Practical Airport Tips for International Travellers

Perth Airport T1 international departures drop-off and pick-up point

Are you travelling abroad soon? Whether it’s your first or fiftieth trip through Perth Airport, these trusted airport tips for international travel can make your journey simpler and more enjoyable.

Plan before reaching the airport

Preparing for an international trip with children. Image source: Adobe Stock

Prepare in advance for a smoother travel experience. Here are several ways to get started:

Organise important documents

Keep the following items safely together:

• Passport: Make sure everyone in your family or group has a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining from the date you depart your destination. Your passport must also be in good condition. Flying as a dual national on another passport? Visit Smartraveller for more information.
• Visa: Ensure you have a visa, if necessary, for the countries you’re transiting through and visiting. 
• Travel itinerary: Share copies with your loved ones at home so you all know what to expect from your journey. 

Rest assured with travel insurance 

In the unfortunate case of missed flights or delayed baggage, travel insurance can provide support through partial or full reimbursements and can even cover you against cancellation risks and emergency medical care. Remember to keep a physical copy of your policy with you for easy reference while overseas.

Tips for international travel with kids

Flying with children is getting easier thanks to airline infant and child policies. Here are a few pointers to help you prepare for your trip with the kids:

• One infant under 2 years old: They can be seated on your lap with a seat belt extension. They may be able to travel for free, or for a small percentage of a full fare, but must be included in your booking.
• Two infants under 2 years old: Only one child under 2 years can sit on an adult’s lap. The second infant must occupy a seat, for which some airlines will offer a child’s fare rate.
• Facilities on board: Airlines sometimes have leg rests, sleepers and hammocks available to use during the flight. Bassinets can be booked in advance.
• Strollers: Ask if your airline offers strollers to be used in the terminal building once you’ve checked yours in.

Look into airline assistance to accommodate your needs

Let your airline know in advance if you need assistance when flying. Special assistance policies can help with seat reservations, wheelchairs and medical clearances.

Support via the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

If you or a loved one has a hidden disability, request your free sunflower lanyard or wristband online through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at least 10 business days before you arrive at the airport. Packs will be posted in advance and once you arrive, our staff wearing sunflower badges will be looking out for passengers wearing their lanyards or wristbands, ready to provide extra care and support.

Flying with medication

Keep all your medicine in their original packaging with a doctor’s prescription, if needed. Not all prescription drugs in Australia are legal abroad. Do your research and check that your medication is safe to carry with you.

Suggestions for nervous travellers

Anxious about flying? Some nervousness is expected, so try these practical tips to stay calm:

• Practice run: Non-passengers can pass through domestic security screening into the public departure lounge, so why not try a practice run through the domestic boarding process? See for yourself what is involved ahead of your journey.
• Nervous flyer programs: Sign up if your airline has a nervous flyer program and access useful resources to help you fly with peace of mind.
• Tackling bumpiness: Our airline partners do their best to ensure a smooth flight but minor bumps are not uncommon. Sit near the front of the aircraft where it’s generally less bumpy.
• Meditation on the go: Mobile apps and in-flight entertainment often have guided meditation designed for nervous travellers. These are best listened to with noise-cancelling headphones.

Be a Smartraveller

Discover everything about your destination with Smartraveller, from the latest travel advice to consular assistance.

Don’t forget to download the Perth Airport app for live flight updates, airport parking, exclusive offers and more.

Getting to the airport

Choose from various parking options at Perth Airport

Perth Airport has two international terminals, T1 and T3, located in separate precincts – so make sure you know which terminal you’re flying from. Consider the following when planning your trip to the airport:

• Arrive early: Get to the airport early so that once you’re done with baggage drop, passport control and security screening, you’ll have more time to relax and explore the facilities and services at Perth Airport. Not sure how early to arrive? Check the arrival time on your booking confirmation email or airline website.
• Park and fly: Driving to the airport? Perth Airport’s parking options nearest to Terminals 1 and 3 include short-term, short-term saver, long-term and valet parking. Book in advance for cheaper rates.
• Take a train: Transperth’s new Airport Line train service takes you to and from Airport Central Station and T1. When flying into T1, follow the station signs along the walkway.

  For T3, take the Airport Line train from the CBD to Redcliffe Station. Exit the train and then board Bus Route 292 to the T3 pick-up and drop-off area.

