Airport info MELBOURNE (MEL) - amenities, transfers, transport
 

This is a little Guide for first time pax using MEL (UPDATED JUNE 2016)


TERMINALS & AIRLINES
Melbourne Airport has 4 passenger terminals, Terminals 1-3 are interconnected - making up the main terminal building, Terminal 4 is located next to Terminal 3. Transfers are convenient in Melbourne Airport as it doesn't require bus or car transfers, and its easy to just stroll your luggage between terminals.

- Terminal 1 - Domestic
Qantas Airways, Qantas Link

- Terminal 2 - International
Oneworld: Cathay Pacific (HKG), Malaysia Airlines (KUL), Qantas Airways (HKG/SIN/LAX/AKL/WLG/DXB/LHR),
Qatar Airways (DOH), LATAM Chile (SCL)*

Star Alliance: Air China (PVG/PEK), Air India (DEL), Air New Zealand (AKL/WLG/CHC/ZQN),
Singapore Airlines (SIN), Thai Airways (BKK), United Airlines (LAX)

SkyTeam: China Airlines (TPE/CHC), China Eastern (PVG), China Southern (CAN), Garuda Indonesia (CGK/DPS), Vietnam Airlines (SGN), Xiamen Air (XMN)

AirAsia X (KUL), Aircalin (NOU), Beijing Capital Airlines (TAO, SHE), Emirates (DXB/AKL/SIN/KUL), Etihad Airways (AUH), Fiji Airways (NAN), Indonesia AirAsia X (DPS), Philippine Airlines (MNL), Royal Brunei Airlines (BWN),
Jetstar (DPS/SIN/BKK/HKT/HNL/KIX/SGN/AKL/CHC/ZQN/SYD/BNE/CNS), Scoot (SIN), Sichuan Airlines (CTU), Hainan Airlines (CSX/XIY),
Beijing Capital Airlines (TAO/SHE), Tianjin Airlines (CKG), Virgin Australia (AKL/CHC/NAN/DPS)

- Terminal 3 - Domestic
Virgin Australia

- Terminal 4 - Domestic
Jetstar Airways, Tigerair Australia, Regional Express, Airnorth

* Airlines yet to commence services

AIRLINES LOUNGES
Melbourne Airport has 8 Airline Lounges in the International Terminal (T2)
- Air New Zealand Int'l Lounge - Level Basement (*G)
- Emirates Lounge - Level 3
- Etihad Airways Lounge - Level 3
- Qantas Club/Business Lounge - Level 1 (OWS, OWE)
- Qantas First Lounge - Level 3 (OWE)
- Singapore Airlines Silver Kris - Level 1 (*G)
- Cathay Pacific First Lounge - Level 1 (OWS, OWE)
- Malaysia Airlines Golden Club Lounge - Level 1 (OWS, OWE)

- ALERT: Air New Zealand Int'l Lounge - Lounge will close for refurbishment in June, the temporary lounge is next to MH Lounge on Level 1.

Melbourne Airport has 4 Airline Lounges in combined Domestic Terminals
- Qantas Chairmans Lounge - T1, Level 2
- Qantas Club - T1, Level 2
- Qantas Business Lounge - T1, Level 2
- Virgin Australia Lounge - T3, Departures Level


CHECKING IN
Passengers are advised to check-in all baggage 3 hours prior to departure time. While at check-in desks passengers are required to have present, Passport (with visa if needed) or Personal ID (100 Points) and Airline Ticket/Reservation. Check-in counters are located on the departures level of all terminals. Passengers flying Qantas First, there is a land-side check-in desk designated for First passengers only in the International Terminal (T2). For Domestic passengers, we advise you to check-in at least 2-1.5 hours prior to departure time, to meet airline cut off times, some airlines are very strict especially Tigerair and Jetstar.

Domestic Airlines cut off check-in times
- Qantas Airways - 30 minutes prior to departure
- Qantas Link - 30 minutes prior to departure
- Jetstar Airways - 30 minutes prior to departure
- Virgin Australia - 30 minutes prior to departure
- Tigerair Australia - 45 minutes prior to departure
- Regional Express (REX) - 30 minutes prior to departure
- Airnorth - 45 minutes prior to departure

*These times are used as a guide only, airlines may change and alter times at anytime.

INTERNET CHECK IN
Internet Check-In is available up to 45 minutes prior to your flight, however check up with your existing carrier and their own online check in rules. Remember for International flights the check in agent still needs to see your passport and all appropriate documents for your intended destination. All domestic airlines operating out of Melbourne currently offer internet check-in service.

