Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport
Feb 23, 2018, 2:26 pm
#391
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: United
Posts: 1
Sydney to Fiji International Transfer
We are traveling through Sydney (United) and then onto to Fiji (Virgin Australia). United flight is set to arrive at 7am and Virgin flight to Nadi, Fiji is at 8:30am. Is this reasonable for an international transfer within the same terminal, T1? Are there any VIP meet and greet services that can help with the transfer?
Please help! We've never been through SYD before and have no idea what to expect.
Please help! We've never been through SYD before and have no idea what to expect.
Feb 23, 2018, 2:45 pm
#392
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
Jaime Brochu Welcome to FT
Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport Click to open the wiki.
Is the UA flight and the VA flight on the same PNR/reservation?
If 1 PNR the risk is not yours. But may may be tight, but they would not have sold if below the MCT (min connection time). Does not allow for much delay in the UA flight, but should be OK. You stay airside and do not formally enter Australia. Just go through the transit door. At 07:00 SYD is very busy with many incoming wide body long haul flights arriving.
100's to 1000's of people do airside connections every day. No "VIP help" that I am aware of. If you are a "VIP", you would not need to ask.
If separate tickets you will want/need to get to get UA to interline baggage.
That may not work UA Bag Interlining If Separate Tix with *A Partners (YES) & Non *A Partners (NO)
If separate tickets and you need to go landside to check in, you may or may not make the VA flight.
Will depend on time to get through immigration, customs & quarantine.
Depending on your passport you may need an Au transit visa or a full visa if going land side
Fiji Airlines fly LAX-Fiji non stop: a better option?
We are traveling through Sydney (United) and then onto to Fiji (Virgin Australia). United flight is set to arrive at 7am and Virgin flight to Nadi, Fiji is at 8:30am. Is this reasonable for an international transfer within the same terminal, T1? Are there any VIP meet and greet services that can help with the transfer?
Please help! We've never been through SYD before and have no idea what to expect.
Please help! We've never been through SYD before and have no idea what to expect.
Is the UA flight and the VA flight on the same PNR/reservation?
If 1 PNR the risk is not yours. But may may be tight, but they would not have sold if below the MCT (min connection time). Does not allow for much delay in the UA flight, but should be OK. You stay airside and do not formally enter Australia. Just go through the transit door. At 07:00 SYD is very busy with many incoming wide body long haul flights arriving.
100's to 1000's of people do airside connections every day. No "VIP help" that I am aware of. If you are a "VIP", you would not need to ask.
If separate tickets you will want/need to get to get UA to interline baggage.
That may not work UA Bag Interlining If Separate Tix with *A Partners (YES) & Non *A Partners (NO)
If separate tickets and you need to go landside to check in, you may or may not make the VA flight.
Will depend on time to get through immigration, customs & quarantine.
Depending on your passport you may need an Au transit visa or a full visa if going land side
Fiji Airlines fly LAX-Fiji non stop: a better option?
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Feb 23, 2018 at 7:10 pm Reason: fixing UA link
Mar 10, 2018, 9:53 pm
#394
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,157
(It looks like someone updated the Wiki, but didn't actually mention it here, so...)
The T-bus between terminals is now free! That's right - Sydney has now left the ranks of third-world airports where you actually need to pay to transfer between terminals!
The QF or VA buses will still generally remain a better option if you're eligible for them (with the possible exception of D->I where TBus could be faster than the VA bus), but it's good to finally have a free option for everyone.
The T-bus between terminals is now free! That's right - Sydney has now left the ranks of third-world airports where you actually need to pay to transfer between terminals!
The QF or VA buses will still generally remain a better option if you're eligible for them (with the possible exception of D->I where TBus could be faster than the VA bus), but it's good to finally have a free option for everyone.
Mar 16, 2018, 4:33 am
#395
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,357
Domestic to International Connection QF-->QR
Having read through all the useful information, could I confirm:
Arrive SYD from CBR @ 1810 on a Monday. Connecting to QR 909 @ 2100. J class both flights, and on separate PNR's. My wife and I will have 3-4 suitcases plus hand luggage.
