Travelers and visitors to Sydney Airport can save time and money by being well-prepared for their journey during the busy Christmas holidays.
Sydney Airport’s busiest days for international travel will be this weekend and the weekend after New Year, while the peak period for domestic travel will commence with the start of school holidays this week.
Tips for a smooth journey to and from the airport include:
- Leave plenty of time for your journey to the airport during the Christmas holidays, whether travelling or greeting loved ones. Check out the latest travel, traffic and transport advice before leaving home on Sydney Airport’s website, Twitter feed and Facebook page
- Prepare for your trip to the airport by checking what terminal you will be departing from before you leave the house
- Aim to arrive three hours before your departure time for international flights and up to two for domestic flights and allow additional time for procedures such as Customs and security screening during peak times
- Put any metal items such as watches, phones, keys and coins into your hand luggage to save time at screening
- Use time-saving options such as online check-in, self-service check-in kiosks or automatic bag-drops offered by your airline
- For international flights, pack carry-on liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in a clear, resealable bag measuring no more than 80cm (20cm x 20cm or 15cm x 25cm). Each item should be no larger than 100mL. One clear, resealable bag is permitted per passenger (exceptions apply to passengers with children)
- If you are driving, considering pre-booking parking at the airport online.
- Download the free Sydney Airport app for iPhone and Android for up-to-date flight information
- Get your presents wrapped at T1 and T2 until Christmas Day for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to Variety – the Children’s Charity
A spokeswoman for Sydney Airport said:
''At the T1 precinct, the airport recently opened the first stage of upgrades to the road network and car parking, including a new, purpose-built express pick up zone that makes collecting passengers faster and more convenient.
''A new centre road has also been built, a new dedicated city exit opened, and entry/exit boom gates relocated within the P7 multi-storey and P9 open air car parks. The changes have been designed to ease traffic flow in and around T1, especially at busy times.
''Extra staff will be on hand to assist customers during peak periods''.
Sydney Airport recently held a series of Breakfast with Santa events to raise money for Variety. Guests at the breakfast were also invited to attend a bus tour of the tarmac.
Reporter Deborah Field captured images from the tour.
Follow more of Deborah's photos on Instagram @planettoorak
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