{
  "response": {
    "Key": "CNS-MEL",
    "orig": {
      "code": "CNS",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Cairns",
      "fullCity": "Cairns, Australia",
      "airport": "Cairns Intl Airport"
    },
    "dest": {
      "code": "MEL",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Melbourne",
      "fullCity": "Melbourne, Australia",
      "airport": "Melbourne Intl Airport"
    },
    "faq": {
      "q0": {
        "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "The flight from Cairns to Melbourne is about 1,440 miles and typically takes 3 hours 30 minutes nonstop. Returning from Melbourne, the flight is slightly shorter at about 3 hours 25 minutes due to prevailing winds.",
        "methodology": "Flight times and distances come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Yes, three airlines fly nonstop from Cairns to Melbourne daily: Jetstar (JQ), Virgin Australia (VA), and Qantas (QF). Together they offer around 197 weekly nonstop flights, with departures spread throughout the day from just after midnight to late evening. The flight takes about 3.5 hours and is typically operated with Airbus A320-family or Boeing 737-800 aircraft.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold. Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg. Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines",
          "flight_schedule",
          "redeye_flights",
          "route_aircraft"
        ]
      },
      "q3": {
        "question": "What are the ground transportation options in Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Melbourne Airport offers taxis, rideshare (Uber, Ola, Didi, GoCatch), car rentals, and the SkyBus express bus to the city center. SkyBus runs every 10 minutes, 24/7, and is the most-used option, taking 20–40 minutes to Southern Cross Station. Taxis are about 35 minutes and cost around $55–65. Rideshare picks up from designated forecourt or T4 hub areas with a $4.48 airport surcharge. A direct rail link is under construction but not yet available.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/help-information",
            "title": "Help & Information | Melbourne Airport | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2025-08-11T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/contact-us",
            "title": "Contact Us | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Airport_Rail",
            "title": "Melbourne Airport Rail",
            "time_published": "2026-07-03T07:03:34Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne%20Airport%20Rail",
            "title": "Melbourne Airport Rail",
            "time_published": "2026-04-04T08:44:38Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/terminal-3-guide",
            "title": "Terminal 3 | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2025-10-27T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Overnight red-eye flights are available nonstop from Cairns to Melbourne. Jetstar operates daily departures around 9:35–9:40 PM, and Virgin Australia runs daily red-eyes at 9:00 PM and 11:55 PM. The 9 PM-ish flights arrive in the early hours, while the 11:55 PM Virgin Australia departure lands after midnight in the early morning.",
        "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "redeye_flights"
        ]
      },
      "q7": {
        "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas all fly non‑stop from Cairns to Melbourne. Jetstar operates the most flights at about 110 per week, Virgin Australia offers around 57 weekly departures, and Qantas runs roughly 30 flights a week. All three carriers have daily service with multiple departure times throughout the day.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q8": {
        "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Cairns and Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Common layover cities between Cairns and Melbourne include Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra. Brisbane and Sydney offer the most frequent connections and shortest diversions, keeping total travel time competitive. Canberra is a smaller but efficient hub with quick transfers. All are domestic, so no visa or transit requirements apply."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "March to May and October to November offer mild, sunny weather and fewer tourists than summer."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "For domestic flights within Australia, bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport, ensure your name matches the ticket, and have a payment method for any baggage fees. No visa or vaccination certificates are required, but check state entry rules."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Melbourne has two main airports. Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the primary international and domestic hub, about 20 km northwest of the city centre, serving all major airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia. Avalon Airport (AVV) is 55 km southwest, used mainly by low‑cost carrier Jetstar for domestic flights, and is farther from downtown and popular attractions."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to Cairns Intl Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From Cairns city center, you can reach Cairns Airport (CNS) by public bus routes 110/110N, which run frequently and take about 20–30 minutes. Shuttle buses and ride‑share services like Uber are also readily available, offering door‑to‑door convenience. Taxis provide a direct, metered trip, and driving yourself with parking at the airport is an option. The bus is the most affordable and popular choice, while a taxi or ride‑share is fastest outside peak traffic.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns%20railway%20station",
            "title": "Cairns railway station",
            "time_published": "2024-12-05T01:28:28Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns%20City",
            "title": "Cairns City",
            "time_published": "2026-04-12T21:58:10Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?diff=prev&oldid=1329198835&title=Townsville_Airport",
            "title": "Townsville Airport: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia",
            "time_published": "2025-12-24T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Townsville_Airport&diff=prev&oldid=1339401198",
            "title": "Townsville Airport: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia",
            "time_published": "2026-02-08T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_Convention_Centre",
            "title": "Cairns Convention Centre",
            "time_published": "2026-02-11T08:48:06Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Melbourne airport?",