• Bus transfers: Our free shuttle buses between terminals are wheelchair accessible with ramps and wheelchair storage. Drivers are happy to assist passengers where they can.
• Drop-off and pick-up: The main terminal entry and exit points have drop-off and pick-up areas. Bays for Australian Disability Parking Permit (ACROD) holders are available.

Download and save a copy of the Perth Airport terminal maps or print them out for added convenience.

Security, luggage and limits

Perth Airport’s Control Tower

There are some differences between domestic travel and international travel requirements at Perth Airport. Be mindful of the points below when travelling abroad:

Passing through security

The updated Perth International Airport security screening process is now even simpler than ever before:

• Leave liquids, laptops and other electronics in your bags and empty your pockets. Place smaller items like sunglasses or phones under the tray’s plastic flap and heavier items like coats, bulky jumpers and bags on top of the flap.
• A security officer will direct you to walk through the body scanner while your belongings are x-rayed. Stand on the shoe markings and hold your arms slightly away from your body. 
• The officer may test you and your baggage for traces of explosives, using Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment.
• If no alarm sounds, collect your belongings and proceed to the departure lounge. If the alarm sounds, an officer will conduct a pat-down search which can take place in a private room at your request.

You have the right to refuse any part of the security screening process but, in doing so, you won’t be allowed to pass through security and catch your flight.

Carry-on limits

When travelling abroad, certain goods are bound by weight and volume restrictions.

• Liquid, aerosol or gel items must be in containers of 100ml/100gm or less and inorganic powders (e.g. talcum powder) must be in containers of 350ml/350gm or less. The TravelSECURE website and Can I pack that? app has all the information you need to plan ahead.
• Empty containers such as flasks or water bottles can be refilled once you pass through security.
• Organic powders like baby formula and coffee are not restricted but must be separated from carry-on baggage at security. 

Top tip: Not all airports around the world have upgraded their security screening procedures. If you are carrying toiletries, liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage, you may still need to separate and pack them into a 20cm x 20cm zip-lock bag in advance to prevent unnecessary delays at the airport. It’s recommended to bring these bags with you, just in case.

Luggage allowances

What is the luggage size limit for international flights? Carry-on and checked-in luggage limits vary between airlines and fare categories.

• Bag weight: Check weight limits on your airline confirmation email or airline website. 
• Oversized luggage: Please follow the instructions at your airline’s check-in counter for the oversized bag drop. 

By ensuring you meet your airline’s baggage size and weight limits in advance, you can avoid additional costs and delays prior to departure.

Make the most of Perth Airport facilities

Relax and enjoy your free time at T1 International Aspire Lounge.

Maximise your time at the airport and explore our range of facilities.

Eateries

Choose from our wide selection of restaurants including Mediterranean, Japanese and Italian cuisines.

Shopping

Find an assortment of homewares, wine or gifts, grab last-minute essentials and shop for duty-free goods.

• Shop duty-free online: Take advantage of online travel deals and save time when you buy online at Perth Duty Free. Simply collect your purchases when you arrive at the airport.
• Duty-free allowances: Check your destination’s duty-free limits and see TravelSECURE for more information.

Get money back with the Tourist Refund Scheme

Australian citizens and visitors can get a 10% rebate with the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) on goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET). Find out more on the Australian Border Force website or visit our TRS facilities in T1 International on the Ground Floor and Level 1, and T3 on Level 1.

Facilities for passengers with disabilities

Changing Places are located on the Ground Floor before reaching security in T1 International and next to Qantas check-in at T4. They have a shower, ceiling hoist and change table for those unable to use standard accessible toilets. Passengers can access this facility with a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). Find out more on the National Disability Services website.

Service animal facilities

Keep your guide dog or other assistance animals comfortable and content with toilet and water facilities at the Service Animal Relief Area in T1 International and T4, before reaching security.

Aspire Lounge

All travellers are welcome to the T1 International Aspire Lounge. Eat, drink, relax and enjoy free wifi up to three hours before take-off.

Explore the world from Perth Airport

Soak up the atmosphere and watch the runway from Perth Airport viewing areas

Enjoy more time planning your next international holiday and relax at the airport when you arrive by using Perth Airport’s passenger guide, jam-packed with handy apps, tools and resources to help you plan your next overseas adventure.

All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.