Sydney-Noumea flights changed

[CLINODAVE]

Qantas changed my Sydney-Noumea flight that would cause me to miss 1st two days of New Cal Biennial.  Changed Noumea-Sydney also to couple days later, so I’d miss my return home connection back to US.  Anyone else affected by this?

[CHBobby]

Same here and the flight back is too late for my flights back to Europe

Qantas only offering flights on SAT and WED

Aircalin TUE WED THU

 

Qantas has offered 25th to 2nd which does not work at all... but not sure if there is space on other flights.

Can the IPS let us know what they are planning?

 

[KrisKupsch]

16 hours ago, CLINODAVE said:

Qantas changed my Sydney-Noumea flight that would cause me to miss 1st two days of New Cal Biennial.  Changed Noumea-Sydney also to couple days later, so I’d miss my return home connection back to US.  Anyone else affected by this?

Three people similar stories in last couple days. 

[Kim]

I had the same problem. Cancelled the Qantas reservation with full refund. Booked on Air Calin (being careful NOT to select flights operated by Qantas!). Reservation is from Brisbane to Noumea, arriving on time for the IPS Biennial. The return flight at the end of the trip is to Melbourne, easy enough to get from Melbourne to Sydney.

[peachy]

On 7/5/2024 at 2:35 PM, Kim said:

I had the same problem. Cancelled the Qantas reservation with full refund. Booked on Air Calin (being careful NOT to select flights operated by Qantas!). Reservation is from Brisbane to Noumea, arriving on time for the IPS Biennial. The return flight at the end of the trip is to Melbourne, easy enough to get from Melbourne to Sydney.

Try to spend at least 5 days in Melbourne if you can.  It's the food, culture and theatre capital of Australia.  A good place to find a nice frock too.  The Dandenong Ranges are temperate rain forests,  with the 100 metre Mountain Ash eucalypts and Dicksonia tree ferns in habitat. Lovely gardens and restaurants up there too.  On the other side of the city are the You Yang Ranges, open dry sclerophyll bushland and an easy 1 hour hike to the top that gives you views to the city, Port Philip Bay and across to Geelong. On the south side, the Mornington Peninsula goes all the way to Bass Strait, with lovely beaches all the way from the city to the Port Philip Heads. On the other side of the Peninsula is Westernport Bay (meh) but further south  are the wild surf beaches for the intrepid types.  The Botanic Gardens are quite lovely and some of the palms may surprise you. The Victorian Art Gallery is always well worth a look too. Best of all, apart from the far end of the Mornington Peninsula, nothing is further than one hour from the city.  As for Brisbane ...well the Botanic Gardens are interesting ( City and Mt Coot-tha) but nothing within 2 hours minimum to look at apart from those. ( unless you wish to experience the rapture felt by those fortunate enough to gaze upon my beauteous countenance)

Peachy

[tim_brissy_13]

I’m impacted too. My return Noumea to Sydney flight has been polished back a few days. I haven’t done anything with it yet because I’m waiting to see what happens with the whole situation. I know there are others impacted too. 

[peachy]

49 minutes ago, tim_brissy_13 said:

I’m impacted too. My return Noumea to Sydney flight has been polished back a few days. I haven’t done anything with it yet because I’m waiting to see what happens with the whole situation. I know there are others impacted too. 

Would you like a loan of my kayak ? I can drop you off with it on Bribie Island.

Peachy

[Kim]

@peachy Now I wish I had planned to spend more than 5 minutes in Melbourne! Moving on to Sydney for a brief stay. One day I'll make a dedicated trip to Australia and spend a lot more time exploring.

[Kim]

Arrrgh! Last night my Sept. 30th flight out of Noumea on Air Calin was flat out cancelled. No date change, just cancelled. This is getting very annoying. 

[peachy]

On 7/11/2024 at 2:30 AM, Kim said:

Arrrgh! Last night my Sept. 30th flight out of Noumea on Air Calin was flat out cancelled. No date change, just cancelled. This is getting very annoying. 

Tim hasn't taken up my kayak offer yet, so it's there if you need it.

Peachy

[Barry]

After seeing Kim’s post about her flight being cancelled, I decided to check my reservation on Fiji Airways. And my flights to and from Noumea have been cancelled. It seems that the Noumea airport is not stable and the flights are cancelled based on info from Noumea. They wanted to rebook me on Air Cailin, but I didn’t do it. So if all the flights to Noumea are cancelled, we are screwed. I left my flight alone for now, hoping things improve enough. But we are now just over 60+ days away!

