Handy Airport Travel Tips for Domestic Passengers
A plane taxiing towards the terminal after landing. Image source: iStock
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or fly occasionally, making your way around the airport can be challenging. Finding your feet between building upgrades, unfamiliar processes, security screening and multiple transport options before finally boarding can feel daunting at times. Navigate Perth Airport like a pro, by using our practical airport travel tips for a stress-free domestic flight.
Meet the carry-on luggage allowance
Check weight limits for cabin baggage when packing for your trip. Image source: iStock
Check your carry-on baggage allowance—acceptable weights and sizes vary depending on which airline and fare category you choose. Exceeding limits may mean checking your bag in, extra costs and a delay at your departure gate.
Your bag allowance will be on your flight confirmation email or airline website. To prevent unnecessary delays, weigh your carry-on beforehand or at the check-in area before proceeding to security.
Pack across suitcases
One of our favourite air travel packing tips when travelling with a partner or family is to share bag space and pack a change of clothes in each other’s suitcases. If your checked bag is delayed, you’ll still have fresh clothing to change into.
Check what’s safe to carry on board
One of the most critical travel tips is knowing what to take in your carry-on, and what must be packed in your checked luggage. It’s obvious that certain items pose health and safety risks during air travel, but some seemingly harmless everyday goods can also be dangerous.
If you’re unsure about what you can or cannot bring, check the Australian Government’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) website and ask your airline prior to travel. You may also find the Can I pack that? app helpful.
Carry a multi-plug adapter and portable battery charger
An adapter that powers several gadgets at once is a lifesaver. If you don’t have one, they can be purchased from airport retailers, such as Amcal Express, WHSmith or InMotion. Charging stations are available throughout the airport—find them in the food and drinks outlets, and in seating areas or at high-top benches in most waiting areas.
Portable battery chargers ensure your electronics never run out of juice. Keep your devices powered up without a socket—especially handy if you’re travelling with children. Double-check that your charger complies with airline travel restrictions.
Keep eyes and skin hydrated
Charge your devices to stay entertained and wear your glasses while flying. Image source: iStock
Your eyes and skin can feel drier when flying because oxygen levels are lower at such high altitudes. Wearing contacts over dry eyes can feel unpleasant, and leaving them on while you nap isn’t encouraged. Wear your glasses instead, and use eye drops and face mist to keep your eyes and skin moist.
Amcal Express stocks a range of pharmaceutical products including eye drops, which can be purchased before boarding.
Find the correct terminal
It might sound obvious, but check in advance that you are on your way to the right terminal. Perth Airport has four domestic terminals, with T1 Domestic and T2 in one precinct and T3 Domestic and T4 in another. The General Aviation precinct is used for charter and non-commercial flights.
Not sure which terminal you’re flying from? Check your airline confirmation email or flight itinerary for the terminal number, or check the Perth Airport website for more information.
If you need to travel from one terminal to another in a different precinct, use our free terminal transfer bus and be there in minutes.
Parking at the Airport
Plan to park and fly? It’s easy with a range of Perth Airport parking options—short-term for short stays, long-term for up to 99 days, or valet and premium for convenience. Book well in advance for a better deal, and stop the stress of trying to remember where you parked by saving the location in the Perth Airport app.
Get to and from Perth Airport by train
For T1 Domestic and T2, use Transperth’s new Airport Line train service to travel to and from Airport Central Station and the CBD in just 18 minutes. When flying into T1 and T2, find the station by following the signs along the elevated walkway.
For T3 and T4, take the Airport Line from the CBD, or Bus Route 940 from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Redcliffe Station. From there, catch Bus Route 292 to the T3 and T4 pick-up and drop-off area. Buses run every 12 minutes during peak times.
Sail through security
Security trays with protective plastic flap at Perth Airport. Image source: Perth Airport
Perth Airport’s new domestic travel security screening process is very straightforward—you can now leave laptops, electronic items and liquids in your bags. Empty your pockets, remove items such as belts and jewellery, and place them on a tray secured under the plastic flap. Put bulky items like bags, steel-capped boots and coats on top of the tray’s plastic flap.
When directed by a security officer, pass through the body scanner while your belongings are x-rayed. If prompted, stand squarely with your feet on the shoe markings and hold your arms slightly away from your body.If no alarm sounds, you may collect your belongings. If the alarm sounds, a security officer will conduct a “pat-down” search. If you prefer, this can take place in a private room.
Remember: You have the right to refuse any part of the screening process. However, if you refuse, you won’t be allowed through the security screening point, so will be unable to board your flight.
Take advantage of the airport facilities and support services
Among the most useful travel tips for airports is knowing about the facilities and services for extra support.
Handy facilities at Perth Airport include:
- ATMs and foreign currency exchange
- Printing, faxing, photocopying and postal services
- WiFi and device charging stations
- Medical and first aid services
Our range of accessible and inclusive services covers:
- Hidden disabilities support: Travellers with hidden disabilities can get extra support or assistance by wearing their sunflower lanyard and looking for airport staff wearing sunflower badges. These staff will be looking out for you, ready to help. Get your lanyard from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
- Service animal facilities: Dedicated toilets and watering facilities keep guide dogs and other service animals happy and hydrated. There are Service Animal Relief Areas on the ground floor before security, at T1 International close to T1 Domestic check-in, and T4.
- Changing Places: Passengers unable to use standard accessible toilets can use this well-equipped facility with a shower, ceiling hoist, adult-sized changing table and privacy screen. There are accredited Changing Places facilities on the ground floor before security, at T1 International near T1 Domestic check-in, and T4. Please note: you will need a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) to use these facilities.
For more about these services, visit our accessibility and inclusion page.
Maximise your free time
Airline passenger in an airport lounge waiting for a flight. Image source: iStock
Waiting for your flight doesn’t have to be boring—visit the exciting new retailers and food and drinks outlets open to domestic travellers, and choose from a range of cuisines, family-friendly options and dietary requirements. Pre-order food, drink and travel essentials online to save time.
Travelling from T3 or T4? As of 29 March 2023, book a massage, beauty treatment, nail or hair appointment at Ayre Hair. Flying from T2? The Aspire Lounge, open to all travellers arriving at least three hours before departure, offers freshly made meals, barista coffee, comfortable private seating and unlimited WiFi—perfect for downloading content to watch on your flight.
There’s an app for that
Want more? The Perth Airport mobile app has everything! Find live flight information, check the weather at your destination, book and pay for parking, receive shopping and dining offers, and more.
Be kind
Most importantly, be kind. Air travel can be overwhelming for everyone—your fellow travellers also want to reach their destinations safely and on time, and airport and airline staff work hard to ensure a smooth trip. Keep this in mind and be patient when interacting with others to make the experience more enjoyable. Be kind to yourself too—don’t let a small hiccup or delay spoil your entire trip.
Fly stress-free all year round with Perth Airport
Fly like a pro at Perth Airport. Image source: Perth Airport
With these domestic travel safety tips and useful hacks, you’re all set to travel like a pro. Learn more about Perth Airport’s passenger services and processes for domestic departures and arrivals in our passenger guide.
All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.