Flight Connection Crisis

Running through an airport in a desperate bid to catch a connecting flight is not the ideal start to a well-earned holiday.

One member this week has had the departure time for a Qantas domestic flight to Sydney pushed back by fifteen minutes.  The problem is that this leaves just one hour and fifteen minutes for our member to catch a connecting international flight to Los Angeles.  Is this enough time?

Our members are divided on the issue.  Many would prefer to change the domestic flight to ensure that there is ample time at Sydney airport to transfer to the international flight.  Whilst others take a more carefree approach and suggest that there is a myriad of methods you can use to ensure the connection is made.

Our cautious members warn of the time delays which can arise due to the additional security checks for departing passengers, particularly to the US.  Further, it is a connection with absolutely no margin for error.  One member shares a similar experience whereby he made the flight, but his bags did not.  The suggestion from these members is to request that Qantas change the domestic flights (at no cost) to allow the member more breathing space and reduce the risk of missing a precious day of holidays!

On the carefree side of the fence our members provide some excellent tips to help reduce time-delays upon arrival.  Completing the outgoing passenger’s cards whilst on the domestic flight will speed up the process when on ground.  Requesting seats as close to the front of the plane as possible when checking in will ensure an efficient disembark.  Ordering duty-free online will ensure precious seconds are not wasted perusing the stores.

A word of warning from many of our experienced flyers is to avoid putting too much faith in Qantas customer service.  It is unlikely that departure will be delayed on the international flight due to the delay of a domestic service.  Check out the full story HERE.