How to book your flight to Sydney and prepare for your journey to UNSW
Timing is crucial when booking your flight to Sydney. Here are some important considerations to help you decide when to make your booking:
Check the official UNSW calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Follow these steps to find and book the best flight for your journey to Sydney:
Before you start searching, determine:
Use multiple platforms to find the best deals:
Don't forget to check airline websites directly, as they sometimes offer exclusive deals not available on comparison sites.
When comparing flights, consider these factors beyond just the price:
Once you've selected your flight:
After booking:
Tip: Join your airline's frequent flyer program before flying. Even if you don't fly often, you can earn points on your long-haul flight to Australia that might be useful for future travels.
Many international airlines offer flights to Sydney. Here's a comparison of popular options based on price range, service quality, and routes:
| Airline | Price Range | Routes to Sydney | Baggage Allowance | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qantas | Premium | Direct from major hubs in Asia, North America, and Europe | 30kg checked + 7kg cabin | Australia's national carrier; excellent service; more direct routes |
| Singapore Airlines | Premium | Via Singapore from worldwide destinations | 30kg checked + 7kg cabin | Consistently rated among world's best airlines; excellent service and food |
| Emirates | Premium | Via Dubai from worldwide destinations | 30kg checked + 7kg cabin | Modern fleet; good entertainment; convenient connections from Europe/Middle East |
| Cathay Pacific | Mid-High | Via Hong Kong from worldwide destinations | 23-30kg checked + 7kg cabin | Good service; convenient for students from Asia |
| China Southern | Economy-Mid | Via Guangzhou from worldwide destinations | 23kg checked + 5kg cabin | More affordable options; good connections from China |
| AirAsia/Scoot | Economy | Via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore from Asian destinations | 20kg checked (extra fee) + 7kg cabin | Budget options; no-frills service; baggage and meals typically cost extra |
Important: Budget airlines often have stricter baggage limits and charge extra for services that full-service airlines include (meals, entertainment, baggage). Calculate the total cost including these extras when comparing prices.
As an international student moving to Australia for an extended period, you'll likely need to bring more belongings than a typical traveler. Here are some baggage tips:
Packing tip: Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space. Roll clothes instead of folding them, and wear your bulkiest items (like jackets or boots) during travel to save luggage space.
Once you land at Sydney International Airport (Kingsford Smith Airport), here's what to expect and how to get to UNSW:
Important: Be honest on your incoming passenger card. Australia has strict biosecurity laws, and failing to declare prohibited items can result in hefty fines (up to AUD $2,664). When in doubt, declare it!
Arrival tip: Download offline maps of Sydney before arrival and save your accommodation address. If you're arriving at night, consider pre-booking a taxi or using the UNSW pickup service rather than navigating public transport in an unfamiliar city when tired.
Generally, booking 2-3 months in advance offers the best balance of availability and price. However, for peak seasons (December-January and June-July), consider booking 4-6 months ahead. Use price tracking tools to monitor fares for a while before booking. Most importantly, only book after your student visa has been approved.
We recommend arriving 1-2 weeks before orientation week. This gives you time to recover from jet lag, settle into your accommodation, set up essentials like a bank account and phone plan, explore the campus and local area, and attend orientation activities. Arriving too early might be costly for accommodation, while arriving too late could make the transition more stressful.
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. You must declare all food, plant material, animal products, and certain medications. Prohibited items include fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, seeds, feathers, and soil. Certain medications containing restricted substances require documentation. You should also declare if you're carrying more than AUD $10,000 in cash. Check the Australian Border Force website for a complete list.
This depends on your airline and ticket class. Most economy tickets include 20-30kg of checked baggage (usually one or two bags) and 7kg of cabin baggage. Many airlines offer student-specific baggage allowances or discounts on extra baggage for students with proof of enrollment. If you need to bring more, compare the cost of purchasing extra baggage versus shipping items or buying them in Australia.
Yes, UNSW's airport pickup service is reliable and convenient for new international students. It's operated by professional drivers who regularly transport students. However, you must book at least 3 business days in advance and provide accurate flight details. After clearing customs, follow the signs to the meeting point indicated in your confirmation email. If your flight is delayed or rescheduled, inform the service as soon as possible.
Need help? If you have questions about arriving in Sydney or need advice on transportation options, contact UNSW International Student Support at international.student@unsw.edu.au or call +61 2 9385 5333.