How early do I have to show up at the airport for check-in?

Generally, you need to be at the airport around 2 hours prior to departure. However, each airport has it’s own regulations and it’s best to enquire about that in advance in an information point on the airport or with the carrier (website), checking the current regulations in your particular case.

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How should I prepare for such a long trip?

The trip from Europe to Australia is indeed very long - it takes between 24 and 30 hours (including flight and a short stop-over). First of all you should choose appropriate clothing - loose and comfortable! Keep in mind that travelling to/from Australia in some seasons you the temperatures will drastically change (especially July/August and December/January). Therefore, you should remember about taking a spare set of clothing to change during the flight, clothing that is adequate to temperatures in the place of destination (warm or light).

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What is a jetlag?

Jetlag is a combination of fatigue and other symptoms (like sleepiness, apathy, irritability, headache, problems with concentration) caused by travelling abruptly across different time zones (as on a jet plane). The symptoms are caused by disruption of the natural bodily processes and rhythm of day and night. the body clock is less confused if you travel westward. This is because travelling west ‘prolongs’ the body clock’s experience of its normal day–night cycle (the normal tendency of the body clock in most of us is slightly longer than 24 hours). Travelling eastwards, however, runs in direct opposition to the body clock.

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Do I have to worry about the deep vain thrombosis during my flight?

The deep vain thrombosis is a very rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Some people suffering from cardiovascular system conditions may be especially at risk during a long flight. In deep vein thrombosis a blood clot forms in one of the veins deep inside the leg. Sitting or laying in one position for a long period of time can increase the risk of developing thrombosis. It is believed that taking aspirin (which helps to thin the blood) prior to departure can help prevent blood clots. The best way however to keep healthy and feeling good onboard a plane is very simple - move and exercises during the flight (try for example stretching, getting up your seat and walking up and down the aisle).

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What documents will I need during the check-in?

Before you line up for check-in have you passport, ticket and visa ready.

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What will happen if I get late for check-in?

If you are late for check-in you might not be allowed to get onboard the plane. Even if the plane will be late, you should arrive as though the plane was on time. Airport procedures may be very strict, therefore it’s good to read the airport terms and conditions prior to departure and make sure you arrive early to the airport.

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Where should I go after leaving the airplane?

After your plane reaches the destination you should follow the signs to the exit. You will be led out of the airplane to a bus waiting outside (which will take you to the airport building) or directly to a terminal through a passenger boarding bridge. In the arrival hall you will collect your baggage and proceed to the passport and customs control. All these places are clearly marked and easy to recognize.

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Do I have to check-in and collect my baggage each time I change planes?

On most of the flights you will have to check-in your baggage only once, during your check-in. Then, you will receive a boarding pass for each step of your travel (your check-in baggage is transported automatically to the next plane). However, if during your initial check-in you did not receive all necessary boarding cards/passes, you will need to collect your baggage on every airport on which you change your plane.

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How do I collect my baggage?

After landing you will proceed to the baggage claim hall to collect your baggage. It will be transported by a conveyor belt also called a baggage carousel (each such belt is clearly marked and assigned to a particular flight number). Sometimes, transport of the baggage from the airplane to the baggage claim hall takes longer than your walking from the plane but the wait shouldn’t be very long (it shouldn’t exceed 45 minutes).

In the unlikely event that your checked baggage has been misplaced or damaged please seek assistance from a staff member at an information counter at your arrival airport.

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How do I get from the airport to the city?

There are several options for you to get from the airport to the city but it’s good to know them before you set out on your journey. Depending on the localization of the airport you can use the following means of transport:

taxis, shuttle buses, trains, metro, fast suburban rail networks, and sometimes even ferries.

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Can I take my pet with me?

To bring cats and dogs to Australia, they must meet all of the AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) import conditions prior to export. This is to minimise the risk of exotic diseases being introduced into Australia.

(!) Australia is free from many animal-related diseases found in other parts of the world.

All cats and dogs entering Australia require an import permit to be granted by AQIS prior to export. To obtain an AQIS import permit, an application to import cats and dogs to Australia must be completed. The AQIS officers evaluate the application and if the pet is eligible, a permit is issued. Once a valid import permit has been granted, you will need to contact the relevant animal quarantine station to make a reservation. Cats and dogs must spend the Australian quarantine period in one of the three government animal quarantine stations equipped to accommodate cats and dogs. They are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. An import permit does not guarantee a space at an animal quarantine station.

You must provide an air waybill number to the animal quarantine station to confirm your animal/s reservation closer to the date of departure.