Travel can be amazing, but it can also be a bit stressful. Every airport is different, from security screening protocols to baggage allowance and more. Having a good understanding of how to move through the airport reduces stress so that you can focus on what’s important: exploring new locations and making connections.
At Remitly, we understand what it means to be a global citizen. To that end, we want to help make sure your international travels are as smooth as possible. In this guide, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to navigate airports in Australia.
Overview of Australian airports
Almost ten million Australian residents travel internationally each year. There are hundreds of airports in Australia to help you get to where you’re going, but the top five busiest are the Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide airports.
Regardless of your departure airport and destination, following some tried and true tips can ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable. Plus, there are a ton of services, amenities, and digital resources that even seasoned travellers can use to elevate their experience.
Understanding terminal layout
A terminal refers to the main building of an airport. Most large or international airports have more than one terminal. Terminals are often organised by airline carriers or by flightpath, whether the flights are domestic or international.
The terminal layout varies by airport, but in general, it follows the same pattern. One side of the building is public and accessible by cars, buses, and public transportation for passenger pick-up and drop-off. The other side of the terminal faces the airport runways and is accessible to planes. This side of the airport is secured and not open to the public.
Within the main building of the terminal, there are boarding gates, lounges, and facilities for shopping and dining. To access the boarding gates, you need to be a ticketed passenger who has cleared a security screening.
Sometimes, large terminals—especially at international airports—are divided into concourses or “wings.” Each concourse will have different facilities, but is still part of the same building. If you need to move between concourses or between terminals, there are public transportation options for you to use for free, like shuttles or buses.
Role of technology in airport navigation
It’s easy enough to navigate airports smoothly without any technology. There are plenty of fixed signs, as well as digital screens that provide information in real-time about check-in kiosks, departures and arrivals.
That said, using technology is a great way for you to make your travel even more seamless. Using your flight number, which is typically an alphanumeric code of two letters and four numbers, you can use a search engine to check on flight updates before you head to the airport. You often can also receive information about what terminal and boarding gate the flight is using.
This information can also be provided directly from your airline. Most major airlines have an app that you can download to a smartphone to get real-time flight information and resources for your trip.
Airports also provide terminal maps on their websites. Consider checking out what the terminal looks like before you head to the airport. This can also help you to plan meals if you anticipate eating in the terminal.
Preparing before your journey
Gone are the days of having to do all of your air travel planning at the airport or through travel agents. These days, you can do almost everything needed for international travel on your computer or through an app. This can eliminate unnecessary steps at the airport, streamlining your movement through it.
Booking flights and checking in online
The best way to book a flight is online. Online booking allows customers to compare different airlines, prices, and itineraries without having to make multiple calls or speak with airline personnel. Each airline will have information about their routes, itineraries, and pricing on their own website. However, your best bet is using a third-party site that aggregates airline offerings so that you can compare different options to make the best decision for your travel.
When you book a flight online, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a booking reference number or locator code. One day before the departure of your flight, you can use these codes and the passenger’s personal information, like surname, to check in for your flight following the steps below:
- Access the airline. The best ways to check in online are through the airline’s website or smartphone app.
- Locate your booking. Use the booking reference number or locator code and some personal information to access your booking.
- Fill in passenger information. Provide information like phone number, email address, emergency contact, and frequent flyer information.
- Provide necessary travel documents. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll have to provide your passport number and expiration date. At this step, you may also need to provide additional information regarding visas or travel documents.
- Review safety information. The airline will provide information about items that you cannot bring in your carry-on or checked baggage.
- Select any optional extras. Some airlines will provide you the ability to select your seat, meal, or other extras that can make your flight more enjoyable.
- Receive your boarding pass. After completing the process, you will receive your boarding pass as a QR code or a PDF document with a barcode. Often, you’ll select if you’d like this document to be sent to your email or to your mobile phone via text message. If you’re using an airline’s app, the boarding pass will automatically show up in app.
