Sydney International Terminal Photos
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Arrived into Sydney International Airport on an early Monday morning, and the process to get into the country was stream-lined and well implemented. Delta has 2 late night flights non-stop from LAX to SYD. My brother and I chose the later of the two (departing around 22:30) because it was slightly cheaper, and gets you into Sydney (local time) around 07:00 two days later....it's about a 15 hour flight. Learned that even though it is operated by Delta, the way to get on the upgrade list is by using a global certificate to move up one level. They do have Premium seats, so would have to purchase that to be eligible for the lie-flat Delta One suites (maybe someday). One thing to note was that all seats in Comfort Plus was taken (including middle in a 3-3-3 configuration), but there were entire rows in Economy empty (the plane was probably half full)...so in this case, it would have been better to sit behind in an empty row. The Comfort plus does give you a bit more extra legroom, which is useful when the seat in front of you reclines. When we boarded the plane, we were handed paper custom declaration form to fill out during the trip. Announcements warned us that all food and agriculture products had to be declared, and we were not to take any of the food served to us during the journey. Once we deplaned, we walked to the passport control, which are all automated, with 12 or more kiosks scanning your passport and taking your picture (the line for any kiosk was no more than 3 deep). We had been told to purchase an ETA before our trip, whose approval comes via email. But since it is tied to your passport, we didn't need to have that email, instead passport control confirmed it with a passport scan and picture and handed us a paper slip. we then exited the control area by taking another picture. We then headed to baggage retrieval (all bags must be retrieved here, even if this is only a pass-through). We then exited the baggage claim area, going through customs where we handed the agent the passport slip and our filled out declaration. The entire process took under 25 minutes. Very fast and efficient. The free airport wide wifi was very useful as well.
Coming in early on Saturday morning to make a quick connection. Very quick. I was pretty sure I was going to miss it. There are two domestic buildings and one international. None are within walking distance of each other. My international flight was late arriving. I had to retrieve one checked bag and still clear customs. Now head outside and catch a shuttle bus. The first was too full. Then I had the wait for the next one to be full enough to move on. There's a big difference between Virgin Australia or Quantas. So know before you get on the bus. Departing passengers go in main door but walk up to the second floor to check baggage and get boarding pass. Ground level is for arrivals and picking up baggage. Security wasn't nearly as long as it can be in the states - thank heavens. So I actually made my connection with time to spare. Since I was in a rush the first two times I used, I can't really say much about the place. Third visit to head home I had more time. Check in and loading bags was easy. TSA this time was very long, almost an hour to past through. They take lots of pictures of you coming and going. Seating at gates were large and filled chairs. But recharging stations were hard to find. There's a large duty free shop for last minute purchases. And a few chain restaurants to grab a quick bite at. United has its private lounge. That morning I use The House, a smaller lounge by Priority. It's quite nice.
Hallelujah for the Lockdown Gates have reopened! Australia has welcomed traveller's to the Continent Country as of December 2021. All inbound traveller's must be vaccinated and tested prior to entry into the State of NSW. Prior to departure, my employer provided an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Test Kit. Results appear in 15 minutes or less. Upon arrival into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you will be walking through Immigration Hall. Use a self service kiosk to print your Passport Ticket. From there, make your way take your picture to clear Customs. You'll be met by an Immigration Officer who will take your ticket and guide you to a queue # depending on what goods/money/etc to declare or not. Everything moves very quickly as many International Carriers arrive all throughout the day. At Baggage Claim, you'd typically find Foreign Currency Exchange, which our USD is very strong right now! Make your way to the 2nd Level and exit Check-In Lobbies. Cross the street and you'll find Histopath Diagnostic Specialists. It's basically a make-shift testing site for all foreign traveller's to bypass a very strict 14 day mandatory quarantine. Because I was here on business, out of pocket this would cost $59.00 (AUD), includes 10% tax. Departing SYD was just as seamless. From Check-in, you must clear Immigration, then security. Walk through aisles and lots of Duty Free Stores, eateries can be found either at check-in Lobby as well as departing gate. Free WiFi available, people movers, clean restroom facilities, and one of the jolliest people operating an airport to make your experience calm and stress-free. Travel tip. Upload your personal contact information into the Covid Service NSW app because every business establishment will require you to check-in. apply.service.nsw.gov.au
