Flying and connecting AKL-NAN-VLI on NZ and NF?
Jan 9, 2014, 6:43 am
#1
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Flying and connecting AKL-NAN-VLI on NZ and NF?
I'm interested in flying from Auckland to Port Vila on June 26.
I can't find a direct flight that day; but it appears NZ flies from AKL-NAN arriving at 1 pm, then Air Vanuatu flies from Nadi to Port Vila at 2:40 p.m. That means it would be a 1:40 connection in Nadi.
Is this a doable connection? Would NZ interline my bag to Port Vila?
For some reason sites like kayak and skyscanner aren't offering the option to book the itinerary on a single ticket, so I would have to book it as two tickets.
Is this a bad idea? Any advice appreciated.
I can't find a direct flight that day; but it appears NZ flies from AKL-NAN arriving at 1 pm, then Air Vanuatu flies from Nadi to Port Vila at 2:40 p.m. That means it would be a 1:40 connection in Nadi.
Is this a doable connection? Would NZ interline my bag to Port Vila?
For some reason sites like kayak and skyscanner aren't offering the option to book the itinerary on a single ticket, so I would have to book it as two tickets.
Is this a bad idea? Any advice appreciated.
Jan 9, 2014, 10:48 am
#2
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NZ wouldn't interline your bags without it being booked as a single ticket. They have a pretty firm policy on this, even if its a partner airline. Basically the check-in system also locks the staff out of being able to do this.
1h40m is not along enough to connect in NAN on different tickets, the airport isn't known for its ability to do things quickly e.g the airport runs on 'Island Time'. Once you had claimed you bags the check-in for the NF flight would have closed.
You could try going to your local travel agent, they might be able to book it as single ticket.
1h40m is not along enough to connect in NAN on different tickets, the airport isn't known for its ability to do things quickly e.g the airport runs on 'Island Time'. Once you had claimed you bags the check-in for the NF flight would have closed.
You could try going to your local travel agent, they might be able to book it as single ticket.
Jan 9, 2014, 10:49 pm
#4
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What if I had only hand luggage? Is that doable? Do I have to go through immigration in Nadi? The NF website says that check in closes strictly 60 minutes before international departures, would I be out of luck if I couldn't get to the gate/transfer desk to check in 60 minutes early?
Separate question: Would NZ interline my bags on two separate NZ tickets? If I don't go through Nadi I may be combining an award ticket to AKL with a paid ticket to VLI, that's why I ask.
Separate question: Would NZ interline my bags on two separate NZ tickets? If I don't go through Nadi I may be combining an award ticket to AKL with a paid ticket to VLI, that's why I ask.
Last edited by jphripjah; Jan 9, 2014 at 11:21 pm Reason: `
Jan 9, 2014, 11:41 pm
#5
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NZ refuse to interline ANY split tickets - even NZ to NZ (not that I can see how that is possible AKL/NAN/VLI as you have indicated you are looking to do)
Last edited by deconz; Jan 9, 2014 at 11:41 pm Reason: punctuation
Jan 10, 2014, 10:43 am
#6
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Jan 10, 2014, 2:33 pm
#7
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Off topic sligtly, I have always used the Bus Class lane at Nadi immigration/security (even when not flying Business). Is this the norm for other G and GE pax?
Jan 12, 2014, 11:33 pm
#9
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Jan 13, 2014, 12:36 am
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Uh oh. Are you sure I need to clear immigration and check in landside? I thought I had read recently that you can transit in Nadi without clearing immigration, would they not let me do that if I have separate tickets and no boarding pass in hand?
I'm not going to risk it if I have to clear immigration and check in landside; Air Vanuatu's website says they close check in for international flights an hour in advance, that's cutting it too close.
I'm not going to risk it if I have to clear immigration and check in landside; Air Vanuatu's website says they close check in for international flights an hour in advance, that's cutting it too close.
Jan 13, 2014, 2:51 am
#11
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Uh oh. Are you sure I need to clear immigration and check in landside? I thought I had read recently that you can transit in Nadi without clearing immigration, would they not let me do that if I have separate tickets and no boarding pass in hand?
I'm not going to risk it if I have to clear immigration and check in landside; Air Vanuatu's website says they close check in for international flights an hour in advance, that's cutting it too close.
I'm not going to risk it if I have to clear immigration and check in landside; Air Vanuatu's website says they close check in for international flights an hour in advance, that's cutting it too close.
While there is international transit, there are no means to print boarding passes airside. At transfer security they'll ask to see your boarding pass, and if you don't have it then you'll be directed to pass through immigration.