How to prepare for your flight to Australia

Planning to arrive in Australia to start your studies? Here's everything you need to know.

Book your flight to Australia

Since the resumption of international travel, demand for international flights has contributed to some increases in flight prices globally. Here are some tips to help you shop around for the best value fare:

• Search and compare flight prices using private (or ‘incognito’) browsing windows. Airline and price comparison websites often track when you visit their websites and collect data on your search enquiries, so the prices may increase each time you visit the same site.
• Be flexible with your dates. You might find that you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars if you choose flights on less popular days and times. Avoid travelling over a weekend if you can, as you can expect to pay a lot more!
• Sign up for newsletters. Major airlines will email subscribers to notify them of upcoming fare sales, which can help you secure a lower fare.
• Book early. The earlier you book a flight to Australia, the more likely you will be paying a lower price. Leaving your booking to the last minute may mean you’re caught paying higher rates, because fares increase as flights fill up.
• Be aware of hidden charges. A cheap flight may exclude things like food and luggage allowances, which may end up costing you a lot more in addition to your fare. Then, there are things such as hidden fees and charges, especially if you book on third-party websites. Compare full fares across general booking sites, direct-to-airline sites and with a travel agent to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
• Read the terms and conditions before you book. Airlines have been very flexible in recent months during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may be harder now to change your flights last minute more normal travel arrangements resume.

Prepare for your flight to Australia

It’s a good idea to pack a face mask and some hand sanitiser to stop the spread of germs and to maintain social distancing in airports and wherever possible.

We have a full travel and pre-departure checklist here to make sure you have everything packed and ready to go!

Arriving at the airport

When you arrive at an Australian airport, you will first need to go through immigration and customs clearance. If you need help finding your way around, just ask the airline staff or one of the border officials in the arrivals area. A clearance officer will check your travel document and visa, and once cleared you will be able to collect your luggage to go through customs and quarantine clearance processes.

More information on what to expect when you arrive at the airport is available at the Australian Border Force website. We also have a helpful list of what you can bring in to Australia here. 

Safe travels everyone! We can’t wait to have you here.