DEPARTING MELBOURNE - INTERNATIONALLY
Passengers departing Melbourne to board an international flight are required to have present, Passport (with visa if needed), Airline Ticket and Departures card. Regardless of nationality all passengers are needed to complete the card. Declare Cash of over or equal to $10,000 ($AUD) on the departures card, not including credit cards. After Customs Baggage are checked through security screening, Passengers who have brought Duty Free prior, must show a Duty Free representative for process.

To ensure a speedy process through immigration and security check, don't forget your express pass from the check-in agent if flying in Business Class or First Class!

SECURITY SCREENING & AEROSOLS & LIQUIDS
At Melbourne Airport, Laptops and other electronic devices are to be placed out and onto a separate 'tub'. There are certain restrictions on Liquids & Aerosols, which must all be able to fit in a small compact plastic bag;
From Department of Transport & Regional Services;
ARRIVING PASSENGERS - INTERNATIONAL
All passengers arriving into Melbourne, must have completed an Australian Immigration Arrival Card, where passengers are to DECLARE all items listed on the card as Australia is very tough on Quarantine laws. Once your aircraft has arrived into MEL, simply follow the sign "Arrivals" to Customs, where passengers are required to provide Passport, with Visa (if needed) and Arrival Card. Australian & New Zealand nationals are processed through the left, while other nationals are processed to the right. MEL also has E-passport kiosks. Once completing Immigration, passengers are to collect their baggage, passengers DECLARING simply follow "TO DELARE", passengers having nothing to declare follow "NOTHING TO DECLARE".

Smart Gate can be used by Australian, New Zealand, Singaporean, United States and United Kingdom passport holders of 16 and over. Simply place your passport at the scanner, answer the questions truthfully, then collect your card and proceed to a screening gate to get your face checked and recognised. Try to use Smart Gate to avoid the long queues.

TRANSFERRING INTERNATIONAL to INTERNATIONAL
For passengers transferring internationally from MEL, once you have arrived and disembarked, simply stay Airside and follow the sign "Transit" and follow the escalators up to the departures level. Depending on your Airline, your bags may have been transferred to your next flight. Passengers who have not collected their boarding pass for their continuing flight please contact the information desk on the departures level for your boarding pass to be issued, if passengers have Lounge access, boarding passes can be issued or be collected at the Gate issued for you flight. As there are no Airline Transferring desks at MEL.

If you have booked 2 separate tickets on different airlines and they do not have interline agreements; i.e. AirAsia KUL-MEL then Air New Zealand MEL-AKL. You must clear immigration and quarantine and collect your bags to re-checkin for your next flight. Allow for atleast 2 hours during non-peak times or 4 hours during peak times, international check-in cutoff time is usually 1 hour to 45 minutes prior to departure time.

TRANSFERRING INTERNATIONAL to DOMESTIC
Passengers transferring domestically, regardless of the flight you have arrived from, you are to complete the same process as of arriving passengers; refer to "ARRIVING PASSENGERS - INTERNATIONAL". Once completed Immigration & Quarantine, simply go up 1 level to the departures level to check-in for your domestic flight; refer to "TERMINALS & AIRLINES" for domestic airline information.

ARRIVING PASSENGERS - DOMESTIC to INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS
Once passengers have arrived into Melbourne, simply go up one level to the departures level to Terminal 2. Depending on your airline, they will transfer your baggage onto your International flight, QF, JQ (selected itineraries) & VA will automatically transfer your bags if booked on 1 single ticket, passengers flying Tigerair & REX are advise to contact their airline.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT WITH STOP AT ANOTHER AUSTRALIAN CITY
MEL has some international flights that stop over with other Australian cities, once passengers have check-in for your international flight at the origin destination, bags will be connected onto the final destination.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS OPERATING OUT OF T2 (INTERNATIONAL)
Jetstar has a couple of tag flights per week that operate to SYD, CNS & BNE from T2 (International). These flights are bookable and is considered a domestic flight, passengers will still need to adhere to International check-in times of 3 hours prior. Identification is needed (100 Points), a drivers license is fine, boarding pass will have a 'orange' domestic sticker and will be stamped by the customs officer.

HOW TO GET TO MELBOURNE CITY?
Melbourne Airport has taxi & bus service direct to the city centre.
- SkyBus departs every 10 minutes direct to Southern Cross Station www.skybus.com.au
- A Taxi Fare would settle you back around $50 Australian Dollars ($AUD) to the city
- Smartbus Route 901 departs from the main terminal forecourt and routes to Frankston*

*Please note, that to use Melbourne's Public Transport system (Train/Bus/Tram), you must have a valid Myki card. A Myki Visitor Pack can be purchased at the news agency, sky bus kiosks and the information desk in the arrivals hall.

