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Two hour turn in MEL: is it possible?
There are a number of threads on mileage runs to Melbourne (LAX/MEL), but they're old--around 10 years.
I am looking at UA98/UA99, which has a two hour layover in MEL. I realize I have to go through immigration/customs; I will just have carry on baggage. Is the two hour layover feasible? The threads from 10 years ago suggest that it is, but I am looking for recent information. Thanks in advance! |
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
(Post 30997010)
There are a number of threads on mileage runs to Melbourne (LAX/MEL), but they're old--around 10 years.
I am looking at UA98/UA99, which has a two hour layover in MEL. I realize I have to go through immigration/customs; I will just have carry on baggage. Is the two hour layover feasible? The threads from 10 years ago suggest that it is, but I am looking for recent information. As a guess UA will be expecting to see your Au ETA to allow you to board at LAX. At MEL I am usually out on the street, with checked luggage ~20-30 minutes after aircraft door open (Au passport and QF/JQ/NZ/VA flights). But it can vary.
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It is possible but you are stretching yourself if you are not doing airside transit if you are going out normalt exit is quick but entrance can take time |
Originally Posted by Plantz
(Post 30997218)
It is possible but you are stretching yourself if you are not doing airside transit if you are going out normally exit is quick but entrance can take time UA99 looks to leave at 09:30. About the time as other international flights, including flights I often take. https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/...hts/Departures (Poor display also shows codeshares. Other airports show operating & codeshares far better) |
Originally Posted by Mwenenzi
(Post 30997169)
MEL has airside transit. Why do you think you need to go through Australian immigration & customs?
As a guess UA will be expecting to see your Au ETA to allow you to board at LAX. At MEL I am usually out on the street, with checked luggage ~20-30 minutes after aircraft door open (Au passport and QF/JQ/NZ/VA flights). But it can vary.
I thought I read in an earlier thread (2008 vintage?) that passengers had to go through immigration. There were posts about following unlit signs to a locked door, then asking some people to open it. I figured that this issue should be resolved by now, but wanted to check. United currently is offering fares from the second week in May through the second full week in June for as low as $608 r/t all in. |
Originally Posted by Plantz
(Post 30997218)
It is possible but you are stretching yourself if you are not doing airside transit if you are going out normalt exit is quick but entrance can take time Thanks for the help. |
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
(Post 30997425)
..I thought I read in an earlier thread (2008 vintage?) that passengers had to go through immigration. There were posts about following unlit signs to a locked door, then asking some people to open it. I figured that this issue should be resolved by now, but wanted to check....
Post 167 in MEL airport thread. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ocea...l#post30543963
Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
(Post 30543963)
To add to Mwenenzi's good info, at MEL international transit is often unmanned (over 50% in my experience in many international transits at MEL). There is a phone on the wall to get someone to come across from departure security, which typically takes 10-20 minutes. Makes it even harder to get back to arrivals - (1) it may be unmanned and (2) they won't take kindly to being called out for someone not actually connecting to an international departure.
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Originally Posted by Mwenenzi
(Post 30997435)
That would be the transit door, not that I have ever used it. In Au arrivals & departures are physically separate (both airside)
Post 167 in MEL airport thread. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ocea...l#post30543963 It probably sounds crazy, but I usually do back-to-back MRs to SIN. If I leave on a Sunday and return on a Tuesday, I head out again on Tuesday evening and return on Thursday. I sleep fine on the B789 and don't suffer jet lag. I brought this topic up, because I am wondering if it's worthwhile to use the option to combine the reservations, just in case something goes wrong with the first flight. I think I lucked on SIN MRs, because I have never had an issue with back-to-back flights. |
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
(Post 30997509)
It probably sounds crazy, but I usually do back-to-back MRs to SIN. If I leave on a Sunday and return on a Tuesday, I head out again on Tuesday evening and return on Thursday.
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Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
(Post 30997509)
It probably sounds crazy, but I usually do back-to-back MRs to SIN. If I leave on a Sunday and return on a Tuesday, I head out again on Tuesday evening and return on Thursday. I sleep fine on the B789 and don't suffer jet lag. I brought this topic up, because I am wondering if it's worthwhile to use the option to combine the reservations, just in case something goes wrong with the first flight. I think I lucked on SIN MRs, because I have never had an issue with back-to-back flights.
Good luck! David |
Originally Posted by DELee
(Post 30997697)
The only crazy is if you don't let others on FT know what you've learned in those back-to-back MRs as well as how this 2 hour turn works (or doesn't) in MEL.
Good luck! David |
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
(Post 30997750)
I am happy to report back. I could write a treatise on Singapore. I am pretty sure that many other FTer's are doing SFO/SIN MRs; I haven't run into anyone yet.
I suspect that a wiki will quickly be added to the thread to allow folks to let other FTs know when they're making the MRs. A similar long running thread is the UA, USA to China OJ from $303 ai, David |
Originally Posted by DELee
(Post 30997780)
Then I encourage you to start a thread, potentially in this forum, or possibly under the Singapore Forum. (I was going to suggest a trip report but that's way too narrow.)
I suspect that a wiki will quickly be added to the thread to allow folks to let other FTs know when they're making the MRs. A similar long running thread is the UA, USA to China OJ from $303 ai, David |
You need to reach out to UA1flyer I have been with Tom when he has done the 98/99 turn.
There may be different bonuses he has being GS but worth an opinion from him |
Originally Posted by Jimmie Jet
(Post 30998240)
You need to reach out to UA1flyer I have been with Tom when he has done the 98/99 turn.
There may be different bonuses he has being GS but worth an opinion from him |
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