Having traveled through the two domestic terminals at Sydney Airport, I have to say that the International Terminal is not quite as good. The domestic terminals have a more laid back feel like you are traveling through a smaller airport, whereas the International Terminal is more atypical of the big city airports that I am used to flying out of with tons of people passing through. Australia is a country that requires a visa to enter if you are an US citizen. Though the process to get one is easy by getting a ETA which can be done online. Upon arriving into Sydney, go to a ePassport Self Service kiosk. Try to go to the first ones you see, rather than going to ones further down the arrivals hall. This saved me a lot of time. I found the customs process to be the most intuitive that I have come across and one of the quickest as I think it was only about a half hour to go through everything including collecting my luggage. If you need to change money at the airport, there are a few money changers at this terminal. But in general, I wouldn't recommend it since the exchange rate is bad. I would recommend changing money at an ATM instead. I believe there is one in the arrivals level, but I would recommend going up to the departures level in which there are several near the Australia Post store. If you are taking money out of the ATM, make sure to decline the bank's exchange rate. Used a Westpac ATM at the airport and the difference was $25 USD between the bank rate offered and the current USD-AUD exchange rate for $700 AUD. I do like how close the airport is to Sydney CBD which is about a 15 minute ride into the city via Airport Link. Being so close means it isn't as costly to take a taxi here if you need one. Taking Airport Link to and from the airport is a bit expensive for such a short ride though as there is a $13.40 station access fee added on to the base fare for taking a train to and from the International Airport Station. Making a connection between the two domestic terminals and International Terminal can be a bit of a burden as well. While Qantas and Virgin Australia offer their passengers a shuttle service to connect between the Domestic and International terminals, this isn't offered to all passengers. Hence you need to pay to take the Airport Link, a T-Bus or a taxi to the other terminal. If you want to have a meal here, I would recommend eating at the food court before going through security as there are less options airside. Post-Security is primarily filled with expensive duty-free shops along with a few cafes. If you want something cheap, I did notice that there is a McDonald's after customs. I did find the check-in process to be quite easy despite the airport being busy. And despite the crowds, the security screening process is efficient and moves quickly. It is basically the same process as in the US, except you don't need to take off your shoes. Interestingly, my passport and ticket wasn't reviewed at security but when I got to the flight gate it was checked before I could enter the departure area. I like how close Sydney Airport is to Sydney CBD and how efficient it runs, but there are things like food options after customs that could be improved on. Overall, I do like the International Terminal but can't give it the same score that I gave to Terminal 2 which is more pleasant to travel through. Hence the 3 stars.
Sydney International Airport is perhaps one of the most efficient airports when it comes to Security and Immigration Clearance! It is like an expensive shopping Mall with Name Brand stores inside but the prices as expected inside any airport it's extremely high even for retail standards! I would not recommend anyone to buy anything in these airport retail stores as they are aimed towards travelers who have a last minute urge to splurge!
Like everything in Australia the airport is super clean. There are lots of expensive brand stores to shop and numerous typical airport restaurants to eat at. It's big bright and sparkling. One of the nicest I've been to.
In A Nutshell: -The Sydney T1 International Terminal needs better wifi. -It also needs more lounges, but it does offer free showers in select bathrooms (they had vending machines w/ soap, etc..I should have took a photo to see if it sold towels, so not sure), you just gotta find them. -For Priority Pass card members, there are no lounges available. -But there are 3 restaurants offering up to $36 AUD in credit for you and your guests. -Only 1 of 3 is located before security, so it's becomes valuable real estate if you need a place to eat/chill. -The train to go from T1 (international terminal) to T2/T3 (domestic terminals) isn't free. -It will cost you $6 AUD to connect. -Follow the yellow "Express Pick-up" signs if you want to use Uber. Overall, this airport can be a challenge, so prep well ahead of time. Doing so will ensure a smoother travel experience.
I mean. Look. If you haven't been to Changi, or Schiphol, or, hell, SFO or Seattle, Sydney Airport is perfectly serviceable. Everything you need, nothing you don't. But if you've been to some of the benchmark airports with their meditation rooms and video game lounges, ours is a bit meh. Pro tip: if you're flying internationally, eat before you go through passport control, the food options on the passenger side are meagre and rubbish, there are heaps more options on the public side. Trying really hard not to mention the outrageous and exorbitant and just plain money-grubbing parking fees, the most expensive in the waking world, that Sydney Airport Charges but I'm just not a big enough man. MAP Airports, the parent company, should be ashamed of their rabid and misanthropic corporate avarice. But they don't care, they're billionaires, why would they?
