MEL is gradually getting rid of departure express lane in favour of automated passport clearance.
I am asking this because I am flying in 4 weeks VA Syd - Melb then Melb to HKG with a 1.5 hr connection. I will be checked in the whole way through, but given the security situation, even with a 1.5 hr connection it could be tight with immigration and extra security and the line up.
However this will be helped with availability of express path obviously. Flying in J.
MEL is gradually getting rid of departure express lane in favour of automated passport clearance.
I am asking this because I am flying in 4 weeks VA Syd - Melb then Melb to HKG with a 1.5 hr connection. I will be checked in the whole way through, but given the security situation, even with a 1.5 hr connection it could be tight with immigration and extra security and the line up.
However this will be helped with availability of express path obviously. Flying in J.
1.5 hours is plenty for transit in MEL. All terminals are connected so you don't have to take that 'scenic' bus ride like you do in SYD. Instead you just walk 3-5 minutes from VA terminal to T2 right next door. Make sure they give you the express card at SYD when checking in so you can use the express lane in MEL. I usually use Express lane for security but when it comes to immigration, there's not that much difference anymore as it is all machine now instead of human. Don't forget to visit the Etihad Lounge which has a pretty cool bar and great view of the tarmac.
MEL is gradually getting rid of departure express lane in favour of automated passport clearance.
I am asking this because I am flying in 4 weeks VA Syd - Melb then Melb to HKG with a 1.5 hr connection. I will be checked in the whole way through, but given the security situation, even with a 1.5 hr connection it could be tight with immigration and extra security and the line up.
However this will be helped with availability of express path obviously. Flying in J.
1.5 hours is plenty for transit in MEL. All terminals are connected so you don't have to take that 'scenic' bus ride like you do in SYD. Instead you just walk 3-5 minutes from VA terminal to T2 right next door. Make sure they give you the express card at SYD when checking in so you can use the express lane in MEL. I usually use Express lane for security but when it comes to immigration, there's not that much difference anymore as it is all machine now instead of human. Don't forget to visit the Etihad Lounge which has a pretty cool bar and great view of the tarmac.
Forgot to mention my advice above is based on previous experiences before the new security screen procedure was introduced this week, so it could take longer now based on what the airport was like for the past few days.
Forgot to mention my advice above is based on previous experiences before the new security screen procedure was introduced this week, so it could take longer now based on what the airport was like for the past few days.
Precisely, hence confirming a Express Path does in fact exist at Melb international and can be used by VA J class tickets.
This is another kettle of fish all together, but anyone know how the TRS line at Melb international on a Wed morning say at 8:30am? Will have all the pre claim stuff done, hopefully speeds things up a bit.
jefflu88
jefflu88
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 19 May 2017
Total posts 26
Hi all,
btaus
btaus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Dec 2016
Total posts 171
MEL is gradually getting rid of departure express lane in favour of automated passport clearance.
lind26
lind26
Member since 24 Apr 2014
Total posts 231
Yes you go right instead of left when entering the departure area
jefflu88
jefflu88
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 19 May 2017
Total posts 26
jianga
jianga
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Feb 2015
Total posts 144
1.5 hours is plenty for transit in MEL. All terminals are connected so you don't have to take that 'scenic' bus ride like you do in SYD. Instead you just walk 3-5 minutes from VA terminal to T2 right next door. Make sure they give you the express card at SYD when checking in so you can use the express lane in MEL. I usually use Express lane for security but when it comes to immigration, there's not that much difference anymore as it is all machine now instead of human. Don't forget to visit the Etihad Lounge which has a pretty cool bar and great view of the tarmac.
jianga
jianga
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Feb 2015
Total posts 144
1.5 hours is plenty for transit in MEL. All terminals are connected so you don't have to take that 'scenic' bus ride like you do in SYD. Instead you just walk 3-5 minutes from VA terminal to T2 right next door. Make sure they give you the express card at SYD when checking in so you can use the express lane in MEL. I usually use Express lane for security but when it comes to immigration, there's not that much difference anymore as it is all machine now instead of human. Don't forget to visit the Etihad Lounge which has a pretty cool bar and great view of the tarmac.
Forgot to mention my advice above is based on previous experiences before the new security screen procedure was introduced this week, so it could take longer now based on what the airport was like for the past few days.
jefflu88
jefflu88
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 19 May 2017
Total posts 26
hakkinen5
hakkinen5
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 20 Aug 2014
Total posts 195
The express path line at security has already been removed.