Brisbane Airport’s top ten travel tips

As much as we love them, airports can be a bit of a jungle. Between juggling kids, navigating security lines, and running on little sleep, it’s easy to feel like you’re embarking on an expedition instead of a vacation. Fear not, with a little prep and some top travel tips, you’ll be soaring through the terminal like a seasoned jet setter. Leave your worries at home and pack the holiday vibes with these ten tips for a smooth-soaring journey.

Avoid the rush hour runway

At Brisbane Airport, the morning rush means longer lines and bustling food courts. If you can swing it, schedule your flight for later in the day, to enjoy a more relaxed experience, whether you're departing from the Domestic Terminal or arriving at the International Terminal. Not only will you dodge the busy period, but you’ll get to hit the snooze button a couple more times.

Check in before you check out

For those savvy packers flying with carry-on only, check in online before you head to the airport. Skip the queue and head straight for security screening. Save those extra minutes for something more important like a pre-flight coffee, or even a cheeky pastry. More time to indulge in airport snacking and shopping? Sign us up!

Know your limits

Nothing makes the heart race like the thirty-second panic before security where you’re wondering if you’ll have to toss your beloved body wash. Save yourself the drama—take a few minutes to double-check your powders, liquids, aerosols and gels before you leave the house.

A little prep earlier will save you time (and possibly your favourite toiletries) later. Unlike domestic flights, international flights have varying limits of how much product you can carry depending on the item. Make sure you’re up to date with the current limitations by checking online before packing.

BYO water bottle

Brisbane Airport offers water refill stations around every corner. Bring your own bottle to save both money and the planet. Just make sure it’s empty when you go through security if travelling internationally, otherwise, you’ll be faced with the ultimate airport dilemma: toss or chug? Your future hydrated self will thank you for coming prepared with a refillable water bottle when you’re cruising at 30,000 feet.

Catch some Zs before catching your plane

Do you have a red-eye flight or a super early start? If you’re an adventurous airport sleeper, we’ve scoped out the best spots here for you to make it through the night-owl hours in between security opening times.

If you prefer a comfy bed, you’ll find three airport hotels within an easy five-minute shuttle ride from the terminals. Hitting refresh before the next trip has never been more convenient.

For those looking to make the most of a long layover, day passes at Brisbane Airport’s hotels are the perfect solution. With cozy rooms and luxurious amenities, you can unwind and recharge in comfort, ensuring you're refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.

Follow your flight

Picking someone up from the airport and want to stay ahead of any delays or schedule changes? There's nothing worse than arriving early only to find out the flight has been delayed (cue dramatic sigh).

Make the pick-up stress-free by signing up for flight alerts. Simply message the flight number to Brisbane Airport on Facebook Messenger to receive flight updates sent directly to you. You’ll be kept in the loop about any delays, cancellations, or gate changes, ensuring a smooth and timely reunion.

Make the most of the Tourist Refund Scheme

Did you drop some holiday budget on one too many souvenirs? International travellers (including Australians) can claim a GST (Goods and Services Tax) and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) refund for certain goods bought in Australia when they are taken out of the country. Complete your Tourist Refund Scheme application online before heading to the airport and check out our Tourist Refund Scheme blog for the nitty-gritty details. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re breezing past the line of travellers who didn’t do the research in advance.

Keep the kiddies calm

Flying with toddlers is a challenge worthy of a gold medal. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be winning the airport parenting game. The secret? A stash of non-noisy activities to keep the little ones entertained and your fellow passengers sane. Think washable colouring mats, squishy animals, and, of course, a good book or two. If the little ones are in tow for your next trip, make sure to read the latest hacks on how to travel with kids to keep the tanties to a minimum.

Weigh up before you pay up

We’ve all been there—nervously eyeing the scale at the check-in counter, wondering if you’ve holiday-shopped a little too hard. Keeping your luggage within weight limits doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Invest in a portable luggage scale to weigh your bags before you leave the house or your travel accommodation. This way, you won’t have to do the awkward shuffle of transferring items between suitcases at the airport.

However, if you do find yourself doing the last-minute panic rearrangement before security, use the free scales around Brisbane Airport to double-check your final luggage weights before you face the dreaded overweight charge.

If your biggest challenge is deciding what to take or how to pack as opposed to weighing under the limit, bookmark the best ways to pack and plan for any destination and watch your bag become your new bestie.

Plug in for free

Let’s not forget one of the biggest perks of modern airports—free Wi-Fi and charging ports! Whether you’re catching up on work, downloading a favourite show, or making sure the kids have enough battery to last the flight, Brisbane Airport has you covered. Plug in, log in, and kick back. The only thing you want running out of juice at the airport is your pre-flight smoothie, not your phone!

Are you feeling ready to breeze through the airport with the confidence of a seasoned jetsetter? May your journey be smooth, and your travel knowledge be plentiful.