        "answer": "Melbourne Airport (MEL) has two on-site hotels: the Novotel Melbourne Airport and the ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, both located steps from Terminal 4 within the airport precinct and accessible by a short walk from all terminals. They offer a range of amenities including restaurants, a gym, pool, and coworking spaces, with no shuttle required. No capsule hotels or sleeping pods are available, but the terminals have some quiet areas for resting, though seating is limited and T4 closes overnight.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/melbourne-tullamarine-airport-guide.htm",
            "title": "Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide (MEL) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-04-13T20:22:26Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/oceania/melbourne.htm",
            "title": "Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide (MEL) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-05-30T00:53:58Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://meetings.accor.com/hotel/B329/index.en.shtml",
            "title": "ibis Styles Melbourne Airport - Meetings",
            "time_published": "2026-03-17T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://careers.accor.com/br/pt/job/guest-service-agent-in-novotel-melbourne-airport-melbourne-airport-austra-jid-97448",
            "title": "Guest Service Agent job in Novotel Melbourne Airport, Melbourne Airport, Australia | Accor BR PT",
            "time_published": "2026-06-04T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/works-commence-on-new-airport-hotel",
            "title": "Works commence on new airport hotel",
            "time_published": "2025-10-06T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://all.accor.com/B327",
            "title": "Novotel Melbourne Airport - ALL",
            "time_published": "2026-06-11T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Melbourne Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "Melbourne Airport has currency exchange offices and multi-currency ATMs located throughout the International Terminal (Terminal 2). There are two multi-denominational prayer rooms open 24/7: one on the ground floor between Terminals 2 and 3, and another in Terminal 2 after security opposite Cafe Sol. Free Wi‑Fi is available across the airport, though specific details on access are not listed.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/facilities-services",
            "title": "Facilities & services | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2025-02-11T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/?__cf_chl_tk=6LmkBpvVMsbic6rVoiv0.kAqDKx_zGl6iRLCllsuuuo-1722764972-0.0.1.1-4521",
            "title": "Melbourne Airport - Flight Information, Shopping & Parking | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-02-24T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne%20Airport",
            "title": "Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-23T22:44:14Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Airport_(suburb)",
            "title": "Melbourne Airport (suburb)",
            "time_published": "2025-07-19T16:54:16Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/facilities-services-in-the-airport",
            "title": "Facilities & Services | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2023-03-09T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "On the nonstop Cairns to Melbourne route, the most common aircraft are the Boeing 737-800 (flown by Qantas and Virgin Australia) and the Airbus A320-100 (Jetstar), with Jetstar also deploying the Airbus A321-200 Neo on some flights. Specific aircraft can vary by day and airline, and connecting itineraries — typically via Brisbane or Sydney — may involve Embraer 190s, Airbus A220-200s, or Boeing 737 MAX 8s on one leg. In-flight Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment are widely available on these domestic Australian routes, though the exact offering depends on the carrier and aircraft.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_aircraft"
        ]
      },
      "q18": {
        "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Nonstop flights from Cairns to Melbourne are operated by Jetstar (JQ), Virgin Australia (VA), and Qantas (QF). Qantas is a member of Oneworld, while Virgin Australia and Jetstar are not part of any global alliance — though Virgin Australia has partnerships with several alliance carriers. Other alliances may serve the route via connections, but no specific carriers are named here.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines",
          "article_lookup"
        ]
      },
      "q20": {
        "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Cairns?",
        "answer": "Cairns Airport has an Escape Lounge in the international terminal, accessible to Priority Pass members and American Express Platinum cardholders. It is located airside opposite gates 2 and 3, open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and offers complimentary alcoholic drinks, air conditioning, and disabled access.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/australia/cairns-international",
            "title": "Cairns International Airport CNS Lounges - CNS Airport Guide and lounges.  | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/australia/cairns-international/cns1-escape-lounges",
            "title": "Escape Lounges CNS AIRPORT International Terminal Cairns International | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_Airport",
            "title": "Cairns Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-07-20T05:28:37Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/fi-fi/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/CNS",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at Cairns Airport | Amex FI",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/CNS",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at Cairns Airport | Amex US",
            "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Baggage allowance on Cairns–Melbourne flights depends on the airline and fare type. Basic fares are restrictive and often exclude checked baggage, while standard economy typically includes one checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins offer more generous allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "On Cairns to Melbourne flights, Economy and flat‑bed Business class are standard, while Premium Economy is occasionally available on select wide‑body services."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies depend on the airline and fare type; flexible and premium fares often allow same‑day changes or standby, while cheaper tickets typically do not."
      }
    }
  }
}