Before traveling to Australia as foreign visitors with eligible passports, we applied for an electronic tourist visa through the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) about 4 months before we departed from Honolulu. We were granted an electronic visa for tourism within 72 hours of our application and excitedly awaited our upcoming travel this March. We were a bit apprehensive about finding our way through Sydney's International Terminal, but were quickly relieved by clear directional signs and quick, easy electronic passport screening. We were impressed with the modern, sleek yet friendly-looking facility, the multiple new electronic security kiosks designed to handle the large number of incoming visitors and returning residents, and the local artwork displays. I must say it took us around 15 minutes from the arrival gate to baggage claim, then to check in and pass through immigration, as we didn't have anything to declare. Once we exited immigration, we met with our driver, who was proudly showing a company placard with our names boldly printed. This was by far the best and most efficient arrival procedures and processing into a foreign country that we have ever encountered. We'd happily return. read more
Arrived into Sydney International Airport on an early Monday morning, and the process to get into the country was stream-lined and well implemented. Delta has 2 late night flights non-stop from LAX to SYD. My brother and I chose the later of the two (departing around 22:30) because it was slightly cheaper, and gets you into Sydney (local time) around 07:00 two days later....it's about a 15 hour flight. Learned that even though it is operated by Delta, the way to get on the upgrade list is by using a global certificate to move up one level. They do have Premium seats, so would have to purchase that to be eligible for the lie-flat Delta One suites (maybe someday). One thing to note was that all seats in Comfort Plus was taken (including middle in a 3-3-3 configuration), but there were entire rows in Economy empty (the plane was probably half full)...so in this case, it would have been better to sit behind in an empty row. The Comfort plus does give you a bit more extra legroom, which is useful when the seat in front of you reclines. When we boarded the plane, we were handed paper custom declaration form to fill out during the trip. Announcements warned us that all food and agriculture products had to be declared, and we were not to take any of the food served to us during the journey. Once we deplaned, we walked to the passport control, which are all automated, with 12 or more kiosks scanning your passport and taking your picture (the line for any kiosk was no more than 3 deep). We had been told to purchase an ETA before our trip, whose approval comes via email. But since it is tied to your passport, we didn't need to have that email, instead passport control confirmed it with a passport scan and picture and handed us a paper slip. we then exited the control area by taking another picture. We then headed to baggage retrieval (all bags must be retrieved here, even if this is only a pass-through). We then exited the baggage claim area, going through customs where we handed the agent the passport slip and our filled out declaration. The entire process took under 25 minutes. Very fast and efficient. The free airport wide wifi was very useful as well. read more
Coming in early on Saturday morning to make a quick connection. Very quick. I was pretty sure I was going to miss it. There are two domestic buildings and one international. None are within walking distance of each other. My international flight was late arriving. I had to retrieve one checked bag and still clear customs. Now head outside and catch a shuttle bus. The first was too full. Then I had the wait for the next one to be full enough to move on. There's a big difference between Virgin Australia or Quantas. So know before you get on the bus. Departing passengers go in main door but walk up to the second floor to check baggage and get boarding pass. Ground level is for arrivals and picking up baggage. Security wasn't nearly as long as it can be in the states - thank heavens. So I actually made my connection with time to spare. Since I was in a rush the first two times I used, I can't really say much about the place. Third visit to head home I had more time. Check in and loading bags was easy. TSA this time was very long, almost an hour to past through. They take lots of pictures of you coming and going. Seating at gates were large and filled chairs. But recharging stations were hard to find. There's a large duty free shop for last minute purchases. And a few chain restaurants to grab a quick bite at. United has its private lounge. That morning I use The House, a smaller lounge by Priority. It's quite nice. read more
