Virgin Australia Velocity - SYD VA/DJ seamless transfer - airside/landside?

Greetings everyone:

I will be flying to MEL from LAX, originating in SFO via SYD, I read on VA's website that I will have to clear Australia customs and quarantine in SYD and then proceed to the seamless transfer lounge and then there is a bus to take me from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. My question is basically would I have to re-enter security at any point or is this all airside when going from customs and quarantine to the seamless transfer lounge, and then taking the bus provided by VA/DJ between terminals? Thanks!

You will also clear immigration at SYD, then enter landside. The transfer bus is a landside service, and you will need to clear security again.

If you're concerned about connection times, post your flight details and someone here will be able to comment, I'm sure. Note that the LAGs restriction on domestic Australian flights is much looser than international, in case you were asking because of duty free purchase considerations.

Thanks AN*G-BNE, is the seamless transfer lounge on the landside as well? Yeah, I meant customs/immigration/quarantine so just trying to see how long exactly it takes to get from VA to DJ as I arrive VA into SYD at 6:25AM on Monday, November 7 and then the DJ flight from SYD to MEL is at 8:00AM which gives me 1 hour and 35 minutes, wonder if that is enough to clear customs/immigration/quarantine, then proceed to the seamless transfer lounge which I think would be airside?, I hope this doesn't require going through security first or else I will have to clear security twice, once before the seamless transfer lounge and once after getting off the shuttle at the domestic terminal. Does DJ/VA use the same transfer bus as Qantas or do they each have their own buses? In any case, how much time would it take.

Thanks AN*G-BNE, is the seamless transfer lounge on the landside as well? Yeah, I meant customs/immigration/quarantine so just trying to see how long exactly it takes to get from VA to DJ as I arrive VA into SYD at 6:25AM on Monday, November 7 and then the DJ flight from SYD to MEL is at 8:00AM which gives me 1 hour and 35 minutes, wonder if that is enough to clear customs/immigration/quarantine, then proceed to the seamless transfer lounge which I think would be airside?, I hope this doesn't require going through security first or else I will have to clear security twice, once before the seamless transfer lounge and once after getting off the shuttle at the domestic terminal. Does DJ/VA use the same transfer bus as Qantas or do they each have their own buses? In any case, how much time would it take.

That is peak rush hour in sydney. My advice is to not use their buses and get a cab or use the train!

but you probably wont make it

I am not in that much of a hurry since my host will pick me up after I land in MEL and call them by phone anyways. How much time does one really need as a minimum?

Greetings everyone:

I will be flying to MEL from LAX, originating in SFO via SYD, I read on VA's website that I will have to clear Australia customs and quarantine in SYD and then proceed to the seamless transfer lounge and then there is a bus to take me from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. My question is basically would I have to re-enter security at any point or is this all airside when going from customs and quarantine to the seamless transfer lounge, and then taking the bus provided by VA/DJ between terminals? Thanks!

I am not in that much of a hurry since my host will pick me up after I land in MEL and call them by phone anyways. How much time does one really need as a minimum?

IMHO, your connection time is illegal - AFAIK MCT for VA->DJ Int->Dom is 90 minutes. My experience is that you will not make it. If the connection is on one ticket, I wonder how is it possible, if the connection is on two tickets, beware...

As others have said: I really don't think you'll make that international to domestic connection at SYD. Around that time is peak arrival time into Sydney for international, and it'll be a zoo at baggage reclaim, customs and quarantine. Your 95 minute connection is barely legal (90 min MCT), but similar to vbroucek's experience, it won't be enough at that time. I'd be going for 2 and a half hours connection international to domestic at that time of the morning.

Seamless transfer lounge is landside, so yes, two sets of security. Your flow will be

leave plane -> immigration -> baggage reclaim -> customs -> quarantine & x-ray -> into landside -> to seamless transfer lounge -> security -> DJ bus -> security -> domestic terminal

Hopefully you're actually on 1 ticket, or your domestic SYD-MEL is on a flexible fare.

The entire trip is on one e-ticket and that's how VA did their routing, I remember someone saying VA makes the DJ connections on a really tight schedule in some other thread here and they are indeed correct. Now my confusion is since seamless transfer lounge is on landside and the DJ bus is landside, what is the security in your flow chart between seamless transfer lounge and DJ bus actually for?

The entire trip is on one e-ticket and that's how VA did their routing, I remember someone saying VA makes the DJ connections on a really tight schedule in some other thread here and they are indeed correct. Now my confusion is since seamless transfer lounge is on landside and the DJ bus is landside, what is the security in your flow chart between seamless transfer lounge and DJ bus actually for?

It seems the booking engine aims for 90-120 minutes for connections at AU international gateways .. for flights inbound to Australia at SYD in the morning peak, that's wishful thinking unless you have no checked baggage and access to express path for Customs and Immigration. If you're on a single e-ticket, VA will (generally proactively) protect you on to a later flight out of SYD.

I think AN*G-BNE accidentally added one too many security items in to their flow diagram. As of a couple weeks ago, it goes something like..

Leave VA plane -> Immigration -> Collect bags -> Customs -> Virgin Australia transfer desk, deposit bags and receive onwards boarding cards -> Bus from T1 to T2 -> Security (note LAG restrictions don't generally apply to AU DOM flights) -> Depart on DJ plane

It seems the booking engine aims for 90-120 minutes for connections at AU international gateways .. for flights inbound to Australia at SYD in the morning peak, that's wishful thinking unless you have no checked baggage and access to express path for Customs and Immigration. If you're on a single e-ticket, VA will (generally proactively) protect you on to a later flight out of SYD.

I think AN*G-BNE accidentally added one too many security items in to their flow diagram. As of a couple weeks ago, it goes something like..