In some cases, the check-in process cannot be completed online. This is often the case if an airline needs to check your travel documents or if you need a special visa to enter your destination country. If this is the case, you’ll receive a notification to report to the check-in counter upon your arrival to the airport. There, your travel documents will be reviewed and a physical copy of your boarding pass will be printed for you.
If you receive your boarding pass, the only things you’ll need to do at the airport are drop any checked baggage at the airline’s kiosk and pass through security. If you don’t have any checked baggage, you can head directly to the security screening checkpoint with your boarding pass and travel documents.
Essential documents required for travel
It’s a good idea to be familiar with the documents that you need to travel. Having them ready to go and easily accessible is a great way to make sure that you can move smoothly and easily through the check-in, security, and boarding processes at the airport.
Required documents differ based on the destination of your flight:
- Domestic flights
Boarding pass
Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, ID card) - International flights
Boarding pass
Valid passport
Visa documents required by the destination country
Are you travelling domestically in Australia and are not an Australian citizen? If you don’t have an Australian-issued government ID, carry your valid foreign passport and any visa or residency documents that you have for your stay in Australia.
It’s a best practice to carry both the originals of your documents, as well as keep copies of your documents in your luggage in the rare case that your originals are lost or stolen.
Understanding baggage policies
The amount of baggage that you can carry depends on both the airline company, the type of flight, and the type of ticket that you’ve purchased. Baggage policies are listed on airline websites and apps.
In general, most international flights allow passengers to bring a personal item, a small carry-on bag that fits within the plane’s in-cabin overhead compartment, and a larger checked bag. However, as airlines develop different ticketing options to make travel more affordable, some tickets might have different baggage allowances.
Before you pack, check how much baggage you’re allowed to bring with you on your flight. Be sure to pay attention to both the maximum dimensions and weight of your luggage.
Arriving at the airport
The trip-before-the-trip can often be anxiety-inducing. If you’re trying to make your journey to the airport as easy as possible, follow our tips below:
Getting to and from major Australian airports
Most of Australia’s major airports, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, are accessible by train, bus, or taxi/rideshare. These options are great for anyone who would like to avoid leaving their car at the airport during their trip.
For up-to-date information about transport options, schedules, and fares, check out the airport’s website.
Parking information
If you do decide to drive yourself to the airport, there are a few different parking options. If you’re parking directly at the airport, you can leave your car in short-term or long-term parking, depending on how long you’ll need to park. Short-term parking is usually charged by the hour, whereas long-term is charged by the day.
If you’d like to try to save some money, you can consider a private parking company. These are companies that have big parking lots near airports that allow you to park long-term for a cheaper rate. They often operate shuttle buses that will drop you right at the airport doors. Your use of these shuttle buses is included in the price of your parking.
Make sure to allot some extra time if you plan to park your car at the airport or at a private parking lot.
Finding the check-in counters and kiosks
As soon as you enter the departures area of any major airport, you’ll see digital screens with live information about upcoming flights. Flights are listed in order based on departure time. Find your flight first by time, then destination. Be sure to also check the flight number as there might be multiple flights to the same destination.
Once you’ve located your flight, you’ll see information about the check-in counters and kiosks where airline employees will be ready to receive your checked baggage or help you get your boarding passes. Check-in counter information is usually a short alphanumeric code that coincides with a desk. These desks will typically be branded with your airline’s colours and logo.
Information about check-in counters and kiosks will also be available in the airline’s smartphone app and on the airport’s website.
Getting through security screening
For many travellers, both seasoned and new, the security screening process is the most stressful part of a trip. If you’re knowledgeable about how the process works and you prepare yourself—and your carry-on luggage—to move through the screening process quickly, it will be a breeze!
Step-by-step security screening process
Once you’ve got your boarding pass and dropped off your checked luggage with airline personnel, follow these steps to get through the security screening.
- Show your boarding pass. At some airports, a security officer will personally check your boarding pass. Some will request both your boarding pass and your photo ID. At other airports, security gates open by scanning the QR code or barcode on your physical boarding pass or your mobile device.
