nice clean quick!…read more love the plants and food options seemed ok got bags. major smoking as waiting for bags not used to that

I hate hate hate this airport and for me it has to be one of the worst organised in the world we've…read moretravelled although, to be fair, the last time we came back from Europe we were amazed at how fast we went through. Leaving Brisbane I thought we had checked in online. Don't believe it. One person there to help and folk were walking around confused as you have to weigh and check in your own baggage. After that you have to go through customs then walk walk walk walk for what seemed about a kilometre to get to gate 19. One small moving walkway of course as the other one was bust. It took around 10 minutes to get to the gate. Coming back from New Zealand where there was only the one flight coming in it was utterly appalling. 1. People were trapped at the first check-in where they didn't know what to do with their passports... so there were long queues at each "unmanned of course" terminal. You get through and manage to get to baggage where the low IQ people in charge have decided it's a good idea to fence off the first 30 metres where the bags come out. They're having a laugh aren't they where you can see your bag come out of the opening but canny get it for another 3 to 5 minutes. Doesn't seem a long time but after the waiting in the first customs place it's frustrating. Second customs which was ok although our queue got stuck with someone bringing in something untoward so the female in the next customs decided to open another check and allow the people behind us to start there. We'd been queuing for at least 5 minutes and folk who just got there were now way in front of us. The only other airport I can think of which is as badly managed as Brisbane International is the Edinburgh airport and I come from Edinburgh so no bias. Naturally there will be folk who tell me to "Get over yersel" but when you can see how many things could be improved then maybe it's not me: it's you.

As the gateway for universally-known and -acclaimed Byron Bay, hippy capital of the solar system…read moreand bong-smoking backpacker mecca, you kind of expect Ballina Airport to be something more than it is. But it's not, and it's great. It's like landing out in the country somewhere, rather than one of Australia's best known getaway spots. There's tarmac, and a modest one-story tin-roofed building that looks like the unfashionable congregation hall of some kind of Presbyterian church. The cafe is tiny and there are a cluster 3 Hawaiian shirt-wearing minibus operators joking around in the corner. You look around wondering if you're at the wrong spot. Orange, maybe. Or Dubbo. You walk out in the sun, blink, look back at the poky terminal (it barely justifies the word) then smile and head for Byron. Ballina: no ego, and keeping it real.

Ballina airport is as simple as the town is itself. No frills but with all the basic amenities so…read moredon't go expecting to pick up last minute souvenirs or any fancy flight lounges to relax in. There are a few humble couches to relax on but for the most part it's hard plastic seating. There's the Horizon's cafe which offers all your usual cafe fare, hot chips, burgers, packet chips, some fruit, muffins bars, drinks. So if you're after a meal maybe pick something up in town before you head there. There's no real downside to any of this, it's an experience of small towns and one to embrace, you even get to walk onto your plane which sorta makes you feel like a celebrity... Just use your imagination!

