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Travel Advice for Spring School Holidays
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Travel Advice for Spring School Holidays

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Sydney Airport is set for its busiest September school holidays yet, with almost 2.7 million passengers expected to travel between 22 September and 12 October 2025.

Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, here’s what you need to know to make your trip smooth.

When to arrive at the airport

  • Domestic (hand luggage only): Arrive at least 1 hour before your flight
  • Domestic (checking bags): Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight
  • International: Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight (or follow your airline’s advice)

Getting to the airport

Extra staff will be on the ground to help during the busy period.

To keep traffic moving, some drop-offs will be directed to the Arrivals level. Lifts and escalators are available to take you up to Departures.

If you're planning to park at the terminals, prebook your parking ahead of travel to guarantee a spot.

Security

As we continue upgrading security, some processes may be different from your last trip.

Please follow the guidance of our security team to help keep things moving smoothly.

  • T1 International: Keep laptops and aerosols in your bag. Liquids, gels and powders still have restrictions - visit the Home Affairs website for more information
  • T2 Domestic: Laptops and aerosols must come out of your bag. From 10 October, some lanes will allow them to stay inside.
  • T3 Domestic: Laptops and aerosols can stay in your bag.

Shop, Reserve and Win this Spring

We’ve launched Digital Concierge – a new shopping and reservation service. Chat with sales associates from your favourite luxury retailers through WhatsApp or WeChat, check product availability, and even reserve or pre-purchase items before you fly.

Plus, you could become the next SYD Millionaire! Spend AUD $50 or more in a single transaction at any participating retailer in Terminals 1, 2 or 3 between 17 March 2025 and 8 January 2026 for your chance to win AUD $1 million in cash.

There are also weekly and monthly prizes up for grabs – from gift cards and luxury getaways to tech bundles and more. Visit SYD Millionaire for more information.