AA/QF LAX-SYD-MEL Connection
Aug 3, 2018, 6:05 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 93
AA/QF LAX-SYD-MEL Connection
Hi everyone,
I was wondering if I could get some advice about int'l to domestic connections through SYD. I am arriving from LAX on AA and I have 1h45 to connect to a domestic QF flight (all other options were super expensive). I am aware I need to get through immigration, customs, baggage transfer, the bus, and security as well (I might be missing something). I have never flown through Sydney before so I am a bit nervous about making it. Should I be proactive and phone AA to see if I can change to a later QF flight? Thanks for your help!
I was wondering if I could get some advice about int'l to domestic connections through SYD. I am arriving from LAX on AA and I have 1h45 to connect to a domestic QF flight (all other options were super expensive). I am aware I need to get through immigration, customs, baggage transfer, the bus, and security as well (I might be missing something). I have never flown through Sydney before so I am a bit nervous about making it. Should I be proactive and phone AA to see if I can change to a later QF flight? Thanks for your help!
Aug 3, 2018, 7:39 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
Process is:
If you are running late, it will be at the seamless connection facility where you recheck your bags where they would rebook you on a later flight.
- immigration, (after which you collect your bags and head to ...)
- customs, (after which you enter the landside arrivals hall, head to the right and follow the signs along to the end and find the 'seamless' connection facility outside where you recheck your luggage at the ...)
- baggage transfer, (after which you do ...)
- security and (wait for)
- the bus (to take you to T3 from where you find your gate [or the Qantas business lounge if you have time]).
If you are running late, it will be at the seamless connection facility where you recheck your bags where they would rebook you on a later flight.
Aug 3, 2018, 8:10 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,994
As above on 1 ticket will not be a problem.
Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport
Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport
Aug 4, 2018, 1:58 am
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
It generally takes about 1 hour to do all that and get from int'l to domestic terminal, so an easy connection if your flight lands on time. Easier than similar connection at LHR or even JFK ime.
Aug 6, 2018, 12:19 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: mostly MEL
Programs: QF WP LTG, HHonors Diamond, NZ Gold
Posts: 1,750
Sep 11, 2018, 7:06 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 93
For future reference, I was able to do this connection with two checked bags and two carryon bags fairly easily with about 20-30 minutes to spare. The LAX flight arrived on time and neither the immigration nor customs lines were long. Thanks again for the advice.
Sep 13, 2018, 2:37 am
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
UK does have the quaint system of customs watching you at your destination domestic airport behind one-way mirrors and CCTV along with selecting bags to inspect prior to baggage delivery (which can delay your domestic arrival quite substantially). I've been waiting for 20 years for LHR to fix their security line length, so I expect it wont improve in my lifetieme. SYD/MEL are pretty fast by comparison, even when under high load.
Sep 13, 2018, 3:08 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
This "quaint" system is everywhere in the UK, not just after a connection to an onward domestic flight, and it means that for most passengers there are no queues to exit customs and therefore a speedier exit. Unlike in the US, for example, where the reliance on the collection of paper often constitutes a significant additional bottleneck in the process of getting out of any airport after an international arrival, adding to the misery after already enduring immigration queues.