Originally Posted by joe3000

I know this doesn't answer your particular questions, but I would really suggest you to not do this on such a tight schedule and add at least 1-2 nights at each major destination for the following reasons: 1.) You have more leeway in case of flight disruptions.2.) It turns the entire challenge more into a fun trip where you get to go places, see stuff & create memories instead of just 9 dull days of torture (you will thank yourself later on).3.) 9 days of not being able to sleep in a horizontal position is a real strain on your body.4.) 9 days of econ-airplane food is a real strain on your body. I recently did the SAS EuroBonus 1 Million Miles challenge and looking back, I kinda wish I would have done even more stopovers than I already had.

Originally Posted by f0zzyNUE

First of all leaving your bag in the lockers of the IST lounge for more than 24 hours is not a good idea. They might remove items that are not picked up in time. The connection time in SYD or MEL should be enough - even when the flight is delayed. they need about 1,5 hours at least to prepare the plane for the return.I did both SYD and MEL flights - at the arrival time in the evening we were the only international plane arriving. immigration was done in an instant (however I was travelling in business class and all the immigration terminals were empty - if you are very far in the back of the plane you could get lines at the terminals.Still for the transfer back to SIN you wouldn't need to clear immigration but stay airside for international connections.I would get the ETA- it's free anyway. Your flight pattern does not qualify for Transit Without Visa because you are not connecting to a third country.After the 24hr flight from IST I would rather stay off a plane for two days than just returning for another 24hours in economy ... But MEL is served only three times a week. SYD would be better. it has 5 flights a week sonthe layover could be one day in Australia. (arriving and entering Australia without carryon could lead to an interview with a customs officer)

Originally Posted by supine

Only issue is I don't think they are planning a turnaround back onto TK. They mentioned TR / Scoot back to SIN.

Originally Posted by f0zzyNUE

OK. I misread. the TK flight also departes MEL around 21:30. Changing to another carrier is too risky - the TK flights to AUstralia are often delayed.