Let’s face it—no one enjoys spending more time at the airport than absolutely necessary. Between long lines, early wake-ups, and hours of waiting at the gate, it can often feel like your holiday or work trip starts on a frustrating note. But what if you could cut down your airport time without risking a missed flight? With a bit of smart planning, it’s entirely possible. Here are our top time-saving airport hacks to help you arrive later while still making it through the gates stress-free.
This is a basic move that pays off in spades. Most airlines allow check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure. Not only can you confirm your seat selection, but having your boarding pass ready (especially on your phone) saves valuable time in queues—especially if you’re flying carry-on only.
Certain times of day and week are simply busier than others. Avoid peak airport times if possible—early Monday mornings and Friday afternoons tend to be hectic. Mid-morning or early afternoon flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays are often smoother, with fewer crowds and quicker security lines.
Finding parking at the airport can chew through a surprising amount of time—especially if you're circling for a spot or dealing with distant shuttle lots. If you're flying from Victoria, consider pre-booking a spot through options like Melbourne airport parking at Novotel. Located right at the terminal, this convenient solution means you can park, unload, and be at check-in within minutes.
If your trip allows, packing light can eliminate the time spent queuing at the check-in counter and waiting at the baggage carousel upon arrival. Just be sure to follow your airline’s carry-on rules to avoid delays at the gate.
Some airports offer express security lanes for business class passengers, frequent flyers, or those who purchase priority access. In Australia, these lanes are usually available in major international terminals. Saving even ten minutes here can make a big difference.
Apps like FlightAware, TripIt, and your airline’s own mobile app can alert you to changes in gate numbers, delays, or even early boarding times. Knowing exactly when your flight is boarding—and whether it’s running behind—can help you time your arrival down to the minute.
A little pre-trip research into the airport terminal layout (especially if it’s large or unfamiliar) can save valuable time. Know where your airline typically checks in, where security is located, and how long it takes to walk to your gate.
If you’re flying internationally from Australia, SmartGate helps speed up border clearance for eligible travellers. Have your passport ready and skip the queues—just be sure your travel details match what’s on your ePassport chip.
With a combination of planning, tech tools, and strategic decisions like booking convenient airport parking, you can reduce unnecessary wait time without the anxiety of missing your flight. Because travel should be about the journey, not the queue!