Leave VA plane -> Immigration -> Collect bags -> Customs -> Virgin Australia transfer desk, deposit bags and receive onwards boarding cards -> Bus from T1 to T2 -> Security (note LAG restrictions don't generally apply to AU DOM flights) -> Depart on DJ plane

I wished I had no checked luggage. Is there any chance that I actually deposit bags and while the actual bags make it on a flight, the actual persons won't? I forgot to ask but what exacty is the LAG restrictions?

I forgot to ask but what exacty is the LAG restrictions?

liquids, aerosols and gels - the things the TSA goes nuts about in the US and as result most international flights everywhere else also has to comply with.

We don't bother with it for domestic flights in Australia because sensible risk assessments have been made and influence policy (to date).

liquids, aerosols and gels - the things the TSA goes nuts about in the US and as result most international flights everywhere else also has to comply with.

We don't bother with it for domestic flights in Australia because sensible risk assessments have been made and influence policy (to date).

Thanks for the definition of that acronym. Is it okay to have LAG in checked luggage without the 3-1-1 restriction?

I wished I had no checked luggage. Is there any chance that I actually deposit bags and while the actual bags make it on a flight, the actual persons won't? I forgot to ask but what exacty is the LAG restrictions?

No, they would have to off load your baggage...

90 minutes can be too short even with priority card - customs can be extremely slow in SYD. Expereinced that myself fairly recently...

No, they would have to off load your baggage...

90 minutes can be too short even with priority card - customs can be extremely slow in SYD. Expereinced that myself fairly recently...

Interesting, I thought they would just keep your baggage on that flight even if the passenger never made it on that plane which ofcourse can be bad news as that's a good way to have lost luggage by the time the person gets there.

I've never been to Australia so it's always better assuming they are slow rather than them being fast.

Thanks for the definition of that acronym. Is it okay to have LAG in checked luggage without the 3-1-1 restriction?

yes, but we don't have those restrictions at all for domestic travel, carry a dozen bottles of wine with you if you so desire... put them in your carry on, take 20 tubes of full sized toothpaste, knock yourself out.

yes, but we don't have those restrictions at all for domestic travel, carry a dozen bottles of wine with you if you so desire... put them in your carry on, take 20 tubes of full sized toothpaste, knock yourself out.

I haven't flown since a week before 911 so haven't dealt with the TSA either but for that 3-1-1 stuff, are there restrictions in checked luggage as well or can you just put the full sized toothpaste there?

I haven't flown since a week before 911 so haven't dealt with the TSA either but for that 3-1-1 stuff, are there restrictions in checked luggage as well or can you just put the full sized toothpaste there?

no there are no restrictions for checked luggage. Some airlines have their own restrictions on aerosols and glass bottles in checked luggage, but there are no security restrictions.

I think AN*G-BNE accidentally added one too many security items in to their flow diagram. As of a couple weeks ago, it goes something like..

Leave VA plane -> Immigration -> Collect bags -> Customs -> Virgin Australia transfer desk, deposit bags and receive onwards boarding cards -> Bus from T1 to T2 -> Security (note LAG restrictions don't generally apply to AU DOM flights) -> Depart on DJ plane

Exactly... I got a bit carried away accidentally ... and didn't proof-read.

Being on 1 ticket however, DJ should protect you on a later flight. The current problem of course, is that if the QF grounding has not been lifted yet, every DJ flight will probably be full, and it may be difficult to get on the next departing flight.

no there are no restrictions for checked luggage. Some airlines have their own restrictions on aerosols and glass bottles in checked luggage, but there are no security restrictions.

Thanks for the insight! Was worried if I put a tube of toothpaste in checked luggage, it might be gone! ;)

Exactly... I got a bit carried away accidentally ... and didn't proof-read.

Being on 1 ticket however, DJ should protect you on a later flight. The current problem of course, is that if the QF grounding has not been lifted yet, every DJ flight will probably be full, and it may be difficult to get on the next departing flight.

You're right about the current QF problem since I can see that DJ will get lots of business except it seems like it might take away from those who are on VA/DJ tickets. Hopefully DJ will realize that the VA flight's passengers are still behind schedule and make the necessary accomodations.

No, they would have to off load your baggage... Maybe, maybe not. But probably in this case, although it would be unlikely for the baggage to make the flight but not the passenger, given that both have to leave customs and quarantine at the same time.

The general rule for baggage is that, if the passenger had control over the baggage not being on the same flight as the passenger, then it will be off-loaded. If the passenger had no control over it being on a different flight - like being off-loaded at the last minute since a 763 was downgraded to a 763, and they got an IDB - then the bags still go.

It basically comes down to who decides to seperate the pax from the bags, if it is the pax then the bags are off-loaded and they travel together, if it is the airline, with no intervention from the pax, then they really don't care if pax and bags are on the same flight.

Dave

Maybe, maybe not. But probably in this case, although it would be unlikely for the baggage to make the flight but not the passenger, given that both have to leave customs and quarantine at the same time.

The general rule for baggage is that, if the passenger had control over the baggage not being on the same flight as the passenger, then it will be off-loaded. If the passenger had no control over it being on a different flight - like being off-loaded at the last minute since a 763 was downgraded to a 763, and they got an IDB - then the bags still go.

It basically comes down to who decides to seperate the pax from the bags, if it is the pax then the bags are off-loaded and they travel together, if it is the airline, with no intervention from the pax, then they really don't care if pax and bags are on the same flight.

