FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - International to Domestic Transfer: MEL vs. SYD
Old Feb 5, 2025 | 7:49 pm
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Mwenenzi
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Originally Posted by blueturtle91
I'm flying from LAX to either MEL or SYD on Qantas, then connecting to HBA on either Qantas, Virgin Australia, or Jetstar. With a ~2-hour connection window and assuming comparable fares, which airport (MEL or SYD) offers the smoother and more efficient international-to-domestic transfer experience? I'm especially interested in hearing about experiences with terminal transfers, immigration/customs processing, and overall airport navigation.
* I don't have a checked luggage, just carry on.
Any tips or insights from those who've made this connection would be greatly appreciated!
MEL by a long way. A few minutes walk fron T2 international to T1 QF domestic or T3/T4 VA JQ.

At SYD the international T1 terminal is ~4km from T2 T3 domestic. Transfer by paid rail, free bus (public roads) or free QF bus airside if have QF domestic flight.
If separate tickets 2:00hrs is very tight. More time usally recomended as most USA flights arrive early morning with many other wide body flights--immigration and customs very busy.

Airport info MELBOURNE (MEL) - amenities, transfers, transport
Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport
Look at the wiki in those threads

OP's other thread on this trip
QF forum -- Carry-On Weight Restrictions: Qantas vs. Virgin vs. Jetstar (Domestic) locked
Oceanic AUNZ forum -- Carry-On Weight Restrictions: Qantas vs. Virgin vs. Jetstar (Domestic)

Last edited by Mwenenzi; Feb 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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