{
  "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 several ways into the city: taxis from the ground floor of T1/T2 and the T4 Transport Hub, rideshare pickups across all terminals (Uber, Didi, Shebah) with a $4.82 access fee, and the SkyBus express bus to Southern Cross Station every 10–15 minutes, 24/7. The SkyBus is the most-used option for getting to the city center, while taxis and rideshares are faster for door-to-door trips. Public buses operated by PTV and regional/private shuttles also serve the airport, as do car rental and off-airport parking shuttles.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/rideshare",
            "title": "Rideshare | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/parking-transport",
            "title": "Parking Transport Solutions - Start Travelling Smarter | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/getting-to-from-the-airport",
            "title": "Getting to & from the airport | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/help-information",
            "title": "Help & Information | Melbourne Airport | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2025-08-11T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/bus-services",
            "title": "Bus Services | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          }
        ]
      },
      "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": "Cairns Airport is about 7 km north of the city centre, and taxis are readily available from ranks directly outside both the International and Domestic terminals, offering the fastest door-to-door option. Airport shuttle buses serve hotels, the CBD, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, and Cape Tribulation, and a new Kinetic Cairns public bus route 100 running to the CBD every 30 minutes is set to start in late 2026. Driving is straightforward via Airport Avenue off Sheridan Street, with short-term and long-term parking, including covered and accessible spaces, located adjacent to both terminals. Taxis are generally the most popular and quickest choice, while shuttle buses are a more economical alternative for solo travelers.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "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_Airport",
            "title": "Cairns Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-10T09:02:54Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_railway_station",
            "title": "Cairns railway station",
            "time_published": "2026-05-30T06:16:59Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns%20Airport",
            "title": "Cairns Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-30T06:58:31Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_City",
            "title": "Cairns City",
            "time_published": "2026-04-12T21:58:10Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Melbourne airport?",
        "answer": "Yes, Melbourne Airport has an on-site hotel directly connected to the terminals: the ParkRoyal Melbourne International Airport, which is linked to the domestic and international terminals by covered walkways about a 2-minute walk away. Several other hotels are nearby, including the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, ibis Budget Melbourne Airport, Novotel Melbourne Airport, and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, all within roughly 400–600 meters and some a short walk or free shuttle ride away.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://all.accor.com/hotel/B329/index.en.shtml",
            "title": "ibis Styles Melbourne Airport - ALL"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/melbourne-tullamarine-airport-guide.htm",
            "title": "Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide (MEL) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2018-08-08T18:56:52Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/oceania/melbourne.htm",
            "title": "Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide (MEL) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-05-30T00:53:58Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Melbourne Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "Melbourne Airport offers currency exchange services in its terminals, with counters conveniently located in the international terminal (T2) and domestic terminals. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for all passengers. The airport's main currency exchange facilities are in T2, with additional services in the domestic terminals where many arriving passengers from Cairns would land.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/facilities-services-in-the-airport",
            "title": "Facilities & Services | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2023-03-09T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/terminal-guides",
            "title": "Terminal Guides | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png",
            "time_published": "2023-03-09T22:57:02Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/zh-Hans/facilities-services",
            "title": "设施与服务 | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au",
            "title": "Melbourne Airport - Flight Information, Shopping & Parking | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-06T06:38:19Z"
          },
          {
            "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"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q16": {
        "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Cairns and Melbourne airports?",
        "answer": "Melbourne Airport offers a complimentary Airport Assist service with five mobility hubs, wheelchair and buggy transfers between terminals, car parks and ground transport, sensory packs, communication boards and a Hidden Disability Sunflower Program, and assistance can be pre-booked online with at least 24 hours' notice or accessed on the day. Wheelchairs within the terminals can be arranged through your airline with prior notification, and airline support from check-in to your seat must be booked with the airline. For Cairns Airport, travellers are advised to arrange mobility assistance through their airline at least 48 hours before the flight.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_Airport",
            "title": "Cairns Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-10T09:02:54Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns",
            "title": "Cairns",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-03T16:00:51Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_War_Memorial",
            "title": "Cairns War Memorial",
            "time_published": "2026-07-18T16:53:42Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Cairns",
            "title": "History of Cairns",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-13T15:00:21Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_Convention_Centre",
            "title": "Cairns Convention Centre",
            "time_published": "2026-07-07T09:13:55Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/accessible-facilities-and-services",
            "title": "Accessible facilities and services",
            "time_published": "2025-01-16T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/special-assistance-contact",
            "title": "How to book Special Assistance | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/melbourne-airport-launches-airport-assist-an-australian-first-in-accessible-travel",
            "title": "Melbourne Airport launches Airport Assist – An Australian-first in accessible travel | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png",
            "time_published": "2026-02-04T22:44:31Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/contact-us",
            "title": "Contact Us | Melbourne Airport",
            "favicon": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/apple-touch-icon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://melbourneairport.com.au/get-help-from-melbourne-airports-free-airport-assist",
            "title": "Get From A to B with Help From Melbourne Airport's Free Airport Assist | Melbourne Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-30T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Cairns to Melbourne?",
        "answer": "Jetstar operates the most flights on the Cairns to Melbourne route, using Airbus A320, A321, and A321neo aircraft. Virgin Australia flies Boeing 737-800s, while Qantas also uses Boeing 737-800s on this route.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types 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). For U.S. routes the type is grounded in the tail number that actually operated the flight; elsewhere it comes from the airline's filed equipment code. Where the source does not commit to a specific variant we name the aircraft family (for example Airbus A320 family) rather than guess, and where no reliable type is on file the aircraft is omitted rather than estimated. Types describe typical scheduled equipment and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "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": "The only lounge at Cairns Airport is the Escape Lounge in the International Terminal, located opposite Gates 2 and 3. It is accessible only to passengers departing on international flights, up to 3 hours before departure. Amenities include spirits and liquor, beer and wine, Wi-Fi, TVs, flight monitors, and a non-smoking environment. Children under 2 are admitted free with an adult, and smart casual dress is required. This lounge will close permanently on July 22, 2026.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "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://americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/CNS/Escape-Lounges-International-Terminal-UJH9L2bUxQ",
            "title": "Escape Lounges at Cairns Airport | Amex US",
            "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.qantas.com/en-au/fragments/flight-offers/unique/au/cns",
            "title": "cns | Qantas AU"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/CNS/Escape-Lounges-International-Terminal-UJH9L2bUxQ/?hub=in_benefits_related_pages_why_american_express",
            "title": "Escape 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."
      }
    }
  }
}