Transit through MEL to and from LAX - a couple of questions ...

[Jurahn]

I'm flying PER-LAX return later in the year in J, going via MEL in both directions. On previous trips (out through BNE, back through SYD), when I checked in at PER on the way out and LAX on the way back, I've been checked in and received boarding passes for both the domestic and international leg in each direction. (I have to check in for all flights at the airport, can't do the domestic legs online as they're part of an international itinerary - bit of a nuisance as seat selection won't work for either of the domestic flights, so won't be able to see what seat I can get until I get to the airport!)

However it seems from the "Connecting Flights" info on the VA website that it works slightly differently going through MEL i.e. when I check in at PER airport, my bags will be checked through to LAX but I'll only receive the boarding pass for the PER-MEL flight - I don't have to collect bags in MEL but I will have to check in again at MEL International's VA desks to get the boarding pass for the MEL-LAX flight? Then on the way back, when checking in at LAX, I'll only receive the boarding pass for the LAX-MEL flight, then after going through Customs and Immigration at MEL, I have to check in (both myself + bags) at MEL Domestic for the MEL-PER flight. Is this correct?

Apologies if this sounds confusing! Just wanting to get an idea of the process as I'll be travelling on my own this time and haven't been through MEL airport before (although I'm aware both Int and Domestic are in the same building).

Thanks

 

[Programme]

The difference is because T1, T2 and T3 at MEL are really just different areas within the one big building, so there is no transfer desk and bus like you would find at SYD/BNE and you just walk to the international terminal instead and use the check in desks there.

When you arrive at T3, head landside and then up the escalator to the departures level into T2 for international check in. Once you're landside, it would probably take all of about 2 minutes - it is not very far at all. This map might be helpful: http://melbourneairport.com.au/docs/130531-t2-and-t3-departures-level-1-v2-copy.pdf

Reverse on your return journey but you'll have your bags and have to clear Customs and Quarantine before heading to T3.

 

[Jurahn]

Thanks for the info Programme, much appreciated . I'm on the red-eye from Perth and now it appears VA23's regular departure time has been rescheduled to 13:10 from around late Oct/early Nov, I'll have plenty of time when I get into MEL to find my way around! I guess I'll have to wait to until check-in opens for VA23, so will head off to the Lounge as soon as soon as it opens (if it's not open at yawn o'clock when I arrive!) and have a shower and a very leisurely breakfast I guess before heading over to the international area.

 

[VRC]

I suggest you phone up and get your preferred seat allocation sorted.
Having the red eye you definitely will have a heap of time to kill in the lounge before intl check in opens. The Air NZ lounge isn't that inspiring so no rush to get through.
Your description of the process sounds correct although I have not done PER LAX legs myself.

 

[Jurahn]

I suggest you phone up and get your preferred seat allocation sorted.

Well, I would if I could get through - have tried ringing the GCC 3 times so far (Velocity rep VFF was looking into this for me as to why the seat selection wasn't working for the domestic legs, but I thought maybe better put in seat requests as a "backup" just in case it's something that can't be fixed) but have had to hang up before getting the chance to speak to anyone after being on hold for anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour each time, couldn't afford to keep waiting on. Will have to keep trying I suppose ...