First time flyers

Your ticket contains important information about your flights. You need to be aware of the terms, conditions and limitations that apply to your ticket.

To board the plane you need a boarding pass. You can check-in online and print your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport. Alternatively, your boarding pass will be issued when you present your ticket at the airport check-in desk. If you are holding an e-ticket your boarding pass will be issued once you show photo identification.

If you’re travelling internationally you need a passport. Some countries may also require special permits or visas for entry. 

Health precautions are recommended for travel to some countries. See our visa and health page for information. Your doctor can advise if inoculations or medications are required or recommended.

If you’re taking prescription medicine you should carry a copy of your prescription from your doctor and keep all medication in your carry-on baggage.

It’s good to have yourself covered in case something unexpected happens while you’re travelling. 

Make sure you’re aware of the baggage allowances that apply to your ticket. It's important to pack your baggage yourself and to label your baggage both inside and out with your name and home address. Remove any old destination stickers and tags from your baggage.

Certain articles cannot be carried in your baggage. These are classified as dangerous goods.

Never carry baggage for other people. Unwary travellers have been duped into carrying bags and parcels containing drugs and other prohibited items. It's wise to lock all your bags and never leave them unattended.

Check-in times can vary, so you should always check with the local Qantas office or Qantas agent. At check-in you’ll receive:

• your boarding pass with seat allocation
• baggage receipts
• departure forms (if required).

Many airports don’t make boarding calls. Always check the departure boards for updated flight information, such as departure or boarding times and gate numbers.

When you fly internationally you need to pass through immigration, customs and security procedures before you can depart. Allow plenty of time to complete these formalities.

Security procedures, for both domestic and international travel, can involve metal detectors, baggage inspection machines (these are quick and routine and will not spoil normal photographic film) and bag searches.

Duty free shopping is available for international customers at most airports. Shops are usually located both before and after immigration and may also be available upon arrival. You should always check the duty free allowances of the country you are visiting as they can vary.

Our cabin crew will direct you to your seat as you enter the aircraft. Seat numbers are located at eye level above the seats.

All Qantas operated flights are non-smoking and you’re required to keep your seat belt fastened while seated, even when the 'fasten seat belt' sign is switched off.

Meals or refreshments are served on all flights. Our contemporary designed meals have been created by leading Australian chef, Neil Perry.

Our wines are selected by a panel made up of three of Australia's most well-respected wine show judges; Tom Carson, Vanya Cullen and Stephen Pannell. All are qualified and practising wine makers. All drinks are complimentary when flying internationally on Qantas.

On Australian domestic flights drinks are complimentary except for alcoholic beverages in Economy, which are subject to a charge.

Our award-winning entertainment system includes new release movies, television shows, podcasts and video games on some flights⁺. We provide complimentary headsets on all services where entertainment is offered.

If you're connecting with another flight to an onward destination, it means you are transferring. If you have been 'through-checked' you will have a boarding pass for your onward flight and your baggage will be tagged through to your final destination. Check the departure boards and you can proceed directly to your new departure gate. If you have not been 'through-checked' you will need to proceed to the transfer desk in the departure area where you will receive your boarding pass for your next flight.

If you're transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight operating from a domestic terminal, you may need to clear customs and immigration and collect your baggage before proceeding to the terminal. At some international airports, there are transfer desks that allow you to check your bags in for your domestic flight before proceeding to the domestic terminal.

If you're transferring from an international flight to an Australian domestic flight operating from the international terminal, you won’t be required to clear customers during your transfer. You can proceed to your next flight.

Your baggage will be available for collection in the arrivals hall. Look for your flight number on the monitors to indicate which carousel to collect your baggage from.

If you’re unable to locate your baggage don't hesitate to ask ground staff for assistance. Trolleys are available in the baggage collection areas of most airports. There may be a charge for use, usually in the local currency.

Due to customs and quarantine requirements, some countries, including Australia, require you to declare certain goods upon arrival. We recommend you check restrictions before travelling internationally or interstate.

On arrival into Australia you’ll need to present your passport and incoming Passenger Card. After collecting your baggage, if you have nothing to declare you proceed through the green channel. If you have something to declare, proceed through the red channel. Random baggage inspections are standard procedure at all international airports.