desks at the end of the terminal. If you're on a QF flight BNE/GLT you need to drop off your bag and checkin at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure time otherwise you'll need to jump on the TBus and head to the domestic terminal with your checked bag and checkin prior to the 30 minute cut off for domestic check-in.

I don't know what VA's policy is with regard to cut off times - someone else of AFF may be able to give you that info but I imagine it would be similar to QF. The Tbus is free of charge to anybody so no dramas regardless of who you're flying with BNE/GLT.

 

[sanne]

As it's separate tickets I would leave a bit more time than two hours. Even if your flight lands on time, it's processing by Australian Customs that causes big delays resulting in heaps of people missing their onward connecting flights.

Your chances improve somewhat if you're on an Aussie or other passport that's eligible to use Smartgate however when you book the BNE/GLT flight err on the side of caution.

I'm not sure whether SQ will through check to QF or VA if separate tickets and if they don't it means that you'll be up the creek without a paddle if you're delayed in Customs resulting in you missing the cut off time for checkin for either airline which may result in you having to buy another ticket.

On exiting Customs on level 2 at BNE Intl terminal, turn right and you'll see both the VA & QF domestic transfer desks at the end of the terminal. If you're on a QF flight BNE/GLT you need to drop off your bag and checkin at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure time otherwise you'll need to jump on the TBus and head to the domestic terminal with your checked bag and checkin prior to the 30 minute cut off for domestic check-in.

I don't know what VA's policy is with regard to cut off times - someone else of AFF may be able to give you that info but I imagine it would be similar to QF. The Tbus is free of charge to anybody so no dramas regardless of who you're flying with BNE/GLT.

Thank you so much for all that information. Just great to ask a question and get such a detailed reply. Really appreciate your time and effort to reply.