Virgin Seamless Transfer Sydney International

[Rj_louise]

We will be arriving on Hawaiian airlines in Sydney ETA 7.45pm, we have a separate booking with VA on the latest flight SYD/MEL at 10.00pm. Due to not being on the same PNR will we be denied the Virgin seemless transfer? If so, do you think 2 1/4 hours is enough time connection time, obviously dependent on arriving into Sydney on time. I'm considering staying at a SYD airport hotel and flying out the next morning, not my preferred option but don't want the stress.

TIA

 

[Bagpuss]

We will be arriving on Hawaiian airlines in Sydney ETA 7.45pm, we have a separate booking with VA on the latest flight SYD/MEL at 10.00pm. Due to not being on the same PNR will we be denied the Virgin seemless transfer? If so, do you think 2 1/4 hours is enough time connection time, obviously dependent on arriving into Sydney on time. I'm considering staying at a SYD airport hotel and flying out the next morning, not my preferred option but don't want the stress.

TIA

As Hawaiian is a partner airline, when you arrive internationally you just go to the Virgin domestic transfer desk and they will check you in. ( Hawaiian Airlines | Virgin Australia )

Though I think you are better off staying at an airport hotel overnight, weather / curfew / late arrival a recipe for disaster and there are cheap hotels nearby.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Because the VA line is outside, ie, in the open zone, its playing it very close.
Its very hard to say for sure, how long it will take from deplanning, ie, getting off the DL flight, walking to immi, doing the Smartgate, going to baggage claim, and then getting out into side A or side B, and then getting to the VA transfer bus service desk, getting the small long strip of what they call a bus pass, having to line up and wait for the bus in the queue...
Your choice ultimately...
Personally I would go for the first or second flight the next day.
On one of my return trips from NZ, when AirNZ were still a partner of VA, it was a shock to see the queue for the VA transfer bus.
I instead got onto the Sydney Buses bus to the domestic terminal to get my flight to Adelaide.
The VA transfer bus also does not drop you off into the T2 secure area, but drops you off outside the front of (VA's) SYD T2.
Then you have to navigate the terminal to get through domestic security, and then then onto the gate area.
It would be different if the VA bus departed from a zone at T1 less people from all of VA's flights get on, but the VA transfer bus collects all and sundry of VA's partner airlines...

 

[Vic]

The train is the best way to transfer at Sydney. Worth the cost. (about $6 per person)
The Qantas bus is next to useless. Only 1 experience with the VA transfer, and I'd rate it as useless.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

I've done the VA international transfer in SYD when arriving on a non-partner (MH) and connecting to the last VA flight of the day on a separate ticket. No dramas: got my VA boarding pass at the transfer desk, boarded the bus, and all was well. If you're running late maybe use the train but it should be fine.

 

[Astro]

I've done the VA international transfer in SYD when arriving on a non-partner (MH) and connecting to the last VA flight of the day on a separate ticket. No dramas: got my VA boarding pass at the transfer desk, boarded the bus, and all was well. If you're running late maybe use the train but it should be fine.

Same here. The other day I came in late from LAX and made it to the transfer desk checked in for my domestic flight 50 mins after landing.

If you are cutting it fine you are cutting it fine. Another flight next day will cost you but that's the risk you take flying on two tickets.

I would say if your flight is on time inbound to SYD you'll have no problems.

 

[dxwell]

Q1. Are you on holiday?
Q2. Do you need to Melbourne that night?

YES&NO: Take all the stress out of travel and fly out the next morning. Turn the MEL overnighter in a memorable evening by applying Bacchanalian principles (the highest principle is that nothing is forbidden).
YES&YES: You will make the connection - use the power drawn from your Hawaiian holiday to create positive fate.
NO&YES: You're a road warrior. Your Flexi fares will let you decide on the night. Take it as it comes.
NO&NO: Use Aristotle's flight connection theory: a flight connects to another flight when it connects.