I recently had the pleasure of traveling through Brisbane's Domestic Terminal, and I must say, it…read moreexceeded all of my expectations. As someone who travels frequently, I've seen my fair share of airports, and Brisbane truly stands out for its seamless experience, modern amenities, and outstanding customer service. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was impressed by the terminal's bright, open design. The layout is airy and spacious, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The atmosphere was welcoming and not overcrowded, even during peak travel times. The flow of people through security and customs was smooth, and the signage was clear and easy to follow, which made it easy to navigate the terminal. One of the standout features of Brisbane Domestic Terminal is how efficient the check-in and security processes are. I arrived at the terminal a bit earlier than usual, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and smooth it was to check in. The self-service kiosks are user-friendly, and there were plenty of staff members available to assist with any questions. The security process was similarly hassle-free. The staff were friendly and professional, ensuring that everything moved along efficiently without feeling rushed. A major highlight of my experience was the exceptional service from the Qantas staff. From the check-in counters to the gate, their professionalism and attentiveness really stood out. The staff greeted me with genuine smiles and were quick to assist with any queries. At the gate, there was a brief delay due to weather conditions, and the Qantas team kept us informed with regular updates, making sure everyone knew what was happening. They handled the situation with patience and care, ensuring that all passengers felt comfortable and well-informed. It's rare to see such consistent and friendly service across all touchpoints, and I really appreciated it. The terminal also offers a fantastic selection of dining options. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a sit-down meal, or a caffeine fix, there is something for everyone. I enjoyed a delicious coffee at one of the cafes before my flight, and the barista was attentive, making sure my order was just right. There are also a number of restaurants offering everything from fast food to more refined options for those who want to sit down and enjoy a meal before their flight. Shopping is another highlight. There are a variety of stores ranging from duty-free outlets to specialty shops. I was able to pick up some last-minute gifts for friends and family, and I even had time to browse through the bookshop for a good read. The range of products is impressive, and I appreciate that the shops cater to both local and international travelers. The amenities at Brisbane's Domestic Terminal are top-notch. The seating areas are comfortable and clean, with plenty of power outlets to charge your devices. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, which is always a bonus for anyone needing to catch up on emails or social media while waiting for their flight. There are also spacious lounges available for those who prefer a more tranquil space to relax before takeoff. I found the lounge areas to be particularly quiet and peaceful, with excellent views of the runway. For families traveling with young children, the terminal has designated play areas to keep little ones entertained. There are also ample facilities for those with special needs, ensuring that everyone can navigate the airport comfortably and with ease. The customer service at Brisbane Domestic Terminal deserves special mention. Every staff member I interacted with was polite, professional, and genuinely helpful. Whether I was asking for directions or needed assistance with a query, the staff was always happy to help and made sure I had a positive experience. Overall, my experience at Brisbane Domestic Terminal was nothing short of excellent. With its efficient processes, welcoming atmosphere, diverse dining options, and excellent customer service--especially from the Qantas staff--it truly stands out as one of the best domestic terminals I've had the pleasure of using. I highly recommend it to anyone flying domestically from Brisbane--you won't be disappointed! Would Highly Reccomend!

I was here twice and will say both times it was easy and organized getting through security…read more There is lots of staff around and lines didn't seem to be too long. I was here on two different parts of the day. I liked they practice rear and front loading of planes. Definitely a faster process.

Plenty of seating options. It's a quiet lounge. Barista made coffee drinks. The breakfast options…read morearen't that exciting. They had eggs and fruit. Most seats don't have charging stations.

This was a good place to relax and use the WiFi to catch up on messages and get a good cup of…read moreExpresso. My only complaint was that their computer firewall prevented me from accessing my work emails and I had to pull out my laptop to get this taken care of. The staff was efficient and very friendly and even though I didn't eat anything there, the food looked very fresh and appetizing. The bathrooms were clean and they had available showers that other lounges don't have.

How embarrassing! Despite being under renovation, the…read morefacilities and level of cleanliness is very disappointing. I can't believe we welcome international visitors with such poor standards. Renovations are one thing but cleanliness and functional facilities should be standard.

On arrival, it was a breeze. It was simple to collect my bags, make it through customs with clear…read moresigns and organization. Additionally the pickup lot was clearly marked and shady, a quick walk from arrivals. Departure was a different story and I was mixed with it. The traffic patterns and circles to get to the drop off was a nightmare, unsure why. I had plenty of time but the longer I waited in the van, the more it ticked by. Eventually my friend decided to take me to the pickup lot, so I did my arrival in reverse and it saved me a ton of time; I could still see the line of traffic to drop off barely moving above. There's also a city train that goes directly here, but was told it's upward of $18AUD from the normal $1 for the rest of the trains. Plan ahead. The airline check-in counters were a breeze; Air New Zealand was all self service and drop off, couldn't have been easier. The terminal itself has high glass ceilings and is bright and welcoming. Until you have to go down to the basement for unbelievable security screening checkpoints. The lines moved and zigzagged but it took forever. Finally exhausted and through security, I was greeted with a large atrium and places to get breakfast, bars, shops, etc. Gates were fairly close to this area so it wasn't a big rush after security. Airports are one of those things you don't really have a choice about it, but there are definitely much worse ones out there.