First time flying alone - Sydney airport

[acookie]

I'm flying alone for the first time this week as it is for work. I haven't been to Sydney airport before and was after some advice.

My flight is scheduled to arrive at T3 Sydney, is there a map available for this part of the airport? Also, is it relatively easy to find the luggage pick up and then to find the taxi ranks? Does anyone have simple directions?!?! I'm slightly scared that I will get lost!!

Also I'm flying from Perth in the afternoon. There are earlier flights available still on the Qantas website. Do you think I have a chance of getting an earlier flight if I arrive a bit earlier and check in? Has anyone got an earlier flight from Perth airport before? Also I think my ticket is a red' e deal. Should I call Qantas and enquire?

Thanks

 

[Dave Noble]

It is v easy to get to baggage reclaim in Sydney; just follow signs to baggage reclaim ; you go through the exit out of the secure airside area and arrive in the check in area of the terminal; down the escalator to the lower level and the carousels are there. You won't get lost

As far as getting on an earlier flight goes; if you are on a flexible ticket (flexi saver or fully flexible) then v likely to be able to get on an earlier flight, otherwise v unlikely

Dave

 

[oz_mark]

Also I'm flying from Perth in the afternoon. There are earlier flights available still on the Qantas website. Do you think I have a chance of getting an earlier flight if I arrive a bit earlier and check in? Has anyone got an earlier flight from Perth airport before? Also I think my ticket is a red' e deal. Should I call Qantas and enquire?

Quite unlikely on a red-e-deal if you request one. Also bear in mind if flying to Sydney that there are only 5 or 6 flights a day, so an earlier flight is likely at least a couple of hours earlier.

 

[thegurio]

Alternatively you could just follow all the other people as they will be doing mostly the same thing...

 

[Harpoon]

I'm flying alone for the first time this week as it is for work. I haven't been to Sydney airport before and was after some advice.

My flight is scheduled to arrive at T3 Sydney, is there a map available for this part of the airport? Also, is it relatively easy to find the luggage pick up and then to find the taxi ranks? Does anyone have simple directions?!?! I'm slightly scared that I will get lost!!

Also I'm flying from Perth in the afternoon. There are earlier flights available still on the Qantas website. Do you think I have a chance of getting an earlier flight if I arrive a bit earlier and check in? Has anyone got an earlier flight from Perth airport before? Also I think my ticket is a red' e deal. Should I call Qantas and enquire?

Thanks

Stress less! First time solo travel can be a little daunting but you have a few things to remember...

1) Airport staff are usually very helpful. If you get lost or have a question about something, just ask anyone with an oficial looking uniform/badge.

2) Sydney airport domestic is quite simple, especially if flying Qantas. When you get off the plane there will be heaps of signs aying "baggage claim this way -->" or something similar. Very easy to fnd because everyone else will be heading that way too. Similarly there will be signs pointing you to the taxi rank once you get your bags.

3) Unlikely you can swap flights on a red e-deal but you can always ask at check-in. But don't be surprised when they say no as red e-deal tickets are cheap because they are not 'flexible' with changing flights

4) Oh and a hot tip for the security screening. Just make sure you ask somebody if you're unsure what you can take on board. They much prefer people ask up front, than try to get away with things like deodorant cans, nail scissors etc.

Have fun on your trip and relax

 

[simongr]

Also watch out for burly suited people dragging oversize rollaboards - likely to trample you in the stampede for the cabs

 

[straitman]

Also watch out for burly suited people dragging oversize rollaboards - likely to trample you in the stampede for the cabs

Just watch out for Sydney people in general :!: :shock:

 

[acookie]

4) Oh and a hot tip for the security screening. Just make sure you ask somebody if you're unsure what you can take on board. They much prefer people ask up front, than try to get away with things like deodorant cans, nail scissors etc.

Have fun on your trip and relax

Yeah I just put clothes, pens etc and a hairdryer in my onboard luggage! I thought they should all pass security... although I do have a metal ruler... hhmmm i might put that in my suitcase.

thanks everyone for the advice, greatly appreciated

 

[Leumas]

With regards to getting an earlier flight, I'd try to check-in through the kiosks. I've been offered earlier flights on Red e-deal tickets. I don't know whether that's a general benefit or an unwritten one thanks to status though.

Depending on your arrival time into SYD, I'd consider pre-booking a taxi. The taxi queue during rush hour can be terrible (1+ hour queuing).

 

[acookie]

With regards to getting an earlier flight, I'd try to check-in through the kiosks. I've been offered earlier flights on Red e-deal tickets. I don't know whether that's a general benefit or an unwritten one thanks to status though.

Depending on your arrival time into SYD, I'd consider pre-booking a taxi. The taxi queue during rush hour can be terrible (1+ hour queuing).

oh thanks for that. Does anyone know the number for sydney taxis.

will be arriving at 5pm - is this a busy time?

 

[Fluid-Flyer]

Does anyone know the number for sydney taxis.

The phone number for a local taxi, anywhere is Australia is -

131 008

Anyway, if in Sydney, this will direct you to Taxis Combined. There are many other companies though. (Silver Service, part of Taxis Combined, is one worthy of note. Same price as the regulars, but with - better cars, staff and service. Silver Service Taxis (02) 9020 9966)

Personally, as a first time visitor, I would just stand in the queue. Keep it simple.

 

[munitalP]

Just watch out for Sydney people in general :!: :shock:

Get your luggage from downstairs - walk either direction until you get to an escalator, go up and head towards the desk that says "ticket sales" - buy a ticket back to PER :mrgreen: