VA-SQ Interline Question

[im.daniel]

Hi everyone,
I'll be flying BNE-DPS (VA) and then DPS-SIN (SQ) on two separate tickets. I'll have a 6 hour layover in DPS. Is there any chance of me avoiding having to buy an entry visa into Bali? Or will I have to exit, and check-in again (SQ)?

I'll be travelling HLO (if that helps)

 

[Bagpuss]

As you would have to collect your bags and checkin you need a visa. If it was on a single ticket you would have transferred with seamless baggage transfer and stayed within the terminal not needing a visa and all the re-checkin hassle.

 

[im.daniel]

As you would have to collect your bags and checkin you need a visa. If it was on a single ticket you would have transferred with seamless baggage transfer and stayed within the terminal not needing a visa and all the re-checkin hassle.

Sorry I thought I'd clarify. I'll be travelling without any checked bags. I was hoping to check in online on SQ - and use the print-out boarding pass to get through to transit. But I shall find out next week and report back!

 

[im.daniel]

Well I'm in DPS right now, so I figure I'd update this thread.

OLCI on SQ last night.
Arrived on VA41 today; went to the transfer counter. The GA representative was adamant that I would have to get a VOA and check-in again. I told her I had a paper boarding pass in hand for SQ - and she told me to proceed. At the transfer security, they scanned my SQ paper BP without hassle, and within 5 minutes of arriving, I was airside.

I then proceeded to the Premier Lounge (where I am now), and gained entry with my LH status. I asked the lounge-angel whether I would be issued a new boarding pass (as mine hadn't been endorsed by check-in staff yet), and she said she would follow it up with me. Went to ask three hours later, and a SQ representative was manning the lounge desk and told me that I would be issued with a proper boarding pass at the gate and that they'd sorted it out for me already.

Very impressed - I thought I'd be down 50 bucks today + made to wait at check-in, but it's been seamless and I got lots of work done at the lounge instead!

 

[Comoman]

Well I'm in DPS right now, so I figure I'd update this thread.

OLCI on SQ last night.
Arrived on VA41 today; went to the transfer counter. The GA representative was adamant that I would have to get a VOA and check-in again. I told her I had a paper boarding pass in hand for SQ - and she told me to proceed. At the transfer security, they scanned my SQ paper BP without hassle, and within 5 minutes of arriving, I was landside.

I'm confused - landside or airside after 5 mins? Did you actually "enter" Indonesia without the VOA?

 

[im.daniel]

I'm confused - landside or airside after 5 mins? Did you actually "enter" Indonesia without the VOA?

Apologies, airside!!

 

[SuzieQ68]

Just wondering .... are you doing the same in reverse (SIN-DPS with SQ & DPS-BNE with VA)? If so, could you advise how you get on with the VA check in @ DPS (ie if you have to clear immigration or can just check in with VA airside).

Thanks!

 

[im.daniel]

Just wondering .... are you doing the same in reverse (SIN-DPS with SQ & DPS-BNE with VA)? If so, could you advise how you get on with the VA check in @ DPS (ie if you have to clear immigration or can just check in with VA airside).

Thanks!

No I'm not unfortunately. I didn't see a VA representative at the Premier Lounge (which they use), or at the transit counter next to immigration. I know VA doesn't have OLCI for their international flights, so I think you might be out of luck there. Sorry! Do let us know how you go!

 

[SuzieQ68]

No I'm not unfortunately. I didn't see a VA representative at the Premier Lounge (which they use), or at the transit counter next to immigration. I know VA doesn't have OLCI for their international flights, so I think you might be out of luck there. Sorry! Do let us know how you go!

Will do. Not until February, but will advise. I think my biggest issue is the short time between flights (was 2.5 hours, but now only 2 hours). I don't really have an issue with having to clear immigration, just concerned if 2 hours is now enough time. Will only have HLO (although may take up eastwest101's advice re checked baggage), so will see how it all pans out.

 

[VulpesVulpes]

Will be interesting to see if it can be done... and I'm keen to know!