Hallelujah for the Lockdown Gates have reopened! Australia has welcomed traveller's to the Continent Country as of December 2021. All inbound traveller's must be vaccinated and tested prior to entry into the State of NSW. Prior to departure, my employer provided an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Test Kit. Results appear in 15 minutes or less. Upon arrival into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you will be walking through Immigration Hall. Use a self service kiosk to print your Passport Ticket. From there, make your way take your picture to clear Customs. You'll be met by an Immigration Officer who will take your ticket and guide you to a queue # depending on what goods/money/etc to declare or not. Everything moves very quickly as many International Carriers arrive all throughout the day. At Baggage Claim, you'd typically find Foreign Currency Exchange, which our USD is very strong right now! Make your way to the 2nd Level and exit Check-In Lobbies. Cross the street and you'll find Histopath Diagnostic Specialists. It's basically a make-shift testing site for all foreign traveller's to bypass a very strict 14 day mandatory quarantine. Because I was here on business, out of pocket this would cost $59.00 (AUD), includes 10% tax. Departing SYD was just as seamless. From Check-in, you must clear Immigration, then security. Walk through aisles and lots of Duty Free Stores, eateries can be found either at check-in Lobby as well as departing gate. Free WiFi available, people movers, clean restroom facilities, and one of the jolliest people operating an airport to make your experience calm and stress-free. Travel tip. Upload your personal contact information into the Covid Service NSW app because every business establishment will require you to check-in. apply.service.nsw.gov.au read more
Having traveled through the two domestic terminals at Sydney Airport, I have to say that the International Terminal is not quite as good. The domestic terminals have a more laid back feel like you are traveling through a smaller airport, whereas the International Terminal is more atypical of the big city airports that I am used to flying out of with tons of people passing through. Australia is a country that requires a visa to enter if you are an US citizen. Though the process to get one is easy by getting a ETA which can be done online. Upon arriving into Sydney, go to a ePassport Self Service kiosk. Try to go to the first ones you see, rather than going to ones further down the arrivals hall. This saved me a lot of time. I found the customs process to be the most intuitive that I have come across and one of the quickest as I think it was only about a half hour to go through everything including collecting my luggage. If you need to change money at the airport, there are a few money changers at this terminal. But in general, I wouldn't recommend it since the exchange rate is bad. I would recommend changing money at an ATM instead. I believe there is one in the arrivals level, but I would recommend going up to the departures level in which there are several near the Australia Post store. If you are taking money out of the ATM, make sure to decline the bank's exchange rate. Used a Westpac ATM at the airport and the difference was $25 USD between the bank rate offered and the current USD-AUD exchange rate for $700 AUD. I do like how close the airport is to Sydney CBD which is about a 15 minute ride into the city via Airport Link. Being so close means it isn't as costly to take a taxi here if you need one. Taking Airport Link to and from the airport is a bit expensive for such a short ride though as there is a $13.40 station access fee added on to the base fare for taking a train to and from the International Airport Station. Making a connection between the two domestic terminals and International Terminal can be a bit of a burden as well. While Qantas and Virgin Australia offer their passengers a shuttle service to connect between the Domestic and International terminals, this isn't offered to all passengers. Hence you need to pay to take the Airport Link, a T-Bus or a taxi to the other terminal. If you want to have a meal here, I would recommend eating at the food court before going through security as there are less options airside. Post-Security is primarily filled with expensive duty-free shops along with a few cafes. If you want something cheap, I did notice that there is a McDonald's after customs. I did find the check-in process to be quite easy despite the airport being busy. And despite the crowds, the security screening process is efficient and moves quickly. It is basically the same process as in the US, except you don't need to take off your shoes. Interestingly, my passport and ticket wasn't reviewed at security but when I got to the flight gate it was checked before I could enter the departure area. I like how close Sydney Airport is to Sydney CBD and how efficient it runs, but there are things like food options after customs that could be improved on. Overall, I do like the International Terminal but can't give it the same score that I gave to Terminal 2 which is more pleasant to travel through. Hence the 3 stars. read more
Sydney International Airport is perhaps one of the most efficient airports when it comes to Security and Immigration Clearance! It is like an expensive shopping Mall with Name Brand stores inside but the prices as expected inside any airport it's extremely high even for retail standards! I would not recommend anyone to buy anything in these airport retail stores as they are aimed towards travelers who have a last minute urge to splurge! read more
7 years ago