[Barry]

Peachy 

Can you get 2 kayaks? Or 150 of them?

[bgl]

The ONLY airline currently operating in and out of Noumea (NOU) is the local airline, AirCalin. ALL other airlines have ceased service to NOU. Between the outbreak of unrest in mid May and through early July AirCalin cancelled 66% of all flights.  Service to Melbourne has been cancelled and the Tokyo service will be cancelled after Sep. 1st. Service to Sydney will be reduced from three weekly to two weekly effective July 22nd. 

The fleet consists of two Airbus A320-271Ns (NEOs) and two A350-941s. One A320 has been parked at Kuala Lumpur since March this year. The one remaining A320 is operating limited service to Nadi, Wallis, Papeete, Auckland and Brisbane.  The two A350-941s are currently operating to Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo NRT and Paris CDG.

[Kim]

This is leading me to look into spending my days in Australia... Great Barrier Reef anyone? The Daintree?

[tim_brissy_13]

I see it is now official - very sad news that the biennial has been cancelled but I’m sure it’s for the best considering the current situation in New Cal. I hope to get the chance to meet many of you in the not too distant future. 

[Cindy Adair]

I know all of us are equally disappointed and everyone is financially affected, but no other choice for the IPS to make.

I know some who can not get a refund for their flights at all. 

I am extremely fortunate that my economy flight from PR to Sydney had a few small time change notifications even before the rioting. 
 

By not replying, I am in luck in that I can get a refund on that biggest portion. Still on the hook for some commuter flights etc.

 However, I am considering exploring Australia anyway.

I read about Daintree after Kim’s post and I read all Peachy posted and I see very decent prices on Jetstar multi city bookings to maybe jump from SYD to Brisbane to Cairns, but just beginning to research. 

Melbourne too?

My only trip to Australia was a great IPS post tour to the Northern Territory and I have been wanting to return ever since. 
 

If I do head to Australia it would make my trip to get suggestions beyond the internet offerings or even to meet up with some IPS members or fellow New Cal registrants.

Please either private message me or post here. Thanks!
 

 

[Moose]

New Caledonia 🇳🇨 scratched 😱 

[Barry]

While highly disappointed, not with the IPS. This would have been my 1st Biennial to an amazing country. This is the only decision that could be made at this time, with the situation in New Caledonia . I have been trying to follow news from NC, but very limited info. Luckily my main flight is fully refundable, didn’t buy from FtMyers to LAX yet. Was waiting to see how this unfolded and glad I didn’t. Have to reassess and see what works for a trip. I hope that New Caledonia and France can settle there differences and move forward to a happy ending. This must be very difficult times in NC! I’m sure tourism is a major boost to their economy. And we know that since they have the 3rd largest Nickle deposits in the world, why France wants to hang on to the island. 

[Kim]

Huge disappointment, but nothing to compare to the problems facing people in New Caledonia. Very sad to see.

I'll be adjusting my itinerary accordingly -- spending time in Australia will be a very reasonable substitute.

[Alberto]

11 hours ago, Cindy Adair said:

I know all of us are equally disappointed and everyone is financially affected, but no other choice for the IPS to make.

I know some who can not get a refund for their flights at all. 

I am extremely fortunate that my economy flight from PR to Sydney had a few small time change notifications even before the rioting. 
 

By not replying, I am in luck in that I can get a refund on that biggest portion. Still on the hook for some commuter flights etc.

 However, I am considering exploring Australia anyway.

I read about Daintree after Kim’s post and I read all Peachy posted and I see very decent prices on Jetstar multi city bookings to maybe jump from SYD to Brisbane to Cairns, but just beginning to research. 

Melbourne too?

My only trip to Australia was a great IPS post tour to the Northern Territory and I have been wanting to return ever since. 
 

If I do head to Australia it would make my trip to get suggestions beyond the internet offerings or even to meet up with some IPS members or fellow New Cal registrants.

Please either private message me or post here. Thanks!
 

 

IPS is a bit too late.... One of my  flights (and from another brazilian) were canceled , but we could buy two other flights 😞

[tim_brissy_13]

12 hours ago, Cindy Adair said:

I know all of us are equally disappointed and everyone is financially affected, but no other choice for the IPS to make.

I know some who can not get a refund for their flights at all. 

I am extremely fortunate that my economy flight from PR to Sydney had a few small time change notifications even before the rioting. 
 

By not replying, I am in luck in that I can get a refund on that biggest portion. Still on the hook for some commuter flights etc.

 However, I am considering exploring Australia anyway.