- Prepare for the screening. Read the signs, listen to security officers, and observe the people ahead of you. Requirements for security screenings differ every time. By the time you reach the security checkpoint, you should understand exactly what you have to do. You’ll have to send your bags and personal effects through an x-ray machine while you pass through a checkpoint.
- Remove specific items from your person and bags. You will likely have to remove all outerwear, hats and non-religious headcovers, and shoes, as well as empty your pockets. You might have to remove watches and metal jewellery. You will likely have to remove electronic devices and liquids from your bags. If you’re on an international flight, you should empty any containers larger than 100ml of liquid. If you’re on a domestic flight, liquids have no size limit and can be passed through the scanners. In some more modern airports with newer machines, you might not have to remove anything from your bag.
- Pass through a security checkpoint. Follow the instructions of the security officers manning the checkpoint. Wait for them to indicate that you should move through the checkpoint. Some are simple metal detectors that you walk through. Others use imaging or scanning technology that require you to assume a specific position for a few seconds. As you exit the checkpoint, stop and wait for the officer to indicate the result of the security check. You might need to have an additional physical inspection or scan.
- Collect your belongings. Be sure to take all of your personal items from the x-ray machine. If one of your items needs further examination, a security officer will separate them and call for the owner of the bag, so keep an eye out! If all of your bags and personal items were approved, consider taking your things to a table or bench past the checkpoint to avoid holding up the flow of the security process.
- Proceed to your boarding gate. If you’re travelling internationally, you may have to pass through a passport control point before proceeding to your gate. Regardless of your destination, locate your flight on the digital screens to get life updates about your boarding gate and flight.
Items allowed and restricted in carry-on luggage
You cannot bring the following items onto any flight in your carry-on luggage or on your person:
- Weapons, such as firearms, ammunition, and knives
- Flammable materials, such as petrol, lighters, aerosol cans, or some batteries
- Power tools and hand tools
- Chemicals and toxic substances
If you’re traveling internationally and bringing liquids in your carry-on, keep in mind that they should be:
- Less than 100ml
- Placed in a clear, transparent, resealable plastic container no larger than 20cm x 20cm
You are allowed to bring the following items on the plane:
- Blankets
- Umbrellas
- Canes and walking sticks
- Cameras
- Laptops
- Blunt-ended or round-ended scissors with blades less than 6cm
- Forks with round-ended tines
- Personal vaping devices
- Solid foods
- Liquid baby formula, food, or breast milk in any quantity
- Medically necessary liquids
Special procedures for families, seniors, and slow-moving travellers
If you’re travelling with children, a large group, senior citizens, or anyone who might be slow-moving, look for special lines that accommodate for extra time. Airports have personnel that can help transport individuals who might need assistance getting around or need extra time boarding the plane.
If you’re bringing medically necessary liquids with you, it’s best to have your prescription or a note from your doctor among your travel documents.
Keep in mind that medical devices are not counted against your luggage allowance. Neither are strollers or wheelchairs.
Regardless of how or with whom you’re travelling, it’s a smart idea to check with your airline in advance to understand what support and accommodations they can provide to help make your travel as enjoyable as possible. Bon voyage!
FAQs
Are there places of worship in Australian airports?
Yes. All of Australia’s major airports have non-denominational prayer rooms. These are quiet, pensive spaces where travellers of all faiths—or none—can pray, meditate, or have a moment of peace. Typically, prayer rooms are open 24/7, and you do not need permission to enter. You can find more information about airport prayer rooms on the airport’s “services and amenities” section of their website.
Can I bring liquid baby formula in my carry-on?
Yes. Baby products, including formula, breast milk, and baby food, are considered medically necessary and are exempt from any liquid carry-on requirements.
How early should I arrive at the airport?
It’s suggested that you arrive at the airport at least one hour before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. If you’re unfamiliar with the airport process, travelling at a high volume time—like Christmas—or have a lot of baggage, consider adding an hour to the suggested times.