When we arrive into SYD T3, we can either take a taxi or an Uber to T1. While the taxi drivers may not like it, it will be easier then using the train.
I am assuming we will not be able to through check our luggage (interline) from CBR to NBO (via SYD, DOH) or QF/QR.
Would the above be correct?
TIA
Arrive SYD from CBR @ 1810 on a Monday. Connecting to QR 909 @ 2100. J class both flights, and on separate PNR's. My wife and I will have 3-4 suitcases plus hand luggage.
When we arrive into SYD T3, we can either take a taxi or an Uber to T1. While the taxi drivers may not like it, it will be easier then using the train.
I am assuming we will not be able to through check our luggage (interline) from CBR to NBO (via SYD, DOH) or QF/QR.
Would the above be correct?
TIA
Mar 16, 2018, 5:00 am
#396
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
QF will not interline to QR on separate PNR's. You can ask polity, but expect to be declined
QF- no checking of luggage separate itineraries from 1 Sep [2016 some exceptions]
https://www.qantas.com/agents/dyn/qf...hecked-baggage (click "through checked baggage")
There is also a free landside bus T3/T2 to T1.
A taxi driver will not be happy, but they should not refuse a fare. They can wait a long time. Would be the 1 time where a good tip would help.
If on the off chance QF CBR do interline checked baggage you can get the (free) QF airside bus from Gate 15 (inside security) to T1.
Before the silly "no interlining on separate tickets" was introduced it would have been easy.
QF- no checking of luggage separate itineraries from 1 Sep [2016 some exceptions]
https://www.qantas.com/agents/dyn/qf...hecked-baggage (click "through checked baggage")
There is also a free landside bus T3/T2 to T1.
A taxi driver will not be happy, but they should not refuse a fare. They can wait a long time. Would be the 1 time where a good tip would help.
If on the off chance QF CBR do interline checked baggage you can get the (free) QF airside bus from Gate 15 (inside security) to T1.
Before the silly "no interlining on separate tickets" was introduced it would have been easy.
Mar 16, 2018, 5:15 am
#397
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,357
QF will not interline to QR on separate PNR's. You can ask polity, but expect to be declined
QF- no checking of luggage separate itineraries from 1 Sep [2016 some exceptions]
https://www.qantas.com/agents/dyn/qf...hecked-baggage (click "through checked baggage")
There is also a free landside bus T3/T2 to T1.
A taxi driver will not be happy, but they should not refuse a fare. They can wait a long time. Would be the 1 time where a good tip would help.
If on the off chance QF CBR do interline checked baggage you can get the (free) QF airside bus from Gate 15 (inside security) to T1.
Before the silly "no interlining on separate tickets" was introduced it would have been easy.
QF- no checking of luggage separate itineraries from 1 Sep [2016 some exceptions]
https://www.qantas.com/agents/dyn/qf...hecked-baggage (click "through checked baggage")
There is also a free landside bus T3/T2 to T1.
A taxi driver will not be happy, but they should not refuse a fare. They can wait a long time. Would be the 1 time where a good tip would help.
If on the off chance QF CBR do interline checked baggage you can get the (free) QF airside bus from Gate 15 (inside security) to T1.
Before the silly "no interlining on separate tickets" was introduced it would have been easy.
May 21, 2018, 7:40 pm
#398
Join Date: May 2017
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 369
I'm flying SYD-NAN later this week on FJ in Y. I'm oneworld Emerald (AA Executive Platinum) and understand I can access the Express Path security through that, but don't think I will based on my FJ flight. Is it possible to stop by an AA or QF counter and get an Express Path pass on account of my oneworld Emerald status even through I'm flying FJ?
May 21, 2018, 7:48 pm
#399
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
I'm flying SYD-NAN later this week on FJ in Y. I'm oneworld Emerald (AA Executive Platinum) and understand I can access the Express Path security through that, but don't think I will based on my FJ flight. Is it possible to stop by an AA or QF counter and get an Express Path pass on account of my oneworld Emerald status even through I'm flying FJ?
