Qantas: all-day check-in for international flights from Sydney
By David Flynn, January 15 2014
Qantas has extended its trial of all-day check-in at Sydney Airport's T1 international terminal into the new year, giving travellers the opportunity to arrive for their international flight at any time during the day instead of being restricted to the standard 'three hours before departure' window.
The arrangement covers travellers with checked luggage in addition to those flying with only carry-on bags.
However, a Qantas spokeswoman says the trial of the program – officially described as being for the "early acceptance of baggage" – will be "reviewed shortly".
Let's hope the scheme stays in place, as if offers travellers a far more flexible way to plan for their departure. This can include skirting Sydney's peak-hour traffic or simply arriving earlier to spend more time in the lounge and finalise some work before your flight.
The trial has been restricted to Sydney, but should it get the green light from Qantas management we know many flyers in Melbourne, Brisbane and other cities would love to enjoy the same degree of flexibility.
Read: Expert tips to make the most of the Qantas First Class Lounge
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
21 Feb 2012
Total posts 40
So, if you have a flight departing in the evening, just get there at 9am, and enjoy the QF F Lounge for the whole day.
Sounds awesome
16 Dec 2011
Total posts 49
Not sure if you are joking or not ?
While I love the lounge, I'd rather stay home for the day rather than sitting at the airport. for 9 hours.
21 Feb 2012
Total posts 40
Haha, I was being serious, but its something I don't really get a chance to do.
I'm Ex-CBR, so I get a few hours in the lounge until a connecting flight.
But to be honest, being a 25 year old, single male, I would love to spend time, with a guest (or 2 other friends flying in First/WP), in the First lounge, The Wi-Fi is faster than my house, the bathrooms sparkle more than my house, plus the added bonus of a complimentary Rockpool/Bar 10 steps away and massages, is too hard to pass up.
Can't wait til end of the month, going to LA on QF11 in F, with my mum.
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
gotta love thinking 'outside the norm'..hope your F trip is a great one for you and your mum..'enjoy the journey'
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Oct 2012
Total posts 149
I think it's a great idea
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
I'm also ex-CBR and last time I flew to DFW I took an earlier flight to SYD to allow me to spend more time in the SYD F lounge. Think I had just over 4 hrs there. Bliss.
21 Apr 2011
Total posts 42
Another CBR based flyer here. Often fly CX ex-SYD, often on the last departure of the day. Have hit the lounge as early as 10AM on one occasion for a nice 12 hours in the lounge. Although half that time was spent getting some work done in one of the two available "offices". Sure beats trying to get university assignments done at home with the associated distractions.
That said, not something I'd want to do once in a blue moon.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Aug 2013
Total posts 138
I find it hilarious that (like my good self, who is now a Platinum with AA) this flyer in the photo has decided to send his/her points for the QF flight to their AA frequent flyer account! It may however, have been an AA redemption flight, as it is vastly better value redeeming AAdvantage points for a QF F flight, rather than redeeming for same using QFF points.
For the record, I too would spend several hours in the F lounge too if it ends up extending to MEL. Makes me somewhat of a dick, but I am with you on that call, spentan!
Qantas P1
18 Jan 2012
Total posts 73
Can't think of anything worst than spending a day at the airport. Some people have too much time! Yes I enjoy the F lounge but not at the expense of working hard or enjoying time with my friends and family! I can see how it would be attractive to some.
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
which it is why it's good to see QF trying to make the airport 'experience' more flexible for more of its pax....ummm many international pax dont actually live/work in syd (oz)
22 Jun 2013
Total posts 95
Curious, how does one fly First to Bangkok onboard Qantas. Qantas doesn't fly A380s to Bangkok does it? And all the 747s have been made into Business at the point end, no? Someone please enlighten me
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
i havent seen BKK previously mentioned on this topic/ thread
04 Nov 2010
Total posts 670
Undertheradar: I think Trevor is talking about the photo for this article.
Trevor: maybe the boarding pass shown in the photo for this article is from a flight back when QF did have First Class to Bangkok?
11 Apr 2012
Total posts 55
But that was QF1.
The boarding pass looks like QF23, which AFAIK never had F.
04 Nov 2010
Total posts 670
The SYD-BKK flight was renumbered from QF1 to QF23 in early 2012. And anyway, QF23 must have had First at some stage because there's a photo of the boarding pass.
11 Apr 2012
Total posts 55
Yes, I believe you're correct, I checked back and it did keep the 747 for a few months after the change of flight number.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Nov 2012
Total posts 68
This is a great convenience, especially if you can link up with a friend/s, where else can you have all you can eat fine food and all you can drink fine wine/champagne. Like being in an all-inclusive resort. A great place to hold a party towards the back near the library.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Time to catch up with the times Qantas.
QFF Gold QC gold
26 Nov 2012
Total posts 56
I see this as a negative thing with the lounge filling up with more users who spend more time in them? The business lounge is usually quite full, this will make it worse.
As for rolling it out at other airports, I would imagine it depends on each airports baggage handling system. Not all systems can handle baggage being stored for a long period of time.
12 Feb 2013
Total posts 5
Could someone please confirm if early check in is still available?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jul 2015
Total posts 2
If anyone was wondering if all day checkin is still available in Sydney; I just had confirmation from the staff at the Qantas Lounge that it is :-)
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