Dave

In my case, this would be post custom/immigration/quarantine as we would already be at the seamless transfer lounge so there is always the change that the checked baggage will make it to the flight since I am sure the airline can move the bags to the plane faster than it would be for the passenger as the bags would probably depart before the passenger will from the seamless transfer lounge and then the passenger still has to take the transfer bus to get to the domestic terminal which requires waiting time, after that, there is still security that needs to be cleared.

Maybe, maybe not. But probably in this case, although it would be unlikely for the baggage to make the flight but not the passenger, given that both have to leave customs and quarantine at the same time.

The general rule for baggage is that, if the passenger had control over the baggage not being on the same flight as the passenger, then it will be off-loaded. If the passenger had no control over it being on a different flight - like being off-loaded at the last minute since a 763 was downgraded to a 763, and they got an IDB - then the bags still go.

It basically comes down to who decides to seperate the pax from the bags, if it is the pax then the bags are off-loaded and they travel together, if it is the airline, with no intervention from the pax, then they really don't care if pax and bags are on the same flight.

Dave

In my case, this would be post custom/immigration/quarantine as we would already be at the seamless transfer lounge so there is always the change that the checked baggage will make it to the flight since I am sure the airline can move the bags to the plane faster than it would be for the passenger as the bags would probably depart before the passenger will from the seamless transfer lounge and then the passenger still has to take the transfer bus to get to the domestic terminal which requires waiting time, after that, there is still security that needs to be cleared.

So, IMHO, in this particular case, the luggage would have to be off loaded, causing delay to those on board....

So, IMHO, in this particular case, the luggage would have to be off loaded, causing delay to those on board....

I always thought the plane would take off with the luggage without checking if the passenger is actually on the plane or not. In what you mentioned, I think the only way they would off load is if the plane hasn't already departed by the time I make it to the gate. How would they determine whether to off load the luggage or not since I didn't think they would check to make sure the luggage matches each passenger on board or not.

I always thought the plane would take off with the luggage without checking if the passenger is actually on the plane or not. In what you mentioned, I think the only way they would off load is if the plane hasn't already departed by the time I make it to the gate. How would they determine whether to off load the luggage or not since I didn't think they would check to make sure the luggage matches each passenger on board or not.

Oh wait - how long is it since you flew last time? Why do you think you have to present the boarding card and have is scanned through computer before you board the plane? So they know who is on board and who is not... Then before the flight leaves the gate, crew has to do head count against the flight manifest. The manifest is also checked against the booking and in the era of computers it is then easy to check if missing's passengers luggage was loaded or not. If it was loaded, it has to be removed as a security precaution. I do not think this was as strict prior 9/11 but it is now. I have witnessed it several times in the past year.

Oh wait - how long is it since you flew last time? Why do you think you have to present the boarding card and have is scanned through computer before you board the plane? So they know who is on board and who is not... Then before the flight leaves the gate, crew has to do head count against the flight manifest. The manifest is also checked against the booking and in the era of computers it is then easy to check if missing's passengers luggage was loaded or not. If it was loaded, it has to be removed as a security precaution. I do not think this was as strict prior 9/11 but it is now. I have witnessed it several times in the past year.

It's been 10 years since my last flight home was on 08/31/2001. So I haven't been through the process post 09/11. Atleast it's good to know that the luggage won't be flying without the passenger. If they do unload the luggage such as in my case, how would the passenger get the luggage so it's tagged for the correct flight or is that done behind the scenes by the airline? Thanks for the insight though.

It's been 10 years since my last flight home was on 08/31/2001. So I haven't been through the process post 09/11. Atleast it's good to know that the luggage won't be flying without the passenger. If they do unload the luggage such as in my case, how would the passenger get the luggage so it's tagged for the correct flight or is that done behind the scenes by the airline? Thanks for the insight though.

All that is happening behind the scenes without your involvement...

All that is happening behind the scenes without your involvement...

Thanks for clarifying, I think my original question is really assuming I am at the seamless transfer lounge, how much time should I still have as a minimum in order assuming I am taking the transfer bus before the scheduled departure time of the DJ flight?

as you have indicated you are all on one ticket, I would suggest you don't worry about it. DJ will accommodate you if there is not enough time.

Thanks for clarifying, I think my original question is really assuming I am at the seamless transfer lounge, how much time should I still have as a minimum in order assuming I am taking the transfer bus before the scheduled departure time of the DJ flight?

as you have indicated you are all on one ticket, I would suggest you don't worry about it. DJ will accommodate you if there is not enough time.

If you are on one ticket, there is nothing to worry about. Depending when you arrive at the transfer lounge, DJ staff will already know if you make it for your original flight or not. They even may rebook you to the later flight straight there if they see that you have too little time. At the moment there are heaps of space on heaps of flights...

[KVS Availability Tool 6.7.0/Diamond - Sabre: Availability/FS/US] (http://www.KVSTool.com/?R)
SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith NS AU [YSSY]
MEL Melbourne Metro / Tullamarine VI AU = MEL AVV [YMML]
MON 07 Nov 2011

Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Availability
--------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- --------------------------------------------------------
DJ 820 SYD 08:30 MEL 10:05 73W J4 O2 H0 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 824 SYD 09:00 MEL 10:35 73W J7 O5 H1 Y7 I7 D0 N7 B0 M0 S7 T0 A0 U0 X0 R0 L0 P7 C0 E0
DJ 830 SYD 10:00 MEL 11:35 E90 J2 O0 H0 Y7 I7 D0 N7 B0 M0 S7 T0 A0 U0 X0 R0 L0 P7 C0 E0
DJ 834 SYD 11:00 MEL 12:30 73W J7 O5 H3 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 842 SYD 13:00 MEL 14:35 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 846 SYD 14:00 MEL 15:35 73W J5 O3 H1 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X6 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 850 SYD 15:00 MEL 16:35 73W J3 O1 H0 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 854 SYD 15:30 MEL 17:05 73W J7 O6 H2 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M0 S7 T7 A0 U0 X0 R0 L0 P7 C0 E0
DJ 858 SYD 16:00 MEL 17:35 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 862 SYD 16:30 MEL 18:05 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X7 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 866 SYD 17:00 MEL 18:35 73W J7 O6 H2 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 870 SYD 17:30 MEL 19:05 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X7 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0

If you are on one ticket, there is nothing to worry about. Depending when you arrive at the transfer lounge, DJ staff will already know if you make it for your original flight or not. They even may rebook you to the later flight straight there if they see that you have too little time. At the moment there are heaps of space on heaps of flights...

[KVS Availability Tool 6.7.0/Diamond - Sabre: Availability/FS/US] (http://www.KVSTool.com/?R)
SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith NS AU [YSSY]
MEL Melbourne Metro / Tullamarine VI AU = MEL AVV [YMML]
MON 07 Nov 2011

Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Availability
--------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- --------------------------------------------------------
DJ 820 SYD 08:30 MEL 10:05 73W J4 O2 H0 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 824 SYD 09:00 MEL 10:35 73W J7 O5 H1 Y7 I7 D0 N7 B0 M0 S7 T0 A0 U0 X0 R0 L0 P7 C0 E0
DJ 830 SYD 10:00 MEL 11:35 E90 J2 O0 H0 Y7 I7 D0 N7 B0 M0 S7 T0 A0 U0 X0 R0 L0 P7 C0 E0
DJ 834 SYD 11:00 MEL 12:30 73W J7 O5 H3 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 842 SYD 13:00 MEL 14:35 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 846 SYD 14:00 MEL 15:35 73W J5 O3 H1 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X6 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 850 SYD 15:00 MEL 16:35 73W J3 O1 H0 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 854 SYD 15:30 MEL 17:05 73W J7 O6 H2 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M0 S7 T7 A0 U0 X0 R0 L0 P7 C0 E0
DJ 858 SYD 16:00 MEL 17:35 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 862 SYD 16:30 MEL 18:05 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X7 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 866 SYD 17:00 MEL 18:35 73W J7 O6 H2 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X0 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0
DJ 870 SYD 17:30 MEL 19:05 73W J7 O6 H4 Y7 I7 D7 N7 B7 M7 S7 T7 A7 U7 X7 R0 L0 P7 C7 E0


I actually meant scheduled as in whatever flight they will put me on, thanks for confirming availability, thought I would have to go standby after the QF mess. Wonder what my luck is of taking the E90 instead of the 73W.

I actually meant scheduled as in whatever flight they will put me on, thanks for confirming availability, thought I would have to go standby after the QF mess. Wonder what my luck is of taking the E90 instead of the 73W.

They will not rebook you "as a favour" - so it would all depend on when you arrive.

I do not exactly understand your post. So, just to reiterate. You are supposed to clear immigration, collect baggage, clear customs and go to transfer lounge as quickly aas possible. From there you are supposed to take first available bus to domestic terminal and proceed to the departure lounge of your flight (through the security).

From http://www.vaustralia.com.au/before-you-fly/virgin-blue-connections/

Arriving off V Australia into Sydney with a domestic connection onto Virgin Australia:

Guests are required to collect their bags off the carousel and then clear Customs and Quarantine. Guests should then head to the Seamless Transfer Lounge, which is a left turn, immediately after clearing Quarantine and before entering the arrivals hall. If booked on a formal Codeshare Flight (one ticket for the entire journey) then guests can head to the check-in counters, where they can check in for their domestic flight. Guests will also receive a bus pass to get over to the domestic terminal. If not travelling on a single ticket journey, this transfer service option is available by paying $15 at the check-in counter.

They will not rebook you "as a favour" - so it would all depend on when you arrive.

I do not exactly understand your post. So, just to reiterate. You are supposed to clear immigration, collect baggage, clear customs and go to transfer lounge as quickly aas possible. From there you are supposed to take first available bus to domestic terminal and proceed to the departure lounge of your flight (through the security).

From http://www.vaustralia.com.au/before-you-fly/virgin-blue-connections/

I know they will not rebook me as a favor but from that list, it seems I have a chance of getting the non 737 flight. I just hope the seamless transfer lounge is easy to find and I won't walk past it without doing that left turn, that was another reason I asked about the airside vs landside since if that was airside, I would have to figure out how to get back in. So it seems like there are 3 layers that can cause a delay, first immigration, then baggage as don't think baggage comes out that quick, then there is customs. The VA link was where I heard about the seamless transfer lounge and the transfer bus but it doesn't say where to drop off the checked bags unless that's done at the check-in counters as well. I think the confusion on the airside/landside is when one connects from Virgin Australia to V Australia, it seems that the transfer lounge is airside as they mention gate 37:

Checking in with Virgin Australia and connecting onto V Australia

Domestic check-in connecting through Sydney:

Guests check-in at the domestic port, where their bags will be checked through to their final V Australia destination. They will also receive a transfer wallet, which contains a map of the transfer port and a bus pass to use in Sydney. Upon arriving in Sydney, guests should head to the transfer lounge at Gate 37, where they can check-in for their international flight. Once they have received their boarding pass for their VA flight, they will be shown downstairs to the transfer bus, which will take them over to the international terminal. ** If issued VA boarding pass at the transfer lounge at Gate 37 then guests are not required to check-in again once they arrive at the international terminal.

Thanks again for your help!

I know they will not rebook me as a favor but from that list, it seems I have a chance of getting the non 737 flight.

You can ask; it would depend on how full the flights are as to whether they'll put you on that specific flight or not. I've been able to ask for specific flights after missing my ticketed connection before.

I just hope the seamless transfer lounge is easy to find and I won't walk past it without doing that left turn, that was another reason I asked about the airside vs landside since if that was airside, I would have to figure out how to get back in.

It's super easy - exit Customs at SYD, fight through the hordes of people and turn left before exiting the building. Keep walking until you run out of building to walk through. ;) It's pretty well signposted as well, and there are plenty of folk around to ask if you truly get lost. :)

The VA link was where I heard about the seamless transfer lounge and the transfer bus but it doesn't say where to drop off the checked bags unless that's done at the check-in counters as well.

You lose your bags and collect onwards boarding cards at the transfer desk. In my experience, they won't load you and your bags on to a flight you have no hope of getting.

I think the confusion on the airside/landside is when one connects from Virgin Australia to V Australia, it seems that the transfer lounge is airside as they mention gate 37

This is for when you're heading home .. when you check in for the domestic connection flight at MEL, your bags will be tagged all the way over to the US (should be tagged to SFO) - you won't see them again until you reach LAX (where you'll need to collect and re-check them for your flight to SFO).

When your flight lands in SYD, walk down towards the end of the pier that Virgin Australia use at SYD - the international transfer desk at gate 37 is very clearly signposted; you'll pick up your onwards boarding card for the VA flight and then wander up to gate 41 where you'll be bussed over to the International terminal. From there, go through outbound Immigration and security (the 3-1-1 rule starts to apply from this point onwards), hike through the duty free shopping mall and your plane will probably be down the other end of the terminal (around a 10 minute walk).

I may have done this dance a few times .. ;)

You can ask; it would depend on how full the flights are as to whether they'll put you on that specific flight or not. I've been able to ask for specific flights after missing my ticketed connection before.

It's super easy - exit Customs at SYD, fight through the hordes of people and turn left before exiting the building. Keep walking until you run out of building to walk through. ;) It's pretty well signposted as well, and there are plenty of folk around to ask if you truly get lost. :)

You lose your bags and collect onwards boarding cards at the transfer desk. In my experience, they won't load you and your bags on to a flight you have no hope of getting.

This is for when you're heading home .. when you check in for the domestic connection flight at MEL, your bags will be tagged all the way over to the US (should be tagged to SFO) - you won't see them again until you reach LAX (where you'll need to collect and re-check them for your flight to SFO).

When your flight lands in SYD, walk down towards the end of the pier that Virgin Australia use at SYD - the international transfer desk at gate 37 is very clearly signposted; you'll pick up your onwards boarding card for the VA flight and then wander up to gate 41 where you'll be bussed over to the International terminal. From there, go through outbound Immigration and security (the 3-1-1 rule starts to apply from this point onwards), hike through the duty free shopping mall and your plane will probably be down the other end of the terminal (around a 10 minute walk).

I may have done this dance a few times .. ;)

For the non-737 flight, I'll just let luck determine it without asking and see what my mom and I get put on. More fun that way! ;)

I think the confusion was when I asked VA, they told me there were no signs, etc. so I printed out the instructions a few weeks ago and thought I asked someone here who probably does it regularly or atleast more than 0 times! ;)

So the return transfer bus is actually airside then if it's at a gate? So there is such a thing as outbound Immigration for once! It seems like the last and only time I been outside the U.S. excluding Canada such as Hong Kong/Macau/China which was 26 years ago, there is always outbound immigration as I would have the exit stamped in the passport but I guess this time with the ETA, I won't be seeing any entry/exit stamps!

Thanks again for your help! I'm sure after I've done this dance before, I'll be able to provide input for others too!

Right, I am gonna to give you a clear information from others and also I've done it before after I arrived in the SYD airport then transfer to the virgin australia.

My ticket is an entire journey - it means one ticket for the whole journey/flight together (including codeshare). There's nothing to worry about.

I remember our plane was delayed in SYD. It wasn't our fault and it was airlines fault. Luckily we managed to make it. If the plane delayed, they will change the flight for you without charging fee.

Our suitcases were overweight. Luckily Virgin Australia didnt charge us for overweight cos it's based on the international ticket.

First...clear immigration/custom> pick up your suitcases> clear quantitine> then TURN LEFT -walk STRAIGHT to the end of the wall so that you can see a "small" signpost (STAY INSIDE THIS AREA...DO NOT ENTRE THE GREETING AREA/DOOR)> then you can see the Virgin Australia staff in the check-in area.

Virgin Australia's entry is in between the quantite area and greeting area's door and wall.

Then they will give you a boarding pass and bus vochure and also put another tag on your suitcase handle. Then they will show you where the transfer bus stop is.

transfer bus is at the landside...

It takes you to the domestic terminal (at landside)> clear security check> gate> board the plane back home...

No need to worry about it.... everything will be alright.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yeah...there's so sign to show you where the virgin australia check in in the quantitine area. It's unlikely to find it! :(

Right, I am gonna to give you a clear information from others and also I've done it before after I arrived in the SYD airport then transfer to the virgin australia.

My ticket is an entire journey - it means one ticket for the whole journey/flight together (including codeshare). There's nothing to worry about.

I remember our plane was delayed in SYD. It wasn't our fault and it was airlines fault. Luckily we managed to make it. If the plane delayed, they will change the flight for you without charging fee.

Our suitcases were overweight. Luckily Virgin Australia didnt charge us for overweight cos it's based on the international ticket.

First...clear immigration/custom> pick up your suitcases> clear quantitine> then TURN LEFT -walk STRAIGHT to the end of the wall so that you can see a "small" signpost (STAY INSIDE THIS AREA...DO NOT ENTRE THE GREETING AREA/DOOR)> then you can see the Virgin Australia staff in the check-in area.

Virgin Australia's entry is in between the quantite area and greeting area's door and wall.

Then they will give you a boarding pass and bus vochure and also put another tag on your suitcase handle. Then they will show you where the transfer bus stop is.

transfer bus is at the landside...

It takes you to the domestic terminal (at landside)> clear security check> gate> board the plane back home...

No need to worry about it.... everything will be alright.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yeah...there's so sign to show you where the virgin australia check in in the quantitine area. It's unlikely to find it! :(

Speaking about delays, Virgin Australia will change the flight without charging a fee but since immigration/customs/quarantine is not something in their control, they can always claim that the passenger purposely delayed themselves or something just to charge them a fee.

As far as the suitcases, even if you are on one ticket, I thought you still had to be within the V Australia's check-in and carry-on baggage allowance in both # of items and the weight limit.

Custom is actually before picking up luggage? I would've thought it would be after since I thought that was how they can examine your luggage so they can tax you if you didn't report something.

Thanks for the pointers, only one more day and I'll get to experience this myself! :D

Custom is actually before picking up luggage? I would've thought it would be after since I thought that was how they can examine your luggage so they can tax you if you didn't report something. It is - process is immigration, baggage collection, customs, quarantine, into the big bad world.

Dave

It is - process is immigration, baggage collection, customs, quarantine, into the big bad world.

Dave

Actually, the process you listed is what I initially thought which is different than BlueSky said:

Yours is: immigration -> baggage collection -> customs -> quarantine

Buesky is: immigration -> customs -> baggage collection -> quarantine

Yours makes more sense as one should have all their luggage before going through customs. :rolleyes:

In any case, does Australia require removing shoes before going through security since I noticed that the TSA allows nail clippers and knitting needles, these are on Australia's prohibited items list.

Buesky is: immigration -> customs -> baggage collection -> quarantine



Sorry I don't mean that... I said "immigration/customs" cos I am not sure what "customs" actually means. This is because we watched the tv show called "customs". I thought that customs means "immigration officers" and Australian Quarantine is "inspection officers". I could be wrong and i need to clarify what it means actually.

Maybe i should add more clearly
immigration/customs (watch pax's feeling and behaviour)>>
baggage collection >>
customs (dogs to smell the baggages)/quarantine.

Also I flew on Virgin Atlantic...

Sorry I don't mean that... I said "immigration/customs" cos I am not sure what "customs" actually means. This is because we watched the tv show called "customs". I thought that customs means "immigration officers" and Australian Quarantine is "inspection officers". I could be wrong and i need to clarify what it means actually.

Maybe i should add more clearly
immigration/customs (watch pax's feeling and behaviour)>>
baggage collection >>
customs (dogs to smell the baggages)/quarantine.

Also I flew on Virgin Atlantic...

Actually, I always thought customs/immigration/quarantine was after collecting the baggage, never knew immigration was even before collecting the baggage. Ofcourse, my only experiences of entering/leaving countries was 26 years ago when I was 11 years old.

I'm sure Virgin Australia would still honor the significant carriers carry-on policy, in your case Virgin Atlantic since they are still part of Richard Branson's umbrella of airlines.

In any case, does Australia require removing shoes before going through security.

no.

Interesting...

http://bne.com.au/terminal-guide/security/screening

"At times you will be asked to remove your shoes, as the majority of shoes have a metal brace through the instep and this can alarm the walk-through detector."

I know it's BNE but that's the closest I can find for Australia shoes removal when traveling.

I just called V Australia to confirm the flight and for some reason, the flight from SYD -> MEL is now showing as DJ 894 at 21:00 instead of DJ 816 at 8:00 on both my and my mom's itinerary which was showing the DJ 816 as of 12 hours ago on both VA and checkmytrip.com but the e-tickets still show DJ 816 at 8:00, VA does not see any notes or when it was changed so hopefully we'll be put on whatever is the next available flight from SYD to MEL when we make it to check-in instead of the flight 13 hours later.

no.

Interesting...

http://bne.com.au/terminal-guide/security/screening

"At times you will be asked to remove your shoes, as the majority of shoes have a metal brace through the instep and this can alarm the walk-through detector."

I know it's BNE but that's the closest I can find for Australia shoes removal when traveling.

Generally, no one is asked to remove shoes in the first instance in Australia. Only if the gate beeps, then you are required to remove shoes.

It is normal that you have to remove laptop from it's bag, you must take of jackets, hats, watches etc. In some airports they automatically ask to remove belts too. Depends from airport to airport... There are also random checks for explosives.

I just called V Australia to confirm the flight and for some reason, the flight from SYD -> MEL is now showing as DJ 894 at 21:00 instead of DJ 816 at 8:00 on both my and my mom's itinerary which was showing the DJ 816 as of 12 hours ago on both VA and checkmytrip.com but the e-tickets still show DJ 816 at 8:00, VA does not see any notes or when it was changed so hopefully we'll be put on whatever is the next available flight from SYD to MEL when we make it to check-in instead of the flight 13 hours later.

e-ticket does not reflect any schedule changes unless it has been re-issued!!! I find it hard to believe that DJ would change your flight that drastically.

Generally, no one is asked to remove shoes in the first instance in Australia. Only if the gate beeps, then you are required to remove shoes.

It is normal that you have to remove laptop from it's bag, you must take of jackets, hats, watches etc. In some airports they automatically ask to remove belts too. Depends from airport to airport... There are also random checks for explosives.

e-ticket does not reflect any schedule changes unless it has been re-issued!!! I find it hard to believe that DJ would change your flight that drastically.

