Sydney Australia Airport Traveler's Guide... Things You Need to KnowSo you have taken the plunge and finally decided to travel to Sydney... or out of Sydney? Sydney Australia Airport then is your gateway in and out of Sydney. Excited...oh yes! And perhaps a little apprehensive too...especially for first time traveler. This article is especially for you to help you navigate your way in and out of Sydney Airport.
I remember the first time I traveled overseas. I was very excited. Who would not be...it was Paris! It was work related and I was traveling in a group. I was a newbie and the "baby" so everyone looked after me. They made sure I never get into trouble and get lost in transit between airports.
I love traveling, so just being in the airport is already the start of an all time high feeling for me. With a little knowledge and preparation,I see no reason why it can't be for you too when getting in and out of Sydney Australia Airport. Sydney Airport from the air...
Inbound Passengers"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed at the Sydney International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your flight", your pilot announced as he gently guided the plane through the tarmac to Terminal 1 of Sydney Australia Airport. Sydney Australia Airport is also known as Kingsford Smith Airport. It has three major passenger terminals. Terminal 1, known also as the International Terminal, services international/overseas flights in and out of Sydney. Terminals 2 and 3 cater for domestic flights. If you are a foreign visitor coming to Australia, you need to have a valid passport and proper entry visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia. It is for anyone outside Australia who wishes to travel to Australia for tourism or business purposes.(Australia is a vast and diverse continent. For travel tips in your holiday planning, go to: www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com). ETA is available on line 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You can book your own ETA, or your travel agent or airline can do it for you. You will not go pass the Immigration in Sydney Australia Airport if you do not have a valid passport and a corresponding visa or ETA. Talking about visa, why not visit National Visas for a free assessment...from tourist visas to working and living in Australia. Incoming passengers are entitled to duty free shopping. You will be passing through some duty free shops as you make your way in the arrival terminal to the Immigration area. It is good for those last minute gifts for families, friends or personal use. Be aware that there is personal limit on what you can buy. You will pay tax if you exceeded the limit. The following limits apply as per Customs regulations:
...duty free stores
Prior to landing in Sydney Australia Airport, the plane cabin crews would have distributed the Incoming Passengers Card for you to fill. This, together withyour passport will be presented to the Custom Officers for clearance. Your documents will be returned to you after processing and you can then collect your baggage in the baggage hall and proceed to have your baggage examined. Australia has a very strict custom and quarantine rules. Be aware that penalties for possession of undeclared goods and items that are restricted and prohibited can result in heavy fines and imprisonment. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT, DECLARE IT! Your baggage may be X-rayed and Custom officers can question any passengers anytime. Trained dogs maybe also used to detect illegal drugs or prohibited imports. If you are carrying a prescription medicine, you may require a permit or quarantine clearance and/or a letter or prescription from your doctor detailing your medical condition and medication. Again, if you are in doubt, declare your goods or ask a Custom officer for advice. And don't forget to pick up one of those tourist brochures in your way out. It will give you a map of Sydney and guide to top attractions and things to do.
Outbound PassengersEvery time we travel, we make it a rule to be in the airport three hours before departure. We live around 30 kilometers from Sydney Australia Airport. It means leaving home three and a half hour before departure on a week end or four hours before departure in a week day to compensate for the traffic. Imagine how stressful it must be to be caught up in the traffic and your flight is an hour away.( I should know. We had been through it.)
It is better to be early. Check in. Go through the Security check, Immigration and Custom. Do your duty free shopping. Then settle down and relax in the passenger lounge waiting to board your plane for the trip of your life. Travel has changed so much since 911. Sure, we have to go through these maze of security checks and what you can and can't bring. All for verygood reasons. And it does not need to spoil the fun. It is the reason to be in the airport three hours before departure. departing passengers...
Sydney Australia Airport is the major airport in Sydney. You can imagine how busy it is. It services almost all the major airlines in the world and is the major hub for Qantas. All international flights departs and arrives at T1 International Terminal. So make your way to the airport early. Australians traveling overseas must have a proper visa to the countries they are traveling to. Be aware too of what goods and items you can and can not bring with you. Possessions of illegal and prohibited goods and items can result to heavy fines, imprisonment and even death penalty in some countries. You must be aware that there are rules for liquids, aerosols and gels carried by passengers in the cabin of the aircraft. They do not apply to checked baggage carried in the hold of the airplane. If there is a need for you to carry liquids, aerosols, and gel products, they must be in containers of 100 milliliters/grams or less. They mustbe carried in a clear resealable plastic bag with an area of no more than 80 square centimetres...approximately 20 by 20 centimetres. A good example is a resealable sandwich or freezer bag. One bag per passenger applies. The Departure Area of Sydney Australia Airport is in Level 2. Check the departure information board to find your flight allocated check-in counter. Be sure to limit your hand carry or cabin baggage to 5 kilos. You might get away with up to 7 kilos but over that, you have to put your excess kilos to your checked in baggage. Believe me... it is an unpleasant experience. So play it safe. Stick to 5 kilos for your cabin luggage. And don't go over your allowable baggage limit. It will cost you dearly! When everything is sweet, you will be given your boarding pass and Outgoing Passenger Card after examination of your passport andticket by the ground crew. Fill up the outgoing passenger card. Check your boarding gate and boarding time. Now you are ready to go throughthe security checks,customs and immigration of Sydney Australia Airport. As a security check, you will walk through a metal detector and your cabin baggage X-rayed. You may be asked to remove your belt, shoes or any garments with metal on it that may cause the alarm to sound. And if you follow the above tips, you will make it easy for you. Present your passport, boarding pass and outgoing passenger card to the Customs/Immigration officer. And off you go... Do your duty free shopping. Then wait for your boarding time in the departure lounge. You will again present your passport and boarding pass before finally boarding the aircraft. If you are coming from a flight to Sydney, "G'day and welcome. I hope you have a fantastic time in Sydney." And if you are leaving on a flight from Sydney, "Happy trip and enjoy!" Return from Sydney Australia Airport to Sydney Walkabout Homepage
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