Travelling is exciting, but contrary to the belief of many, your trip doesn’t begin at the destination – it begins at the airport.
As the first stop on your itinerary, it should be a relaxing pre-flight experience. However, we all know that there are two types of fliers – those who arrive hours before their flight, enjoying a gourmet meal and duty-free shopping – and those who arrive moments before boarding, rushing through security and the terminal in a sweat. Whether you’re taking a business trip or a holiday; an international or domestic flight, arriving at the airport early is laced with positives. Here are just a few reasons to organise an early arrival time for your flight:
1. Shopping and more shopping
Tax-free shopping is one of the best reasons for arriving at the International airport early. After all, a little bit of retail therapy pre-flight is heavenly for travellers. From travel essentials, gifts, cosmetics, and perfumes to designer clothes and bags, shopping at the airport can save you thousands of dollars. Take advantage of the incredible shopping at Sydney Airport – which is dotted with premium and high-street stores – everything from Gucci to Sunglasses Hut, Tiffany & Co., Kate Spade New York, and the Australian Way for all those last-minute souvenirs to gift overseas friends.
2. Indulge at one of the many eateries and bars
Start your business trip or holiday off with a celebratory toast and a delicious meal at one of the many bars and restaurants. Everyone is entitled to a relaxing pre-flight experience so celebrate the start of your trip at the new premium dining lifestyle precinct, City View, within the T1 International terminal, which features a myriad of delightful dining spaces. The Heineken House features the brand’s latest global innovations, including Heineken, served Extra Cold, its coldest beer yet. Pair it with a meal from the impressive menu from The Bistro by Wolfgang Puck. Lovers of good coffee look no further than Campos Coffee. Their signature reserve coffee blend from Colombia will ignite your senses and prep you up before boarding (and fight off any signs of jet lag). For those who prefer a healthy hit, head to Joe the Juice for your green smoothie fix.
3. Enjoy a good night’s sleep
There’s nothing worse than travelling to the airport at dawn or dusk and feeling exhausted before you depart. Avoid the traffic and commute by staying at the Mantra Sydney Airport, which is located on the airport precinct. This plush hotel offers travellers contemporary and stylish premium accommodation and onsite parking within a short stroll of their departure gate. The T2 and T3 domestic terminals are just a few minutes’ walk so you can arrive with plenty of time to spare. There’s also a paid shuttle service available to Domestic and International terminals.
4. Parking is a breeze
There is a range of parking options at Sydney Airport that make getting from your doorstep to the terminal easy. Parking is within walking distance and you can make big savings on drive-up parking fees when you book your parking online. Simply sign up on prebook.sydneyairport.com.au.
This article is sponsored by Sydney Airport.