I didn't think I or my mother who was on a Delta provided assisted wheelchair would get the pat down but we did, we didn't wear anything but socks, pants, shirt, sweatshirt, I also had a dress shirt but nothing in pockets and no belt either while at SFO. It took less than 3 minutes flat to go through security. If one has a checkpoint friendly bag, does one still need to remove their laptop from the bag since I thought checkpoint friendly meant it can stay in the bag because that compartment is separated when it goes through security.

As for the ticket, when I got to LAX, I took the Terminal 5 airside shuttle to Terminal 3 which was a 35 minute wait at 7:20PM and then when it finally arrived, it didn't make it to Terminal 3 until 8:30PM. So when we got to the V Australia gate, they said the plane is delayed by 12 hours and 5 minutes due to some problems from the inbound Melbourne flight so it went from 9:25PM to 8:30AM so they told me to call V Australia Guest Centre before proceeding to the check-in counter in ticketing in Terminal 3 at LAX, so the phone call lasted until 9:00PM. There was a long line at the V Australia counter even at 9:30PM when we got there and it seems everyone before us got hotel accomodated to Marriot Hotel while we got Holiday Inn probably because it was already booked. Holiday Inn claims there is 100 rooms booked for V Australia alone so we need to take the shuttle to LAX at 6:00AM instead of 6:45AM that V Australia recommended originally. When we got to Holiday Inn, we were provided with $50 per person dinner vouchers and $25 per person breakfast vouchers. When we went to the restaurant, they said to go to the buffet which is the only thing included at $27.95, after leaving the restaurant, I was told by Hotel Guest Services that I was supposed to be able to order anything and basically cover anything over $50 on my own so basically we gave them $100 worth of vouchers and got $55.90 worth of food for 2 persons. VA2 now will arrive November 7, 2011 at 6:30PM and connect with DJ 894 at 9:00PM, if that is really the last flight and VA2 is late or there is some delay, I sure hope we won't have to stay at a hotel again in Sydney.
As funny as it sounds, I was worried the DL/VA codeshared flight from SFO would be late and the VA flight would have already departed which meant a 24 hour delay so any travel insurance package is fine but now it seems like it's the VA flight that is delayed 12 hours and even if we used the insurances 12 hour trip delay benefit, it probably would be more hassle than it's worth.
In any case, I guess we get to experience V Australia with a morning departure in LAX and landing in Sydney in the evening, basically the reverse and even the meals is reverse, they will serve breakfast first and then dinner last. So apparently, VA internally probably already knew about the delay with the flight but somehow VA's agents were not aware of it or VA hoped they can get the plane operational after another 12 hours, guess not!

I just checked my booking on vaustalia.com and now all it shows is:

Your Itinerary
Returning Flight - Sydney To Melbourne - Mon 7 Nov 2011

Departing Arrival Flight Duration Fare Type Passenger Type
21:00 Sydney 22:35 Melbourne
VA894 Operated by Virgin Australia
1h35m 1 Adult
Returning Flight - Melbourne To San Francisco - Mon 28 Nov 2011

Departing Arrival Flight Duration Fare Type Passenger Type
11:00 Melbourne 14:40 Sydney 11:45 Los Angeles 12:25 Sydney 09:30 Los Angeles 13:14 San Francisco
VA837 Operated by Virgin Australia
VA1 Operated by V Australia
VA6529

So seems like the SFO -> LAX and LAX -> SYD portion is missing while the DJ is still the 9:00PM flight instead of the 8:00AM flight. checkmytrip.com still shows the old itinerary except the 8:00AM is also changed to the 9:00PM flight for DJ's SYD -> MEL. I noticed the checked baggage tag receipts shows VA816 for SYD -> MEL which is the 8:00AM flight. Also, neither VA's flight status or anywhere else shows VA2 is delayed at all, it shows the scheduled time except it doesn't show the plane taking off while it's not listed at LAX's website other than for the regular November 6, 2011 flight at 8:25PM, not the delayed November 5, 2011 flight leaving 12 hours earlier at 8:30AM. Atleast now I will still see November 6, 2011 without skipping it and also be able to see Pacific Standard Time changed.

Sorry I don't mean that... I said "immigration/customs" cos I am not sure what "customs" actually means. This is because we watched the tv show called "customs". I thought that customs means "immigration officers" and Australian Quarantine is "inspection officers". I could be wrong and i need to clarify what it means actually. Basically, think of it like this.

When you come off the plane, the government of a countrry needs to decide whether or not you will be admitted if you are a non-citizen. In Australia, this role has been sub-contracted to the Australian Customs Service, who can admit, but not deny entry. If something is awry, the matter is referred to an employerr of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which will then further investigate the matter. So that is the first part of the process (and is fairly typical of most countries, the first part of the process is determining if a person is to be admitted, immigration control).

Next stage is baggage collection. Fairly self-explanatory.

Next stage is customs - this is where the border authorities - Australian Customs Service in our case - try to detect either illegal imports or undeclared imports in excess of the declared amounts.

Finally, there is quarantine. Australia, as an island nation, is not riddled with a lot of the exotic diseases which other countries have to endure as far as agriculture and livestock is concerned. THis is maintained by rigorous control of what comes into the country.

To this end, there are officers from AQIS (Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service) at all Australian ports of entry to ensure that nothing that should not come in does.

Customs and AQIS have the power to search persons and luggage, and to fine people for non-disclosure of items they are carrying.

On occasions, passengers may be waved through either the customs or quarantine process. My strike rate is about 1/4 for customs and 1/2 for quarantine for being waved through.

Hope this explains the difference between "customs" and "immigration".

Dave

Basically, think of it like this.

