Melbourne Airport – MEL

A very standard airport generally speaking. I arrived at a domestic terminal with Qantas and departed a couple of days later from an international terminal with Etihad. Usual range of duty free offerings as well as WHSmith and some fast food.
Immigration counters to exit Australia are a bit of a joke. The automated gates don’t work well at all. Over half the people who went through (including myself) had to rejoin another queue afterwards for someone to tell me my passport just needs to be rescanned, and to join a third queue to get this done! I ended up showing my passport to 4 immigration officers in total. MEL get your machines working or just use a regular desk.

Melbourne est un petit aéroport, il n’est pas aussi moderne que celui de Singapour mais le personnel est très sympa. Tout comme l’Australie finalement
Nous n’avons jamais été perdu, on nous a toujours indiqué le chemin avec sourie !!
Nous quittons donc l’Australie avec une très belle image de fin et avec de beaux souvenirs
Merci Australie

Waited nearly 90 minutes to get bags at International with Qantas. Nowhere to grab a drink of water, free or to purchase. Needs better short term facilities.

I love my home town and each time I touch down I’m kissing the tarmac. however it’s not the best airport around, nor is it the worst. For starters domestic and international are within walking distance.
There are a few hotels again within walking distance. A skybus to take you to Melbourne CBD with wifi even.
The stores and shops are exactly as you’d expect, food is below average but above price, and if you are travelling International there is that ikea like maze of duty free shopping you have to walk through to get to your gate.
It’s always improving and changing, they now allow people to pick up passages in your car as well as drop off.
I’d like to see proper free wifi in the entire airport, and more tech friendly waiting areas.

Another plain, sterile, and un-​updated looking airport.
On the plus side, there’s plenty of space inside the arrivals terminals, and many random shops — Gloria Jean’s, L’occitane, And Beyond, Villa & Hut Kaffe, Amcal etc.

Airport is ok, has a few things to improve…
There is no train/​metro to the city, though city link works quite well and can be booked online.
The lounges are confusing, and the priority pass lounge has very strange hours.
Shops are mediocre, mainly souvenirs.
Bags take too long to come in and the belt info is poor.
Hope to see improvements in my next visit!

Melbourne Airport — my home airport. You would be getting 5 stars if you had a train link… but let’s not get started on that (!)
Melbourne International Airport — otherwise locally known as Tullamarine Airport, is Melbourne’s main airport. Set about 25 minutes from the main CBD, it services international flights to most of the serious destinations — Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Singapore, etc.
Melbourne Airport is laid out pretty simply, and it’s not a far walk from one end to the other. Baggage handling is good (never had a serious problem), and isn’t a crush even during busy periods like Christmas.
If you’re flying into Australia, I would always recommend flying directly into Melbourne over Sydney any day — Sydney’s domestic and international terminals are separate and required connections mean you are boarding the terminal shuttle bus in Sydney… but not in Melbourne.

Melbourne Airport, you’re ok. Nothing outstanding, nothing dismal, just a very middle of the road 3-​star experience for me.
It’s been a while since I’d been to the airport but our recent trip to Melbourne was pretty smooth as far as airport experiences go. Arriving into the airport is generally quick — no long waits for your bags to arrive, and there’s ePassport gates too which makes it even more speedy.
This time we were flying out of Melbourne on a 3.30am flight which was the last flight of the evening. Apart from the hideous effect this had on my internal clock, I would never fly at this time again because pretty much everything at the airport was closed from midnight. Why would you torture passengers who have late flights by closing all the shops/​cafes?! I was so upset but thankfully we found a great café near our gate (Macchinetta) which was open and serving food.

Top Flughafen, mit allen möglichen Komfort.
Nachts ist es sehr relaxt.
Negativ:
–Liegt weit ausserhalb von Melbourne, aber das sind die meisten großen Flughäfen weltweit.

Melbourne airport is undergoing a makeover still one of the better airports with domestic and international all in one! A shame no rail to the city but the airport bus is ok and reasonable! Range of stores in terminal are adequate I would like to see better signs on approach re waiting for arrival short term parking where you then scoop your guest a cheaper option than paying regular airport parking costs.

Melbourne airport is quite easy to get in and out of and we found our way easily. There are lots of shops in the Qantas terminal and plenty of places to get something to eat or drink.

Well, there are a couple of things I like about Melbourne Airport. It quite clean, there are a wide range of choices to eat. Choices of food is something that a lot of airports lack. And it’s not bad food either, you can get healthy salads, café style food to takeaway. So I guess it depends what you fancy. And then there is the coffee. You when you stop in Melbourne you are going to get good coffee. It’s their thing here right? Be sure to go to the café style set ups, rather than the larger food chains.
If you are travelling through customs, it’s quite fast here depending on the time of day. But, I feel that Melbourne Airport customs is a lot better than Sydney. It’s more organised, the team seem to work well together. They are generally smiling and friendly.
My only problem with Melbourne Airport is the signage. If you have never been here before, be sure to ask your cabin crew which way to get to get to the international departures. I am lucky I have been through here a couple of times now, but the first time I felt like I was walking around in circles.
Apart from that, Melbourne Airport gets kudos from me due to the range of food for travellers.

