VA domestic to international transfer in BNE

[Homer]

There are a plethora of domestic to international transfer threads here but I can't find one specifically about VA in BNE. I've never done one of these and the VA help desk wasn't too sure on the process either.

On Sunday we're flying SYD-BNE domestically and connecting to VA7 BNE-LAX. We need to meet up with Marge's mum at the BNE international terminal. From what I can gather, we will check in for the international flight in SYD and our luggage will be checked right through to LAX. But what happens in BNE? Do we take a bus from domestic to international and, if so, does it leave us airside (ie out the front of the international terminal)? Or do we just exit the terminal and take the train?

 

[Fruitcake]

I've never done one of these and the VA help desk wasn't too sure on the process either.

The help desk should try looking at their website, they might learn something

Domestic Check-in Connecting through Brisbane
When you check in at a domestic port, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. You will receive a transfer wallet, which contains a map of the transfer port and a bus pass to use in Brisbane. Upon arriving in Brisbane, head to Gate 39 and check in for your international flight at the transfer desk. Once you have received a boarding pass for your international flight, you will be shown downstairs to the transfer bus – which will take you to the International Terminal. If you are issued with a boarding pass at the transfer lounge, you will not be required to check in again at the International Terminal.

 

[Homer]

So...where does the transfer bus drop us? Airside at international (ie out the front of the terminal)?

 

[markis10]

So...where does the transfer bus drop us? Airside at international (ie out the front of the terminal)?

The transfer bus drops you at the front of the terminal so you can clear formalities etc, there is no airside transfers like QF in Sydney.


Brisbane Airport Corporation - Transport Options

Its called the T bus.

 

[Fruitcake]

So...where does the transfer bus drop us? Airside at international (ie out the front of the terminal)?

It won't be airside, because you'll still need to do outbound immigration and security.

 

[Homer]

Thank you. That's exactly what I needed to know. Also sorry for confusing "airside" and "landside". I had a late night...

 

[day-heg]

Thanks for this post... I've got a similar transfer in September.

We're travelling VA from MEL-BNE, then EY up to SIN on separate bookings/PNRs.

Anyone know if we will we be able to check our bags though from Melbourne given the second leg is with Etihad?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MandM]

I did this connection (to VA7) a couple of weeks ago. Bags checked all the way through, boarding passes all received at city of origin now, so no need for the transfer desk any more. Caught the train between terminals and handed the pass that was in the transfer wallet to the train person so no charge. Very easy.

 

[Homer]

I did this connection (to VA7) a couple of weeks ago. Bags checked all the way through, boarding passes all received at city of origin now, so no need for the transfer desk any more. Caught the train between terminals and handed the pass that was in the transfer wallet to the train person so no charge. Very easy.

The VA agent I spoke to said they would check us in at SYD rather than in BNE so that matches your experience. She just wasn't sure whether they still used a transfer bus or just directed people to the train. Thank you for filling in the blanks.

 

[Homer]

Just a small postscript. We arrived at BNE just before 9.30am as scheduled but the next train wasn't for 30 minutes. I'm not sure that's a very workable timetable? Anyway as I wanted to try for 5A/5C for the bassinet position (which I got by the way) I didn't want to check in too late for our 11.15am flight so we cabbed it to international.