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‘Tis the season to rejoice open borders (sort of) and domestic travel to see family and friends that we’ve been separated from for far too long. Before you travel, there is plenty on the to-do list from counting down the work and school year, tracking presents purchased online to make sure they arrive in time and getting safe travel ready. If you are travelling through Brisbane Airport for Christmas, we’ve compiled a collection of travel tips and common silly season mistakes to help keep your chill and to help you travel safe.
TIP 1: Be aware of the busiest travel days
With the borders re-opening, this summer travel season will be the busiest time of 2020 at the airport. We’re expecting the peak time for passengers through the Domestic Terminal to be between 21 December and 24 December and again in the lead up to New Year's Eve.
Keep your chill by allowing extra travel time before your flight and if you are planning to park, book online well in advance for the best price and to secure your spot, we are busier in the car parks than you think.
If you are on pick-up duty, use the waiting areas and only go to the pick-up road when your passengers are there and waiting as this will help reduce traffic on the surrounding roads.
- The busiest pick-up and drop-off road times are expected to be the afternoons of 23 and 24 December.
- DFO Boxing Day Sales at Skygate on 26 December is a busy day on the roads around the Skygate exit and the start of Airport Drive. Allow extra time on Boxing Day to arrive at the airport.
If you’d like to meet and greet your friends and family in the terminal, book short term parking online in advance to park at the terminal for $5* per hour for up to four hours.
BONUS TIP: Track the flight status using our flight notifications on Facebook and Twitter using the notification options on the flight schedule, or adding the flight number to our Facebook messenger chatbot.
TIP 2: Book your airport parking online well in advance
With Domestic travel resuming and our best ever online prices for parking, long-term car spots at the Domestic Terminal are filling up faster than you think. If you want to park right at the terminal, make sure you book well in advance to secure a car park.
If you can’t find a terminal car park or are looking for a more budget-friendly parking option, we’ve re-opened Airpark just for the Christmas season between 1 December and 10 January for Domestic Terminal bookings. All you need to do is book online, park at Airpark, jump on the bus shuttle and you’ll be in the terminal in no time.
BONUS TIP: Check out the Brisbane Airport Parking Promotion Facebook page and sign up for the Parking Promotions email list for exclusive offers and discounts on airport parking.
TIP 3: Keep practicing social distancing
How we travel has changed and there are a few things that you can do to travel safe these summer holidays.
- If you are unwell, DON'T come to the airport - please, stay home and change your travel plans.
- Leave space, stay safe - keep up the social distancing measures.
- Bring a mask, for peace of mind. Queensland Health recommends the wearing of a mask in areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain which could be the case in an airport environment. Right now, it is your choice to wear a mask at Brisbane Airport.
- Go contactless whenever you can - book online, check-in online and self-service.
- Download the COVID Safe App.
BONUS TIP: For more about what you can expect travelling through the Domestic Terminal, read our safe travel guide.
TIP 4: Pack 'dangerous' gifts in your checked luggage
If you’re travelling with presents that could be seen as harmful to others or look dangerous through airport screening like cricket bats and NERF play guns, pack them in your checked luggage or they will be surrendered at the screening point. For presents with batteries, double check the type of battery. Lithium batteries are not able to be taken onto the aircraft.
BONUS TIP: If you aren't sure if an item can go in your carry-on, look it up on CASA's 'Can I Pack That' website for the definitive answer.
TIP 5: Don't pre-wrap presents that are in your carry-on
As beautiful as they will look, don’t pre-wrap presents that you need to carry-on the plane. Airport security may have to unwrap the present to check contents of the gifts you’ve spent all that time perfectly wrapping. Save yourself some time and sanity and plan to wrap your pressies at your destination.
TIP 6: Flip, I forgot to buy someone a present!
We got you. Here’s our go-to Christmas gift guide from the Domestic Terminal.
- Get an Airport exclusive LEGO project from our new dedicated LEGO store, just landed near Gate 36.
- After LEGO pop in next door to New Farm Confectionery for a gift box of local chocolate favourites.
- If you need a bright, bold and quirky gift that is locally made and sourced, Mott & Mulberry is a must stop and shop for last minute gifts.
TIP 7: Don't bring Christmas crackers
This next tip is a cracker! Christmas crackers are not allowed on all airlines. Double check with your airline prior to flying or just pick them up when you get to your destination.
TIP 8: Oh no, we've lost Ted!
Remember to pack your valuables securely including your passports, phones and favourite toys. If you do misplace something in the terminal don’t fret you can get in touch with our lost property team to try and find your items.
Lost passports and other identification documents like drivers licences must be handed into the Australian Federal Police. Contact them to find a lost passport.
If you think you lost your item near the boarding gate, on the place or if you are missing your luggage, you’ll need to contact your airline’s lost property team.
TIP 9: Summer storms
Storms love the summer months as much as we do and may affect your flight status depending on many factors. The airport doesn’t close during a storm, however if lightning is within 10 nautical miles of the airport, all ground staff must return to the cover of the terminal for safety reasons and delays may be experienced. Read up on and understand airport storm safety here.
TIP 10: Post your last-minute letters at the airport
If you need to post a last minute pressie, letter or Christmas card, there are post boxes at the both Terminals. You’ll find them at the International Terminal on Level 4 outside next to the Departures Road and at the Domestic Terminal on Level 1 forecourt at the Qantas end. Make sure you have your letters and parcels all stamped up and ready to post.
TIP 11: Don't get burnt by sunburn
Prevention is the best medicine so remember to slip, slop, slap this summer. If you do end up with a burn and need to catch a flight, stay hydrated, lightly apply aloe vera gel to cool down the burn and wear loose clothing. Flying with a burn can be uncomfortable, so the best tip is to avoid a burn in the first place.
TIP 12: Find and share your Christmas cheer
Once you’re in the terminal, through check-in and security here is your time to relax pre-flight and find your kind of Christmas cheer. A few ideas we prepared earlier:
- Celebrate the end of 2020 and well-earned time off a season inspired beverage like an Espresso Martini at Coffee Royal.
- If you are seeing off friends and family before Christmas, come inside the terminal and have a proper good-bye meal or early Christmas lunch. Sit down at the Glasshouse Bar, The Lord Lamington or our latest dining sensation - The Aviary (coming soon) - at the Domestic Terminal.
And if all else fails, smile. It’s Christmas after all. Happy travels!
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