So it’s finally time after 8 years of going through this airport 4 times a year, at least, to write a review.
They now have free wifi! It is so slow though.
There is no public transport to the airport except the $ 18 Skybus one way ticket in or out of southern cross station.
If you are 3 or more just take a cab.
Duty free at Melbourne airport isn’t really a big win so for those of you looking to buy your things there don’t bother. Alcohol and products will probably be cheaper elsewhere sadly. Another star lost here too.
Now for whatever is left which isn’t terrible.
It’s been under construction for ages but the domestic terminal 4 really has made a difference. Terminal 4 now boats a very large and fancy food court which caters to everyone looking for a quick bite before flying.
For those travelling international well expect me to update this section very soon because I’m going through it soon for live updates.
The parts of the airports which are actually wonderful is the cleanliness, the space, the light and the quality of finish though that’s expected of the largest airport in Victoria.
As always check in 24 hours prior and fly safe!

Be prepared for the confusion if you are a regular to Melbourne Airport. The Terminal 4 has had a makeover and Jetstar and Tigerair are housed there. My friend who is from Melbourne missed the turn off and we had to do a mighty big lap around to get back to Terminal 4. No worries I had plenty of time… Thanks people who sighed there!. Ha. The new buildings and walkways are clean and wide. There are more power jacks at seating areas too.

I have a love /​hate relationship with the Melbourne airport. I love when I’m getting the f$?@ out a Melbourne and going on holidays, yet hate it when I arrive home.
Without the qantas club, I’d be giving just the one star. But I guess that’s another review.
I, like I’m sure others have a few gripes. Getting to, and from. The cost of parking (what a joke). But today ladies and gentlemen I’m going to focus on the RIDICULOUS amount of time it takes to clear customs.
Seriously, this is the worst airport I have ever been to. You need to factor in an extra 2 – 3 hours just to get out. And if the dreaded «we are filming border controls» sign is out, you may as well jump back on the plane. The wait will be even longer.
Not sure why it’s so under staffed but you’d think (considering they know when planes arrive) they’d put on extra staff when busy. But no, regardless of the time you arrive there will still be only a few officers ready to process your arrival.
My suggestion is to run. Run like you’ve never run before. The second the seat belt sign is off, grab your stuff and RUN! Once you’ve cleared customs, you’re half way there. You’re still going to have your bags searched/​scanned/​sniffer dogged. You’ll leave deflated, depressed and in need of another holiday. Then you need to deal with the taxi or sky bus line (sigh).
I always book returning international flights arriving in other local cities to avoid Melbourne. (So for Brisbane is my favourite, with Sydney a close second).

Okay. Here’s the deal. Picture you’ve never been to Melbourne. You’ve heard it’s the most liveable city in the world on one list or another. You’ve heard it’s the most ‘European’ city in Australia, or even the Southern Hemisphere. And then you have to go through Melbourne Airport.
I’m going to confess two big things. Firstly, I grew up in Adelaide, meaning like many of my fellow Adelaidians we’ve always had a compulsion to explore other cities. Some of us never return, others bring back ideas. As a result I’ve seen a few airports. Secondly, yes, I am one of those Australian wankers who has «backpacked through Europe» which is basically an Australianism for «been hungover in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for 6 hours because I missed a flight» Long story short, Melbourne is not a European city until it gets a European airport. Launceston, Kalgoorlie and Paraburdoo are doing a better job. Without a massive population.
I usually like to go into detail in reviews, but there’s too much to cover. So here’s the short list of where Melbourne Airport falls short of being a good airport by Australian Standards.
Layout, for an airport that is clearly and proudly made out of little boxes it couldn’t be too hard to add a few shipping containers to give a bit more space, it certainly wouldn’t make the appearance any worse.
Appearance, why have windows facing a grimy, chaotic scene when there’s a better view (away from the airport).
Space, when you’ve got queues backed up into the walkway to board a domestic flight while passengers from a recent arrival can’t get past, you’ve done airports wrong.
Information, this airport has clearly undergone some botched renovations over the years. There are several points in the airport where there are no visible toilet signs, no big deal I guess. Inside the the shops the music does cut out when an announcement comes on. only the best trained hearing dogs can comprehend it though, shame they can’t speak English. Spending some time in one of the bars, no arrivals/​departures screens? May as well get another wine, you’ve missed your flight.
Bars and food. Put the bulk of them inside of your security checkpoints. I can’t stay too long at the bar, I have to queue up and then walk to my gate. I’d rather do that first. It’s a big airport. And any liquids I buy can’t be taken through security.
Public transport, I’d write this in all capitals but I doubt it’ll make a difference. If you want to be a world class airport of a major capital city, you need obvious, easy public transport. Do the taxi drivers own shares in the airport or something? There should be a tram right outside of each terminal until money can be found for a massive underground train station. Melbourne has great public transport, how it isn’t linked well to the airport will always be a great Victorian mystery.
Adelaide already has a far better airport, Perth isn’t far off either. And it won’t be long until Sydney has a second better airport at Badgerys Creek. I like Melbourne, I’d like to like the airport, please get better soon.

