Hi there, I'm flying MEL - DFW via SYD in October.

Hi there,

I'm flying MEL - DFW via SYD in October. I'm wondering if I only need to get to the airport for check-in and bag drop at domestic times as my first flight is domestic, or whether I need to check-in at an International counter and get there hours beforehand?

Thanks!

Domestic check-in times should be fine for you, but allow a few extra minutes for a slightly longer check-in process. Three hours is unnecessary.

This is completely correct.

I did TSV-BNE-SYD-LHR a couple of days ago, aside from the longer acutal check-in whilst they check your passport and print your boarding passes, the actual cut-off time is as Domestic rules. I think i had a 2 hour change over once i reached SYD, which was plenty as all I had to do was tranfer terminals and go through security and passport control.

Qantas recommend at least 1 hour before if you are connecting to an international flight. I do MEL-SYD-PVG a lot. And most times they put me on an earlier flight.