I read about Daintree after Kim’s post and I read all Peachy posted and I see very decent prices on Jetstar multi city bookings to maybe jump from SYD to Brisbane to Cairns, but just beginning to research. 

Melbourne too?

My only trip to Australia was a great IPS post tour to the Northern Territory and I have been wanting to return ever since. 
 

If I do head to Australia it would make my trip to get suggestions beyond the internet offerings or even to meet up with some IPS members or fellow New Cal registrants.

Please either private message me or post here. Thanks!
 

 

If anyone is coming to Melbourne you’re more than welcome to visit my garden. Melbourne overall isn’t the palmiest place, but as Peachy says, it’s the entertainment and sports capital of Australia and a fun place to be in September especially during AFL finals. Also generally great food, cafes, coffee etc

[Cindy Adair]

Thank you for the kind offer Tim.

As my plans go forward if I end up heading to Melbourne I will certainly get in touch.

I am so sorry Alberto!
Perhaps you can pivot and at least use part of your ticket? 

[Daryl]

If anyone is flying into Brisbane, I am available for guided tours! See the best public and private gardens, plus local palmy rainforest...just message me if you are interested...Daryl

 

[CLINODAVE]

I tried to cancel my SYD to NOU flight on QF by calling their 1-800 #.  The QF rep advised me to wait a week or so until QF management decides whether they will extend their full refund policy for New Caledonia travel beyond 31 August.  Otherwise, no refund for my economy ticket.  Oddly enough, another member whose seat was next to mine on the SYD to NOU flight called QF and got told he is getting a full refund.  Glad for him, of course, but frustrated at inconsistency in their policy.

[bgl]

Dave,

Try again. I have found out from numerous personal experiences over the years (with different airlines) that the individual agents have quite a bit of leeway with decisions like this. Wait a day or so and call the QF 800 number and don't mention that you already tried.  Nothing to lose!

Bo-Göran

[peachy]

On 7/14/2024 at 10:13 AM, Kim said:

This is leading me to look into spending my days in Australia... Great Barrier Reef anyone? The Daintree?

Go to Melbourne. The snow resorts are open now, great skiing and only 3 hours from the city.  The Barrier Reef will cost a fortune (that's why everyone here goes to Bali, it's cheaper) but the reef is fading fast so it could be your last chance to see it. Dreadful about New Caledonia but better to be safe than sorry.

Peachy

[CLINODAVE]

I will keep trying to get QF to do a cancel/refund for my SYD-NOU segments.  As Bo suggested, maybe a different agent will permit this.  I did already call a second time to pursue this, altho she knew I’d already spoken with one of their agents earlier.

[bgl]

Dave,

Just sent you a PM.

Bo-Göran

[dbsa]

Well if any of you decide to spend more time on Oz, and venture further to Adelaide (wine, hiking, food), we have a good palm collection in the Arboretum here, and a good selection at the Botanic Gardens. Happy to offer to catch up and be tour guide. Adelaide is a bit off the beaten track, but smaller and more manageable than the other big cities.

My flights were credited as Qantas changed them so much they were not possible (flying to Brisbane at the same time as flying to Sydney, then NC).

I am a bit disappointed about not going, would have been my second trip to NC. This trip would have taken me to all the out of the way bits that are hard to do solo. 

[Kim]

23 hours ago, peachy said:

Go to Melbourne. The snow resorts are open now, great skiing and only 3 hours from the city.  The Barrier Reef will cost a fortune (that's why everyone here goes to Bali, it's cheaper) but the reef is fading fast so it could be your last chance to see it. Dreadful about New Caledonia but better to be safe than sorry.

Peachy

I feel like this is my big chance to dive the GBR. If it costs, it costs, I'll have to make it work. I do love the sound of Melbourne, but there are certain things I can only do for so long -- the body is giving big hints -- and diving is one of them.  Oh, skiing? Haven't snowboarded for nearly 20 years. I think that ship has sailed. 😂

[Alberto]

On 7/20/2024 at 10:16 PM, Daryl said:

If anyone is flying into Brisbane, I am available for guided tours! See the best public and private gardens, plus local palmy rainforest...just message me if you are interested...Daryl

 

Sounds very interesting!

[BS Man about Palms]

I had booked/planned on doing ALL of the biennial.. from Sept 18th to Oct.5th... yeah.. a lot of outlay..  
But good or bad, unlike others all around me, my AirCalin reservations from Day one have yet to be cancelled.  I am not sure whether to try to get refund, wait, modify and make a new trip, but I was flying into Sydney, then Noumea, but out to Fiji then home. 