More information about Myki can be found here: Myki Visitors Value Pack

AIRPORT HOTELS
Melbourne Airport has 4 hotels onsite, the Park Royal connect directly to the main terminal building, with Holiday Inn & Ibis Budget in walking distance from the main terminal building.
- Park Royal Melbourne Airport (****)
- Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport (***)
- Ibis Budget Melbourne Airport (**)

The Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is located close to the airport, about 5 minute drive, nearby is also the newly built Quest Melbourne Airport which also includes serviced apartments.
- Mantra Tullamarine (***)
- Quest Melbourne Airport (****)

CAN I SMOKE IN MELBOURNE AIRPORT?
Melbourne Airport is absolutely smoke free inside the terminal buildings

WHERE CAN I PRAY?
Melbourne Airport has a designated area for praying in Terminal 2

AIRLINE TICKETING OFFICES
Melbourne Airport's Airlines have ticketing desks on Level 2 in Terminal 2 or respective airline ticketing desks in the domestic terminals.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE
In Melbourne the currency is the Australian Dollar ($AUD), there are kiosks near the check-in desks on the departures level, on arrival and after Customs.

RESTAURANTS - WHERE CAN I EAT?
Melbourne Airport is a medium sized airport, and there isn't much choice landside. There are selections of Fast food chains, bars and cafe's around the airport. Airside T2 has quite a few iconic Melbourne restaurants including Cafe Vue (theres also Cafe Vue Express landside), Little Ludlow Pub and Bar Pulpo by MoVida.

The newly opened Terminal 4 (T4) has a vast selection of food and beverage outlets ranging from Mc'Donalds to Melbourne icons such as Brunetti's.

GENERAL TIPS & TOURISTY THINGS TO DO!
- Passengers who are arriving into Melbourne, in peak times (Mornings Tue, Thurs, Sat & Sun & Midnight rush) make sure to get to Customs & Immigration quickly as there will be long queues at Quarantine and would take you up to 2 hours to clear if caught in the rush.

- It would be wise to exchange money at your home city or city you are currently in, as a rule, airport exchange rates are quite low and they also charge a commission, Travellex charges $11~ AUD per transaction at Melbourne Airport.

- Melbourne is a great city to get around on foot, trams are also easily accessed on the main streets, a tram is never too far away. If walking or riding trams is not your thing, may I suggest the Melbourne Bike Share, remember you must wear a helmet when riding a bike, these can be purchased at 7-11 convenient stores and are inexpensive. If you are intending to use public transport in Melbourne, you need a Myki card.

- Some of Melbourne's tourist attractions includes; Flinders St station, Sealife Melbourne Aquarium, Crown Casino, St Kilda Beach, Albert Park, Melbourne Museum, Melbourne Laneways, MCG, Melbourne Park, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Queen Victoria Markets, Eureka Tower, Shrine of Remembrance, Southbank, Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne.

- Melbourne is a great shopping city, Melbourne's main retail core is in the city; Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne, QV Mall, Bourke St Mall, Myer, David Jones and Collins St are all connected to each other and is home to more than 3000 retail stores, cafes and restaurants. Luxury Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Bvlgari, Omega, Miu Miu, can be found on Collins St, Crown Casino and Chadstone. Trading Hours for shopping in the city is: Saturday-Wednesday: 9AM-7PM, Thursday-Friday: 9AM-9PM. Harbour Town (Docklands), DFO South Wharf and Spencer Outlet Centre are all Outlet Malls within the CBD, these malls generally close at 9PM on Thursdays and Fridays.

- Melbourne is well represented with Hotels across all brands; IHG (Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza), HHonours (Hilton, Double Tree), Accor (Sofitel, Novotel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Mercure, M Collection, The Sebel, Ibis), Starwood (Westin, Sheraton, Four Points), Marriott (Marriott), Hyatt (Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt). Local brands include Crown Resorts (Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade), Hotel Windsor, Grand Hotel Melbourne, Ovolo, Art Series (The Black Man, The Cullen, The Olsen).

- Love Sport? Then Melbourne is the place for you! Melbourne hosts regular sporting matches varying from rugby, soccer (football), Australian football (AFL), cricket, netball, basketball and aquatic events year round. Major events include Australian Open (Tennis), Australian Masters (Golf), Australian F1 Grand Prix, Australian Motor GP, Melbourne Cup Carnival and the AFL Grand Final.