The yes it can be done case: SQ can check someone into a VA metal flight, although I've only seen it done on a SQ codeshare, SQ ticketed onto a VA flight. (Friend was flying SIN-BNE-CNS and as a status-less pleb was put in 3A BNE-CNS by SQ, sending me a pic of her boarding pass with a smile. I had my hangover friendly 3C SYD-CNS that day too) The SQ System (see later) has to talk to VA's system so I am inclined to say that if you have your Ticket Number (not just your PNR) it should be possible, the unknown is the check in counter staff will do it in SIN.

If the Check in counter says no - try the transfer desk in SIN as they are awesome and the lounge staff are a bit useless.

The case against: SQ ground staff can be really hit and miss. Someone in another thread mentioned that its possible to check in using Amadeus, and that's true (TG offered to do it for me with my connecting SQ flight) however SQ run Amadeus where as VA run on Sabre and that might just break things when not ticketed as SQ.

In future, why not book through a travel agent and then you can book both flights on the one ticket number (something you're not able to do yourself) meaning you could be checked all the way through. Also you are what is called an end-on-end ticketing. One ticked to one location and a second ticket to another location, meaning you have no protection for missed connections Even if its $20 more its less than the VOA!

 

[SuzieQ68]

Will be interesting to see if it can be done... and I'm keen to know!

The yes it can be done case: SQ can check someone into a VA metal flight, although I've only seen it done on a SQ codeshare, SQ ticketed onto a VA flight. (Friend was flying SIN-BNE-CNS and as a status-less pleb was put in 3A BNE-CNS by SQ, sending me a pic of her boarding pass with a smile. I had my hangover friendly 3C SYD-CNS that day too) The SQ System (see later) has to talk to VA's system so I am inclined to say that if you have your Ticket Number (not just your PNR) it should be possible, the unknown is the check in counter staff will do it in SIN.

If the Check in counter says no - try the transfer desk in SIN as they are awesome and the lounge staff are a bit useless.

The case against: SQ ground staff can be really hit and miss. Someone in another thread mentioned that its possible to check in using Amadeus, and that's true (TG offered to do it for me with my connecting SQ flight) however SQ run Amadeus where as VA run on Sabre and that might just break things when not ticketed as SQ.

In future, why not book through a travel agent and then you can book both flights on the one ticket number (something you're not able to do yourself) meaning you could be checked all the way through. Also you are what is called an end-on-end ticketing. One ticked to one location and a second ticket to another location, meaning you have no protection for missed connections Even if its $20 more its less than the VOA!

Thanks for the info - will see how we go and report back. Question - am I able to I book a paid SQ ticket on the same itinerary as a VA reward ticket? We have paid DPS-BKK (via SIN) return on SQ and used VA points (via VA) for the return leg from DPS. I didn't think it was an option, but always learning.

As an aside, I'm not really a fan of using travel agents - last time I looked at it (about 3 months ago), the fees and charges I was going to be stung with if I wanted to change/cancel (outside of the airlines charges) was insane. Decided I'd rather take my chances with the airlines direct.

Cheers, Suz

 

[VulpesVulpes]

Thanks for the info - will see how we go and report back. Question - am I able to I book a paid SQ ticket on the same itinerary as a VA reward ticket? We have paid DPS-BKK (via SIN) return on SQ and used VA points (via VA) for the return leg from DPS. I didn't think it was an option, but always learning.

As an aside, I'm not really a fan of using travel agents - last time I looked at it (about 3 months ago), the fees and charges I was going to be stung with if I wanted to change/cancel (outside of the airlines charges) was insane. Decided I'd rather take my chances with the airlines direct.

Cheers, Suz

Yeah okay if some of that is award travel then you can't put it on one ticket number - you have to do what you did. Its a shame that you couldn't get a VA reward BNE-SIN-BKK.

In all fairness, I work in the industry so know the right people who are really really good at fares & ticketing. When you get a good one they can be far more creative