How to navigate the Domestic Terminal with kids

Sometimes navigating airports with kids feels like herding cats. With our tips and tricks on how to transit through the Domestic Terminal, the process can be less stressful. Here's how to start the family trip right and make the most of the fab free facilities, kid-friendly restaurants and affordable shops on offer.

Arrive early

Having loads of time before the flight is the secret weapon for relaxed families at Brisbane Airport. A two-hour buffer before boarding ensures you're never panicked or rushed. With ample time to check-in extra gear and manage little ones through screening, you can take any accidents or distractions along the way in your stride.

• TIP: Avoid the mad dash for the plane by checking the boards after screening and allow extra time for the family to get to the gate.

Park smart

Brisbane Airport has a range of parking options to suit your family. If you're whisking off for a weekend, ParkLong is your first choice - parking the car in the secure multi-level car park opposite the Domestic Terminal and strolling across to check-in. But if you're after the easiest route, choose Park&Fly to simply leave your car with our parking attendants and head straight to the terminal.  

• TIP: Score discounted airport parking rates by booking in advance online or signing up to the Parking Promotions email list and following the Brisbane Airport Parking Promotions Facebook page for exclusive deals.

Grab a snack

For a quick family bite or healthy snacks for the flight, there's plenty of nutritious food options from both Domestic Terminal food courts. Choose from Sushi Sushi cucumber rolls and freshly made salads and sandwiches from Soul Origin at the Virgin Food Court.

At the Qantas end of the terminal, enjoy veggie rolls from Roll'd or fresh and easy grab-and-go options from Seeds by Bruno Loubet.

If you have time to sit-down, enjoy favourite treats including rainbow pancakes, adorned with sprinkles, maple syrup and ice cream at The Coffee Club, or classic nuggets and toasties at The Lord Lamington. Don't forget Krispy Kreme doughnuts, which always taste better at the airport.

• TIP: Pack a lightweight reusable green bag to carry food on the go.

   

Download and power up

Power up and avoid low battery crisis in the air with free Charging Stations located at the Qantas Food Court, Virgin Food Court and at the front of the Virgin Australia Service Desk by gates 43-48.

Load up devices to keep kids entertained with the latest apps and entertainment. Free WiFi is located terminal wide for any last minute download requests. 

Qantas and Virgin also have their own in-flight entertainment apps to download offering free interactive games, music, movies and TV Shows to stream on-board.

• TIP: Be sure to pack the adapter and charging cables in the carry-on, to charge devices before the flight.

   

Pick up travel essentials

Stress less knowing any last minute travel supplies can be picked up from Airport Pharmacy. There's an impressive range of essentials including; ear plugs for delicate ears, first aid kits, children's medicines and kids vitamins.  

Often tricky to find at the shops, handy travel sized items such as shampoo, antiseptic gel, sunscreen and perfume are readily available in one place.

• TIP: Airport Pharmacy is PBS-approved and has a pharmacist in-store to fill prescriptions for the family.

Read and relax

Fuel your kid's passion for reading and create a pre-flight ritual of picking a book together for the trip. News@BNE is filled with a wonderful range of children's books, puzzles and activity packs. The LEGO store is the perfect stop for an activity to entertain the kids on rainy days while you're away. Once you've got the kids sorted, sort yourself out with a cup of coffee and let the little ones entertain themselves.

• TIP: A Babyccino is the perfect pre-flight treat for the kids.

   

Hit the shops

Check out the shops and discover some great finds for the family trip, at the same prices you'd find at your local shopping centre. While the kids settle into the free WiFi, get in a little fashion fix with the latest shades at Sunglass Hut or a fresh new holiday look from Seed Heritage near Gate 22 at the Qantas end.

If you've left the PJ's at home, which is easily done, Peter Alexander has trendy new pyjamas for the entire family. The stylish kids sleepwear range doubles up as a spare change of clothes - just in case!

• TIP: Keep your receipt, as returns and exchanges are valid at any Australian store within the period provided.

Hydrate and bathroom break

Keep up the fluids on your flight by packing an empty, lightweight, reusable water bottle in your carry-on. Fill up after security at the terminal's free water stations.

While you're at it, be sure that all the kids get that important bathroom break before boarding and avoid the need for a nappy change or toilet situation during take-off.

• TIP: For parents with babies, change rooms are available at the Virgin Food Court and Qantas Gates 16-21 as well as the Central Terminal Satellite Departure Gates 26-32.