- If sports isn't your thing, and you are more of an arts person, then Melbourne has you covered too! Visit the Melbourne Museum, ACMI, Federation Square, State Library, National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre. There are also quite a number of independent galleries in and around the CBD, most of these are tucked away in lane ways and random nooks, rooftops and even underground. Melbourne is famous for its lane ways full of street art, painted by street artists of all ages, the lanes have transformed the city and is one of the main tourists draw cards, famous lanes include Hosier Lane, just off Flinders St. Explore, loose yourself in Melbourne! - you don't know what you will find!

Don't forget to pick up a Melbourne Guide on arrival! These include great discount coupons for tourist attractions!

For more information visit: www.melbourneairport.com.au

Hope this Helps & Enjoy your Stay in Beautiful Melbourne! :)

Thanks for this.

To clarify a few points.

All international flights use T2. This includes some flights that have a domestic tag leg to an international destination/from an international origin. A number of airlines have these kind of flights.

Lounges, international - NZ is on the ground floor, UA, SQ, CX, MH, QF (business) are all on level 1, main departures & most gates are level 2, QF (first) and EK are level 3.

Lounges, domestic - QF also has business class lounge which is entered from within the Qantas club.

There is no international transfer desk so international to international transit passengers who have not yet received their boarding pass for the onward flight need to collect them from the lounge (QF & SQ and only if you have access to the lounge) or the gate.

I agree, thanks for this - just wondering why the OP bothered to post it as a MEL-specific thread, when such information would have been more useful in a general thread, with others feeling free to post info about other airports. As far as I have seen, there haven't been questions asked about these items about other airports in Australia.

Dave

Does it really take 2 hours to clear quarantine inspection during peak times? I've never had it take more than 15 minutes (seems more like 5 is the norm), so do such long delays happen routinely? Also I'm not quite sure what "daily midnight departures" have to do with arrivals delays.

The advice for all passengers to check-in luggage 3 hours prior to departure, even for domestic flights, is a bit suspect. Doesn't check-in open about then -- I've heard of baggage check-in refused more than 4 hours prior to flight time. QF domestic baggage check-in is still 30 min at MEL which is a bit different from 180 min.

JQ domestic won't accept bags more than 2hrs prior to departure.

The best food is to be found away from the QF terminal - the plastic paddy pub is about the pick of landside offerings, up near the DJ checkin area.

I've been lucky so far, but a friend of mine was recently stuck for well over 1.5 hours when arriving on EK404 from Singapore, which was slightly delayed and thus landed pretty much simultaneously with a couple of other big birds. I was on the same flight a week earlier, but it arrived a little early and so I breezed through. :eek:

Thanks, that's a handy post, had it down loaded and copied.

Yes, MEL customs and quar can often be a hassle if you arrive after a Chinese or Vietnam flight, People have been so outraged when the queque extended through the duty free, if you don't have a pass, chat to a crew about the weather and oops, before you know it,;) you are out

RE: Can the moderators please make this thread a sticky, to help future fellow forumers to have easy access to this infromation

thanks, soorox

Also anyone with questions feel free to ask, they will be answered on this thread. :)

1) the Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is not exactly "onsite"...it is several km from the terminals (in fact there is at least one other off-site hotel closer).
2) a bit of spell checking wouldn't go astray...

3 hour checkin??
 

Is the 3 hour checkin before departure for real?

For an 07:30 departure that's rough - this is for MEL-SYD-LAX-BOS on Qantas then AA. Can we reckon on arriving about 90 mins beforehand in real life, which from near Southern Cross station would mean boarding the Skybus about 05:30?

(it's not me travelling, the traveller has no status with any airline, if that is important)

I have checked in 90 minutes ahead for flight to SYD-LAX on United with no difficulties. Usually through in under 30 minutes.

I think this heading would be clearer if it said "TRANSFERRING INTERNATIONAL TO DOMESTIC".

In any case, the process for making such a transfer to QF from another airline makes MEL a third world airport. There is no interline belt, and even with boarding passes and checked-through bags you STILL have to repeat what is effectively a check-in process to get your bags on the next part of your journey. The queues can be long and slow. MEL essentially makes baggage handlers out of passengers.
This made me smile. MEL might have an appalling bag transfer system, but - to my knowledge - it doesn't have 'prayer police'.

So you can probably pray wherever you want ;)

If they are flying QF MEL-SYD almost certainly it is a flight using the domestic terminal at MEL. If you are checked in an hour before departure you'll be fine, so yes taking 0530 skybus should be okay.

Surely you mean checking of spelling?

Spell checking is something that would be employed by Wizards & Witches. It has nothing to do with the letters used to compose words.

me spill cheque repours thar it noting wrung wit his posse