Like everything in Australia the airport is super clean. There are lots of expensive brand stores to shop and numerous typical airport restaurants to eat at. It's big bright and sparkling. One of the nicest I've been to. read more
9 years ago
In A Nutshell: -The Sydney T1 International Terminal needs better wifi. -It also needs more lounges, but it does offer free showers in select bathrooms (they had vending machines w/ soap, etc..I should have took a photo to see if it sold towels, so not sure), you just gotta find them. -For Priority Pass card members, there are no lounges available. -But there are 3 restaurants offering up to $36 AUD in credit for you and your guests. -Only 1 of 3 is located before security, so it's becomes valuable real estate if you need a place to eat/chill. -The train to go from T1 (international terminal) to T2/T3 (domestic terminals) isn't free. -It will cost you $6 AUD to connect. -Follow the yellow "Express Pick-up" signs if you want to use Uber. Overall, this airport can be a challenge, so prep well ahead of time. Doing so will ensure a smoother travel experience. read more
12 years ago
I mean. Look. If you haven't been to Changi, or Schiphol, or, hell, SFO or Seattle, Sydney Airport is perfectly serviceable. Everything you need, nothing you don't. But if you've been to some of the benchmark airports with their meditation rooms and video game lounges, ours is a bit meh. Pro tip: if you're flying internationally, eat before you go through passport control, the food options on the passenger side are meagre and rubbish, there are heaps more options on the public side. Trying really hard not to mention the outrageous and exorbitant and just plain money-grubbing parking fees, the most expensive in the waking world, that Sydney Airport Charges but I'm just not a big enough man. MAP Airports, the parent company, should be ashamed of their rabid and misanthropic corporate avarice. But they don't care, they're billionaires, why would they? read more
15 years ago
OK, slightly different take on this review. We all know that airports are expensive (especially Sydney's apparently), be it from parking for more than 30 seconds, to getting through the gate then having to pay through the nose for a sandwich. However, on this occasion I'm giving the airport 5 stars for its geographical location! So many times you get on a plane and your ticket says your heading for - e.g. London Gatwick - and you're thinking, that's a relief, I'll be in *London* and not have to worry about too much travelling. But most of the time, they've just stuck the city name in front of the airports in order to give you a false sense of location/hope and usually you'll end up being nearer a neighbouring country than your final destination. However, Sydney airport is IN Sydney! OK, not in the CBD, that would be silly, but when you come into land, you can quite clearly see they sky within not-ridiculous-over-priced-taxi distance. And it's quite a skyline to fly over too - and if the winds are in the right direction (that's how they do it right?) then you'll come in over the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, which beats the Bridge Climb for a view! So if you are coming to Sydney for the first time, and your ticket reads Sydney International (or Kingsford Smith to give it it's official title), then don't fret, you will be landing in Sydney as opposed to New Zealand! read more
12 years ago
7 years ago
8 years ago
12 years ago
The airport is clean. Their local TSA is efficient and attentive. The terminal has a lot of clear signage. They also have good deals on telecommunications (just bring your unlocked phone & you're ready to go!) There are shuttles, Limos, Taxis, trains, rental cars, etc... Which of course make getting off airport a breeze! So that you can begin to enjoy your travel destination. read more
I'm of the 'drop and go' variety when it comes to international farewells, alas my betrothed has been schooled in the 'drag out the emotions for as long as possible' method and so when we head to the International Terminal, we must bypass the 'drop zone' and head for the multi-storey carpark. As with the journey to the airport, it's well signposted, so we easily find a space in a roomy spot and disband. We take the bridge over to the 1st level and arrive at the Terminal 1 International Departures. Check-in for a midday mid-week flight was a breeze and even at peak times - there is a quiet efficiency at this airport. In my numerous trips through this airport I've never encountered the overwhelming bedlam that is London Heathrow or Bangkok! The temperature is always well controlled too, which is an added plus for those already a little nervous of flying. The terminal facilities have undergone a grooming recently and though it doesn't have the mega-dollar glitz of some international airports, you can still wile your time and your cash away. The offering in terms of food is probably a little better before customs though, so if plane food sends shivers down your spine then fuel up pre-passport check. After a quick coffee and the final protracted goodbye, we head back to the car minus one and are greeted with a $21 fee for the pleasure. It's by no means a cheap to swoop through here but it is a pretty hassle free experience. read more
15 years ago
12 years ago
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