Unlikely Connection?
Dec 28, 2016, 2:19 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Italy
Programs: BAEC Gold, TK Gold, Accor Gold
Posts: 310
Unlikely Connection?
Hi All,
On February 16th I will be arriving into AKL with the recently opened Qatar flight from Doha. It will arrive at 5.50 AM.
I'm looking into catching an onward domestic AIR NZ flight to Taupo which departs at 8.05 AM.
Considering they'd be two separate tickets, how likely am I to make the connection provided that the QR flight arrives on time? would it be a safe bet to book such domestic flight or better opt for a later one?
Thanks.
On February 16th I will be arriving into AKL with the recently opened Qatar flight from Doha. It will arrive at 5.50 AM.
I'm looking into catching an onward domestic AIR NZ flight to Taupo which departs at 8.05 AM.
Considering they'd be two separate tickets, how likely am I to make the connection provided that the QR flight arrives on time? would it be a safe bet to book such domestic flight or better opt for a later one?
Thanks.
Dec 28, 2016, 2:38 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Programs: Star Alliance
Posts: 134
Air NZ's domestic flight counter closes "30 or 20" minutes before departure depending on whether you have checked baggage or not, so it would depend more out clearing the immigrations and grabbing your baggage. Does't look like there're holidays near your travel date, so should work.
Dec 28, 2016, 3:04 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,119
Under normal circumstances you would have no issue. You can be from the plane to domestic terminal within 30-40 mins incl the 8 min walk.
The unknown is delays at AKL as they can't cope with pax and flights at present. Some aircraft in the morning peak (when your arrive) are using remote stands and I'm aware of multiple pax lately who have taken between 60-90 mins to clear arrivals.
The unknown is delays at AKL as they can't cope with pax and flights at present. Some aircraft in the morning peak (when your arrive) are using remote stands and I'm aware of multiple pax lately who have taken between 60-90 mins to clear arrivals.
Dec 28, 2016, 11:34 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: New Zealand
Programs: NZ , QF , MK
Posts: 1,372
It sounds as though you have allowed plenty of time, but I would recommend you read your travel insurance policy just in case a delay occurs, then at least you will know whether you are covered, and if so, what for.
Dec 28, 2016, 12:23 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Zealand
Programs: NZ Elite, QF Platinum (LTS), VA Platinum
Posts: 1,672
Transfer your luggage to domestic at the international terminal. Use the airnz area. Can only do this if you get through customs etc with at least an hr before flight departs, otherwise you need to walk it over to domestic (or bus if it's raining).
As an added level of safety you could opt for a flexitime fare on nz so if for some reason QR are running late you can switch to the next flight for free. Changes can only be made on the day. I suppose you'll be in the air and no wifi on the 777. It's maybe $10 extra over seat + bag. A flexiplus fare is cancellable and refundable as well as being able to change time of flying.
If all runs well you should have loads of time.
As an added level of safety you could opt for a flexitime fare on nz so if for some reason QR are running late you can switch to the next flight for free. Changes can only be made on the day. I suppose you'll be in the air and no wifi on the 777. It's maybe $10 extra over seat + bag. A flexiplus fare is cancellable and refundable as well as being able to change time of flying.
If all runs well you should have loads of time.