Not sure whether to wait and see if cancelled, or start planning a long..or short vacation or what.

But as a giant New Cal biennial fan...I'm sad.

[BS Man about Palms]

On 7/13/2024 at 11:38 AM, bgl said:

The ONLY airline currently operating in and out of Noumea (NOU) is the local airline, AirCalin. ALL other airlines have ceased service to NOU. Between the outbreak of unrest in mid May and through early July AirCalin cancelled 66% of all flights.  Service to Melbourne has been cancelled and the Tokyo service will be cancelled after Sep. 1st. Service to Sydney will be reduced from three weekly to two weekly effective July 22nd. 

The fleet consists of two Airbus A320-271Ns (NEOs) and two A350-941s. One A320 has been parked at Kuala Lumpur since March this year. The one remaining A320 is operating limited service to Nadi, Wallis, Papeete, Auckland and Brisbane.  The two A350-941s are currently operating to Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo NRT and Paris CDG.

I am not sure if waiting a while is best as I'm not sure how Air Calin will whether this storm.
Currently, Quatas was flying me to Sydney and Fiji Airways back from Fiji (Both via AirCalin booking)

[bgl]

Bill,

First of all, I am so sorry that you (and many others) are going to miss out on the incredible New Caledonia experience. I know how much this meant to you. I was not signed up for the Biennial myself, but for reasons that I'm sure you are aware of, I have been keeping close tabs of what's going on in New Caledonia in general and also, more specifically, how this has impacted airline services to and from Noumea. There has been no change since my post above (of July 13th). Other than the occasional charter flight (by other operators), AirCalin remains the only airline with scheduled service to and from Noumea. Today (which is Wednesday July 24th in New Cal) AirCalin has two scheduled arrivals, one from Singapore and one from Nadi, both with their A330-941s. Incidentally, above I referred to them as A350-941s but they are in fact A330-941s - both widebodies and very similar.

Unless there is some dramatic change in New Caledonia with increased unrest I would expect AirCalin to continue to operate as they currently are and the likelihood of AirCalin canceling the flight(s) you're on is probably fairly small. If I were you I would not assume a cancellation and would act accordingly. In other words, proactively contact them and change my plans.

Best of luck!  

Bo-Göran

 

[happypalms]

On 7/19/2024 at 9:37 AM, Cindy Adair said:

I know all of us are equally disappointed and everyone is financially affected, but no other choice for the IPS to make.

I know some who can not get a refund for their flights at all. 

I am extremely fortunate that my economy flight from PR to Sydney had a few small time change notifications even before the rioting. 
 

By not replying, I am in luck in that I can get a refund on that biggest portion. Still on the hook for some commuter flights etc.

 However, I am considering exploring Australia anyway.

I read about Daintree after Kim’s post and I read all Peachy posted and I see very decent prices on Jetstar multi city bookings to maybe jump from SYD to Brisbane to Cairns, but just beginning to research. 

Melbourne too?

My only trip to Australia was a great IPS post tour to the Northern Territory and I have been wanting to return ever since. 
 

If I do head to Australia it would make my trip to get suggestions beyond the internet offerings or even to meet up with some IPS members or fellow New Cal registrants.

Please either private message me or post here. Thanks!
 

 

Hi Cindy that’s not good news about New Caledonia but you still have the chocolate shop in Sydney along with the botanical gardens in Sydney and as for road tripping fly up to Coffs Harbour hire a car and Australia is yours head over to Bellingen then head up to the world heritage national park at Dorrigo  for the sky walk and the waterfalls plus you will see  thousands of linospadix monostachya in habitat a site to believe the forest floor covered with them along with some amazing rainforest trees then head up to Byron bay it’s a must do along with visiting the Hippies in Nimbin and the little villages in the area like Bangalow then hit the tweed coast for some fun in Coolangatta hitting the Gold Coast for a bit of bling then drive to Brisbane airport and fly up to cairns it’s a long drive then hire a car in cairns try to make plans to visit equatorial exotics Chris and Arden for your palmy plant addiction they certainly have some amazing stuff they can steer you in the right direction from there and if your in the area of Happypalms drop in your more than welcome for a tour iam only two minutes of the M1 national road to Brisbane from Coffs Harbour its about a three and a half hour drive to Brisbane but you will be road  tripping so as long as you like but 4 days is definitely enough time needed and enjoy Australia I know we do.

[Yardarvco]

I’ve had similar experiences with flight changes that messed up my plans. So, I know how you feel about it.