I love how smart and efficient Melbourne airport is! Placed your passport in a self service e-​kiosk, obtain a ticket, face recognition at other counter, and voila, good to start your Melbourne journey!
It’s convenient and has the basic amenities you’re looking for. Taxis are well controlled by the state, and announcements are made to prevent touting.
Toilets are generally clean, and luggages are on belt fast!

Typical airport. You’re either coming or going. It doesn’t really matter here as the airport is your basic 101 airport.
Planes– bags– over priced eateries– magainze stores. There’s nothing terribly offensive or difficult here. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the wonders of being in an airport.

As far as airports go, this one isn’t that bad. The food court area is loaded with shops and all you fast food favorites. I particularly like the lounge are which has a nice selection of comfortable couches in front of several wide screen TVs, the perfect from which to enjoy your Happy Meal and some morning cartoons.
On the whole, this is a nice spot for a short layover.

Melbourne Airport is a fairly small airport relative to some of the airports in the world. I personally don’t mind dealing with crappy airports because I’m usually there to see the world and I don’t have to work. Therefore, no complaints.
I was in Melbourne back in Nov/​Dec 2014 and I didn’t have an issues with traffic or congestion. There was practically no one traveling so I was in and out in less than 20 minutes upon arrival and departure. However, there is one complaint I have about Melbourne Airport. There is NO toilet seat covers. WTF?! Seriously. Actually, it goes for all of Australia! The amount of food I eat I need to drop my deuce and there’s an toilet seat cover issue. What the f*ck is wrong with you people?! Please talk to your President or Prime Minister to remedy this issue. No bueno, amigo.
Besides that. No issues. It’s definitely one of the easier airports to get in and out. It reminds me of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA.

Surprisingly, this airport was not that spectacular, though I was pretty excited when I arrived in Melbourne for the first time.
I have been here twice at their domestic terminal for Qantas flights to Sydney. The queues looked fairly long but surprisingly very efficient to get through and took me almost 15 minutes to go from the ticket counter, through security and to the gate. The interior was very bland, especially at the gates, and suddenly, I did not feel like I was in an airport in Australia, it almost felt like I was in a large boring airport in the States. The waiting area looked like it was still in the 1980s. One cool thing is that they offer flights to cities like Hong Kong and Los Angeles, and I would be keen on flying to this airport from an overseas destination.
The airport is fairly distant from the centre of Melbourne and it seems that public transportation is very limited. It takes about 20 minutes from the Southern Cross train station if you use the Skybus service. A bus ticket is not cheap, it’s almost $ 20 but it’s better than taking a taxi. Despite this, I would take Melbourne Airport over Avalon Airport if I am flying to Melbourne because of the location. I actually drove from Melbourne to the Geelong area, and it took almost an hour for me to drive by the Avalon Airport exit on the Princes Freeway.
Overall, this airport was fairly mediocre, but definitely better than most of the airports I have been to in the States. If I really need to escape from a terrible winter in Melbourne and fly to better places with better weather, this might be the airport for me to turn to.

Simply A-​OK!
Y’all know where I stand, since I’m super spoiled with Singapore’s Changi Airport. But MEL ain’t that bad. I found the interior a little dated, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Arrival-​wise, I like how there’s an Optus store right outside baggage claim so you can get hooked up with a SIM card. $ 10 for 5 days’ worth of 4G data and phone services? Hell yeah! The taxi queue is also run pretty efficiently so you can head out pretty quickly once your phone’s been set up.
Departure-​wise, there’s a ProtectABag luggage wrapping service at the check-​in area, which was a life saver as I had to check in 4 camping chairs (long story short, I couldn’t find cheap chairs in SG so I ended up getting them in Oz!)
Going through security wasn’t a problem; for non-​Aussie citizens, don’t forget to fill out your exit form! Once you’re past security, there’s a pretty big duty free store to go through. Outside duty free, the shopping is pretty typical; convenience stores, book stores, souvenir shops.
There is free Wifi, but I didn’t have any luck with it. Luckily, I was still able to bum off the wifi from the nearby Silverkris lounge even after I left.
Nothing else to report — happy travels to and from MEL!

Tullamarine liegt ganz schön weit ausserhalb von Melbourne! Wer mit Emirates morgens um 3:25 zurück Richtung Europa fliegt so wie wir tut mir echt leid dennoch wunderte mich das rege Treiben am Flughafen trotz der unmöglichen Zeit
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Sehr überschaubarer Flughafen. Gar nicht so viel Trubel, wie man ihn von Europa gewöhnt ist. Relaxed und das Personal sehr freundlich. Auch wenn man ein bißchen beim Einchecken warten muss, es geht alles ohne drängeln, sehr vorbildlich!

Ich war überrascht, wie wenig am Melbourner Flughafen los war; das mag damit zusammenhängen, dass ich im Winter und somit außerhalb der Saison da war. Wir kamen morgens an, da reichte die Anzeigetafel schon bis zum späten Nachmittag.
Der Flughafen selbst ist wie man es von einem internationalen Flughafen erwartet. Ein großer Wartebereich, Schlangen vor den Schaltern und eine Menge Geschäfte mit teuren Souveniers.