Guys,

For those who've done it how long does it take to get through customs without guns in Sydney when coming in from LA?

THX

Mark

I have done Sydney from NZ and also from Asia. I've also done Perth on way to Joburg.

I found customs to be no different to most Western airports without guns. Do even remember it - it was that easy.

Security used to be strict like the US - remove shoes, belt etc. Not sure if they still do that. On one trip they confiscated my large nail clippers and Leatherman tool from my carry on bag - but that was 10+ years ago.

If you have no used camping equipment or dirty boots, probably less than five minutes, once you finally get there. You know the spiel. The stuff about non-weapon sharp items is a problem getting on the plane, not off.

Guys,

I guess I didn't phrase the question correctly. I should have said is 2 hours from arrival time enough to clear customs and make my flight to Melbourne. I will not have guns.

Mark

Mark,
It could be enough time, all going smoothly.
I have not personally done this but would be slightly apprehensive with a layover this short. Depends on how long queues are at passport control then how long bags take to appear at baggage claim, then if there are queues for quarantine and if they decide to check you, then how far through the airport you need to go for your connecting flight. For domestic flights I think you need to check in no later than 30 min before flight time. It helps with bags checked right through to your final destination but it might still be tight time wise. Safer to add another hour if possible. On the plus side if you miss your flight daily flights between Sydney / Melbourne are quite numerous so theoretically possible to book another flight for the same day.

Mark,

No idea about this airport.

But, if flying the same airline, two hours should be enough.

If you are changing airlines, and possibly terminals, I suggest a minimum of 3 hours.

If you have no choice about the time, it does help to get meet and greet service to expedite things.

In fact, if I am unfamiliar with the airport, I always get meet and greet service to get us through.

It has saved me numerous times.

Last week we went through Toronto airport.

The immigration lines were terrible.

We got through a separate desk with no one there at all.

Got in in 2 minutes.

2 hours cutting it close. If you where in Melbourne going to Sydney absolutely no way. That airport is crazy was just there.
You probably leaving at 1 am from LA
Make sure you get to LA 3 hours early that's where your problem will be if you have odd luggage or guns. Lots of delayed luggage out of LA to Australia

are you booked LA to Melbourne? If Melbourne is your final destination of your journey then you will be in transit in Sydney and wont have to clear Customs until you reach Melbourne.

If you’re not booked thru and clearing customs in Melbourne (staying on your inbound international flight right thru) then honestly two hours could be cutting it fine.
The international and domestic terminals at Sydney are on opposite sides of the runways so you have to connect via a bus. They usually run every 15 minutes but the process can take 30 or more all up depending on the timing. Also, clearing customs and immigration at Sydney is, like every other international port of entry, governed by how busy they are at that particular moment. So lots of planes puts lots of pressure on the system. Flights from Sydney to Melbourne are frequent. Relax and get the next one !

Guys,

Thanks so much for all the advise. I've changed my itinerary to fly direct to Brisbane from LA. I now have 2 hours 50 minutes to make the flight to Darwin. Sounds doable particularly since I'll be carrying no guns.

Mark

Mark,
you could have spent the night in Sydney and seen the place.

Adam,

There's always next time. Sorry we'll miss seeing you on this one.

Cheers,

Mark

If anything goes pear shaped in Brisbane Mark drop me a line and I'll help out if I can.

Bakes,

Thanks. I really appreciate that.

Cheers,

Mark

With or without guns it's always a good idea to avoid /Sydney International.

Going through Brisbane you can fly through Cairns and on to Darwin or Gove depending on where you are hunting and who with.

A MUCH better route.

Good luck with your hunt and a premature welcome to our country.

Mark, we made that same connection from LAX to Brisbane to Darwin WITH rifles. Due to our flight arriving in Brisbane 45 minutes late, we had just two hours to process through the airport. We made it, but it was close. You should have absolutely no problem making the Darwin flight without rifles.

SDSpink,

Thanks. I think we're good.

Mark