When you come off the plane, the government of a countrry needs to decide whether or not you will be admitted if you are a non-citizen. In Australia, this role has been sub-contracted to the Australian Customs Service, who can admit, but not deny entry. If something is awry, the matter is referred to an employerr of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which will then further investigate the matter. So that is the first part of the process (and is fairly typical of most countries, the first part of the process is determining if a person is to be admitted, immigration control).

Next stage is baggage collection. Fairly self-explanatory.

Next stage is customs - this is where the border authorities - Australian Customs Service in our case - try to detect either illegal imports or undeclared imports in excess of the declared amounts.

Finally, there is quarantine. Australia, as an island nation, is not riddled with a lot of the exotic diseases which other countries have to endure as far as agriculture and livestock is concerned. THis is maintained by rigorous control of what comes into the country.

To this end, there are officers from AQIS (Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service) at all Australian ports of entry to ensure that nothing that should not come in does.

Customs and AQIS have the power to search persons and luggage, and to fine people for non-disclosure of items they are carrying.

On occasions, passengers may be waved through either the customs or quarantine process. My strike rate is about 1/4 for customs and 1/2 for quarantine for being waved through.

Hope this explains the difference between "customs" and "immigration".

Dave

Interesting, I always thought they can deny entry if they felt like it.

The quarantine part sounds exactly like what you would get when you try to enter the State of Hawaii which is just a bunch of islands as a state of the USA.

I have a question though, I noticed in the old days, if you departed China or Hong Kong, you would get your passport stamped with a departure stamp when you leave but how does the US actually know who left the country as there isn't the immigration department when you leave the US, so maybe they only are concerned about people coming in illegally. ;)

Thanks for the detailed explanation about the process, I guess one has to experience it to actually know how it goes in reality.

Interesting, I always thought they can deny entry if they felt like it. They have to have grounds to refuse admission - they can't deny admission because you part your hair on the right instead of the left for example. Australia is a country governed by the rule of law, and they have to have lawful grounds to refuse admission.

Customs officers (acting for Immigration) can grant admission, but can't deny it. Denying admission to a non-citizen is the responsibility of officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, not the Australian Customs Service, and again, they are guided by the legislation and court rulings.

But basically, if you are clean, you have nothing to worry about.

Dave

They have to have grounds to refuse admission - they can't deny admission because you part your hair on the right instead of the left for example. Australia is a country governed by the rule of law, and they have to have lawful grounds to refuse admission.

Customs officers (acting for Immigration) can grant admission, but can't deny it. Denying admission to a non-citizen is the responsibility of officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, not the Australian Customs Service, and again, they are guided by the legislation and court rulings.

But basically, if you are clean, you have nothing to worry about.

Dave

I guess I'll have first hand experience assuming my flight actually departs after the 12 hour delay... Thanks again!

I guess I'll have first hand experience assuming my flight actually departs after the 12 hour delay... Thanks again!

Well, you should now be here in Australia - so how did it go?

Well, you should now be here in Australia - so how did it go?

Actually, when you sent that message, I was still only past Hawaii at that point. What happened was the plane was supposed to board at 7:50AM but my went through security in a wheelchair so we had shampoo/conditioner and lotion in a bag but didn't even need to take it out and basically cut through the entire T3 line. At 7:50AM, there was no airplane at the gate 38, they finally towed the plane to the gate 38 at 8:30AM and everyone boarded but didn't leave the gate until 10:15AM and the reason for the original delay was because of a flat tire on the plane that oriignally arrived from Melbourne. After that, RED was not working as the map was not working on the RED as well as tv chat, seat to seat and most of the multiplayer gamaes. We arrived Sydney at 7:30PM and the captain basically said only people connecting to Melbourne and Brisbane would get the 9:30PM which is the last connecting flight, everyone else had to stay at a hotel overnight for their connecting flight the next morning. The plane was flying at around 36000 ft at 560mph.
So when we got to SYD, they had a wheelchair for my mom and we basically went to the Express lane for Customs and Immigration and was out of there in less than 10 minutes flat. It was the baggage that took forever and it felt like the 2 bags came out of a freezer when we finally saw it come out. After that, we proceeded to Quarantine and even though I had it marked with food which is really just chocolate box candy, american ginseng root tea bags, american gingseng root tea candy and ginger candy. Quarantine let us through in 2 minutes flat. So we got to the Seamless Transfer Lounge at 8:30PM and they handed us 3 bus transfer tickets except the wheelchair agent didn't go with us as the bus was outside waiting so we got to Domestic Terminal at 9:00PM and all went well.

Glad to hear that at the end everything was OK. Enjoy your stay here...

Thanks for all the help! =)

After that, RED was not working as the map was not working on the RED as well as tv chat, seat to seat and most of the multiplayer gamaes.

what you will find is that functionality is not enabled on the 777's

what you will find is that functionality is not enabled on the 777's

Really? I thought it was enabled according to their website...

Really? I thought it was enabled according to their website...

nope, didnt work on my flights either at any of the seats and that was a solid week apart.. i dont think its enabled as yet (Virgin America is a whole other story)

nope, didnt work on my flights either at any of the seats and that was a solid week apart.. i dont think its enabled as yet (Virgin America is a whole other story)

Somehow I had the impression from VA that the RED system was fully operational ever since VA started flying.

Somehow I had the impression from VA that the RED system was fully operational ever since VA started flying.

compared to how VX operate Red i dont think they use the same functionality as yet.

compared to how VX operate Red i dont think they use the same functionality as yet.

Actually on my return flight from SYD to LAX on November 28, 2011, RED works fine in all the stuff except there are no other participants. Now, the snack bar was another issue on the return flight as they did not even have any snacks or beverages and while dinner gave choices, the breakfast they just handed to you without asking what you wanted.