Minimum Two-Hour Layover…
Overheard at the Port Moresby JAX Air Niugini ticketing counter…
if you booked your tickets online and did not leave yourself at least 2 hours for your layover to transfer from an International to a Domestic flight – the airline may not be responsible when you don’t make your connection. They could charge to re-book you and not provide an accommodation voucher.
On the day I heard this, they did end up re-booking the passengers without charge for a later, same-day flight when they missed their connection. The travelers had booked with a 1 hour 10 min. layover but their international flight was 1/2 hour late. Again, check-in counters may close a flight 45 minutes before departure.
Something to consider…just saying.
Shrinking Layovers in Port Moresby
We are seeing a trend with airport layovers here in Port Moresby that you should be aware of as you travel through. When booking your international flight and your domestic connection, take into consideration that it may take you an hour to an hour and a half to get through Immigration and Customs. On some days there are multiple flights landing at the same time and flooding the Immigration and Customs lines. After clearing all that, you’ll make your way to the Transfer counter (and possibly wait in line there too) so you can check in for your domestic flight. The big problem we’re finding is that more often they’re boarding those domestic flights early. So a 2-hour layover has shrunk by an hour before you even get to the transfer desk, and another 15 minutes in the Transfer line. Once you get to the counter you could find that your flight is full and already loading. Even though you thought you had enough time with 45 minutes before your domestic flight is due to leave, they may not have a boarding pass left for you. If they do check you through, get straight down to the domestic terminal departure lounge if you are within 45 minutes to an hour before the departure time listed.
Book your flights wisely and choose a longer layover if at all possible.
Nadi, Fiji – Layover
We enjoy layovers in Nadi, Fiji. It breaks up the long 13 hour flight and there is a mall at the international airport terminal. The exchange rate has been very good (like F1.00 = .60 US), but you have to save baggage weight and space if you plan to buy very much.
We had an extended layover (added an hour) due to another flight being behind schedule, but all went smooth and professional.
traveling to png 