MEL Airport – Live Departures
Checking in at Melbourne Airport
Melbourne International Airport (MEL) has four terminals. Terminals 1, 3 and 4 handle domestic flights. Terminal 2 handles international flights.
Because it’s such a large airport with millions of passengers passing through each year, we suggest identifying your terminal first. The next step is to locate your check-in desk.
Check the screens displayed as soon as you walk into the airport. Our live departures board above will also give you up-to-date information on flights from Melbourne Airport.
Terminal 1 – Departures is located on Level 1.
Terminal 2 – Departures is located on Level 1.
Terminal 3 – Departures is located on Level 1.
Terminal 4 – Departures is located on Level 1.
When to arrive at Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne Airport recommends you arrive 3 hours before an international flight. This allows enough time to get through security and customs. As for domestic travellers, 1 hour is sufficient.
What’s next?
After checking in and dropping your bag at the airline desk, you can proceed to security.
Here is the step-by-step process for getting through the passenger screening process at Melbourne Airport:
- Place all of your personal items and empty your pockets into a tray. That includes your phone, jewellery, watch, keys, etc.
- Place your liquid bag in the same tray. You can carry any non-toxic, non-flammable liquids, gels and pastes in 100 ml vessels. The liquids should then be in a transparent plastic bag.
- Place any outerwear including coats, hats, scarves, etc. into a separate tray.
- If you have any implants, prosthetics or medical devices that could set off the metal detector, let the security officers know.
- Place your sealed hand luggage in a tray or directly onto the conveyor belt.
- Walk through the metal detectors when prompted.
- Collect your personal belongings on the other side.
Some airlines allow you to upgrade your ticket to fast-track through security at Melbourne Airport. For more details on security, check out the Melbourne Tullamarine Airport website.
What to do in Departures at Melbourne Airport?
Once you’re through security, you can enjoy the Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Departures lounge. Beyond the essentials (toilets, charging points, ATMs, etc), there is a good selection of shops and restaurants to explore.
Many of the eateries operate 24 hours a day including McDonalds and certain coffee shops.
WHSmiths is the staple shop that you’ll find both airside and landside of all terminals. If you’re searching for luxury stores, most of them are located in the departures lounge in Terminal 2.
Want to relax in an airport lounge before your flight? There are 12 available spread across all four terminals. Nine of them are members only, but 3 airport lounges in Terminal 2 are open access. You can purchase a pass starting at €40 for 4 hours.
The Duty-Free shop in T2 sells everything from alcohol to local sweets. Note that if you purchase a bottle over 100 ml after going through security, it’ll be placed in a security-approved sealed plastic bag. This bag must remain sealed for the duration of your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check in at Tullamarine Airport?
To check in at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, you first need to identify which terminal you’re departing from. If you’re travelling internationally, you’ll need to check in at Terminal 2. Terminals 1, 3 and 4 handle domestic flights. Then, when you arrive at the airport, check the screens to see the check-in desk allocated for your flight. Each airline has different procedures for check-in but generally you’ll be asked to present your travel documents and hand over your hold luggage.