Air New Zealand Air Points - OT: Minimum Connection Time in AKL (Intl-Intl)

I know this is totally OT but AKL/oneworld/QF/CX websites seem to be pretty useless. I hope that some FTers are able to help!

I have booked myself on CX108 AKL-HKG departing at 13.10 and would rather not to overnight in AKL but spend an extra night in SYD instead (no offence ;) ) so I am thinking of catching QF163 SYD-AKL flight which arrives into AKL at 12:10.

So far, I am getting conflicting information from different sources. CX states that the Intl-Intl MCT at AKL is 75mins. However I have found Air Tahiti Nui quoting 55mins. Not wanting to risk missing my connectin flight, I would be grateful if anyone of you could shed some light over the official Intl-Intl MCT for AKL.

Thanks in advance
chilledflyer

Sounds like you are travelling on separate tickets. So having a connection longer MCT doesn't provide any protection.

On separate tickets the biggest issue is arriving at AKL early enough to make close off for check in. While it could be done, 1:00 scheduled time is risky. What if, for example, your QF flight gets a remote stand (as that flight often does these days)?

If the MCT is indeed 55mins, QF should be able to check my bags through directly to HKG and issue my boarding pass for my AKL-HKG sector even if it is on a separate ticket. (the joys of alliances these days)

If my connection is under the MCT, I know QF has no obligations to check me through so it is paramount for me to know the exact MCT.

Say if I am under the MCT, how long does it usually take to clear immigration at AKL and get back to the departure level?

Thanks,
CF

What the current MCT is intl-intl at AKL I dont know as I have been out of the industry and the country for a couple of years but I believe that Kiwi Flyer has hit the nail on the head - regardless of whether or not QF can through check MCT does not provide protection if you are travelling on separate tickets - in other words QFs obligation to you ends when they get you to AKL , if they are an hour late that is your problem not theirs even if you are connecting ( or attempting to connect ) on to one of their alliance partners - if on the other hand it is part of a through fare and you are within MCT then you have protection .

If the MCT is indeed 55mins, QF should be able to check my bags through directly to HKG and issue my boarding pass for my AKL-HKG sector even if it is on a separate ticket. (the joys of alliances these days)

If my connection is under the MCT, I know QF has no obligations to check me through so it is paramount for me to know the exact MCT.

Say if I am under the MCT, how long does it usually take to clear immigration at AKL and get back to the departure level?

Thanks,
CF

How long is a piece of string? It really depends. If on NZ or Aussie passport it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to over an hour to get landside. If on other passport anywhere from 15 minutes to say 90 minutes to get landside.

AKL is a small and efficient airport (not to mention the fact they offer free cups of tea while you wait for your luggage;) ) however I think you would be pushing it for time. All it takes is a late departure from SYD and you will be in trouble.

In saying that last few times I have been to AKL getting past customs has been very fast! Make sure you have no fruit or other banned products because this will hold you up.