How to prepare for your international flight from Sydney Airport (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to go through security at Sydney international airport? ›

Security wait times

If you're travelling domestically, make sure you arrive at the airport one hour prior to departure if you've only got hand-luggage, and 2 hours prior if you're checking-in bags. For international flights, arrive 3 hours prior unless your airline says otherwise.

It is possible to get through Immigration, bag collection and Customs in about 30 minutes, but it can also take well over an hour. I have spent 1.5 hours doing it with an item to declare. It also depends on how you make the connection to the domestic terminal.

Know the latest rules and requirements for travel through Sydney Airport. Remove the stress. Arrive 3 hours before your flight's departure time to allow for check-in, baggage drop, clearing security and customs, and to explore the airport before you fly.

Check-in. Check-in at T1 International is located on the Departures level, directly inside from the passenger drop off zone. When departing from Sydney International Terminal (T1) you can check in at a traditional counter or at one of the self-check kiosks.

It is possible to get through Immigration, bag collection and Customs in about 30 minutes, but it can also take well over an hour. I have spent 1.5 hours doing it with an item to declare. It also depends on how you make the connection to the domestic terminal.

Place your carry-on baggage on the X-ray conveyor belt for screening. You may be required to remove items such as laptops, iPads, aerosols or liquids from your carry-on baggage. If you are asked to remove these items, you will need to place them in the tray provided for separate screening through the X-ray.

All arriving and departing passengers must have a valid passport or travel document. Arriving passengers need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card. If you are not an Australian Citizen you must hold a valid visa when entering Australia.

Sydney: Domestic to International

If you are already holding a boarding pass for your international flight, you can proceed directly to Customs and Immigration. If you are not holding a boarding pass, you need to proceed to the check in counter of the airline operating your international flight.

SmartGates automatically process passengers through passport control. They use facial recognition technology and your ePassport to check your identity. It is quick and secure, meaning you may leave the airport faster.

Sydney Airport is one of the world's longest continuously operated commercial airports and is the busiest airport in Australia, handling 42.6 million passengers and 348,904 aircraft movements in 2016–17. It was the 38th busiest airport in the world in 2016.

Which terminal is international departures at Sydney? ›

T1 International Terminal - International flights depart from T1. International airlines and Qantas flights QF001 - 399 are serviced at T1 from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.

How long before my flight do I need to arrive at the airport? The suggested times are two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. If you travel by car, please allow for extended delays during peak hours. The peak traffic times are 6.30-9.30am and 4.30-6.30pm.

T1 International terminal - Arrivals, near Gate 54 (accessible to international arriving passengers only)

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights. It's common for international flights to start boarding earlier than domestic flights (the aircraft are often larger and have higher passenger capacities), which accounts for the earlier recommendation.

If you are an average traveler with no special security clearances, some familiarity with the airport, and especially if you are checking a bag, being at the airport two hours early is the recommended time.

How long before my flight do I need to arrive at the airport? The suggested times are two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. If you are travelling by car, please allow for extended delays during peak hours. The peak traffic times are 6.30-9.30am and 4.30-6.30pm.

The official recommendation from most airlines is that travellers should allow around three hours to check in and drop off their bags, go through security and get to their gate ahead of an international flight.