As you are not flying a Oneworld airline you do not have an express path pass entitlement due to OW status.
But if you want to wait in the QF Y queue you could ask. Or the AA queue if it is open.
Anyway, an express path pass is no great advantage in my experience. Security line keeps moving.
Then if an eligible e-passport Smartgate. Smartgate at Australia & NZ immigration
Last edited by Mwenenzi; May 21, 2018 at 9:28 pm
May 22, 2018, 1:16 am
#400
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,222
Not really a SYD airport question.
As you are not flying a Oneworld airline you do not have an express path pass entitlement due to OW status.
But if you want to wait in the QF Y queue you could ask. Or the AA queue if it is open.
Anyway, an express path pass is no great advantage in my experience. Security line keeps moving.
Then if an eligible e-passport Smartgate. Smartgate at Australia & NZ immigration
As you are not flying a Oneworld airline you do not have an express path pass entitlement due to OW status.
But if you want to wait in the QF Y queue you could ask. Or the AA queue if it is open.
Anyway, an express path pass is no great advantage in my experience. Security line keeps moving.
Then if an eligible e-passport Smartgate. Smartgate at Australia & NZ immigration
In my experience there has always been a huge line for security and a very short wait for the express pass. Don't even try going through the express route without a pass. I momentarily lost my pass and showed them my SQ Suites boarding pass and they told me that wasn't enough and I'd have to go over to the regular massive line without it. I had a DYKWIA moment and said I refuse to go over there until finally she relented. I found it after I had taken about 5 steps through security.
Jun 21, 2018, 3:59 pm
#401
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Florida
Programs: AA 2 MM, AA Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 62
I will be departing SYD on AA 72 for LAX and will be in business class. I will be staying the night before at Sydney Marriott at Circular Quay. Is it okay for me to leave the Marriott by taxi at 7:15 am to make it comfortably on the flight? I believe there is express immigration clearance for Business Class passengers or am I mistaken? Should I be leaving earlier or is 7:15 am departure from Marriott reasonable? Thanks.
Jun 21, 2018, 4:07 pm
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
I will be departing SYD on AA 72 for LAX and will be in business class. I will be staying the night before at Sydney Marriott at Circular Quay. Is it okay for me to leave the Marriott by taxi at 7:15 am to make it comfortably on the flight? I believe there is express immigration clearance for Business Class passengers or am I mistaken? Should I be leaving earlier or is 7:15 am departure from Marriott reasonable? Thanks.
So 3:00hr before your flight departs.
At 07:15 you will be in the peak of the morning traffic snarl.
At that time the train may be quicker and you would be going the opposite direction to most people.
Jun 21, 2018, 4:22 pm
#403
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Florida
Programs: AA 2 MM, AA Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 62
I will have too much luggage to take the train. I will need to take a taxi. Should I be leaving earlier? Thanks.
Last edited by sgh; Jun 21, 2018 at 4:22 pm Reason: spelling
Jun 21, 2018, 5:55 pm
#404
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: RSE
Programs: AA Exp|VA Platinum
Posts: 15,504
Leaving at 7:15 will give you ample time to make the sixty minute cut-off. Terminal 1 at SYD can be congested early morning because there is a big chunk of flights coming and going. That's the congestion to worry more about than Southern Cross Drive or the Eastern Distributor. Worst case it'll take you an hour or so, best case 20 minutes.
Jun 22, 2018, 2:31 am
#405
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,222
I will be departing SYD on AA 72 for LAX and will be in business class. I will be staying the night before at Sydney Marriott at Circular Quay. Is it okay for me to leave the Marriott by taxi at 7:15 am to make it comfortably on the flight? I believe there is express immigration clearance for Business Class passengers or am I mistaken? Should I be leaving earlier or is 7:15 am departure from Marriott reasonable? Thanks.
I like Rydges Airport Hotel as it is 5 mins walk from international terminal. I found some other airport hotels wouldn't pick me up as the trip was so short. The trip from circular quay would be worth their time.