I’ve been through this airport 487 times. It finally has its act together

The airport

Brisbane Airport (BNE), Domestic Terminal

The flight

Virgin Australia VA314 to Melbourne (MEL)

The arrival

It’s an early Sunday morning and a family member generously takes charge of my airport drop-off (thanks, Mum). Brisbane’s Airtrain otherwise costs $22.30 one-way from Central Station ($0.50 fares don’t apply). Get the best price by booking a return fare online ($36.21, at the time of writing). Ride-shares and taxis can be more economical for small groups, with fares typically $40 to $50 from the city.

The look

My gosh, Brisbane Airport has grown up. As a former Brisbanite, my distant travel memories draw me back to a sad-looking food court reminiscent of a shopping centre in decline – just with a runway attached. Today’s experience is nothing like those early days.

From the outside, appearances haven’t changed much, but the Skywalk footbridge helpfully links the railway station and car parks to the terminal. Look closely at the car park’s facade to see a pattern mimicking the twists and turns of the Brisbane River.

Check-in

No wonder I can barely recognise BNE – the airport is full speed ahead with a staggering $5 billion upgrade. A key focus is having travellers skip the check-in hall entirely. Those touting only cabin baggage are invited to take the Skywalk straight into security on the upper level. If a sizeable suitcase is a must, follow signage towards the ground floor.

Security

Brisbane is one of the few major Australian airports with every domestic airline under one roof, making bottlenecks hard to avoid during peak times. Its new 10-lane central checkpoint helps address that, replacing a cosier three-lane facility.

All lanes have the latest CT scanners – everything stays in your bag, doing away with the cumbersome dance of removing laptops, aerosols, umbrellas and the like. Ten lanes are overkill for this quiet Sunday morning, so not all are open, but the difference during busier weekday mornings and Friday nights would be substantial.

Food + drink

A brewery for breakfast? Don’t judge, but it’s my favourite for a quick morning bite. Newstead Brewing Co’s loaded breakfast burger with a Toby’s Estate coffee hits the spot, and with airfield views to boot. If you’re dashing to your gate, fear not – there are coffee shops at every turn.

Graze Grill & Bar is also a hit (try the calamari fritti), while chains dominate the terminal’s two main food courts. Think Boost Juice, The Coffee Club, McDonald’s, Roll’d, Soul Origin, Sushi Sushi and more.

Retail therapy

Parents, beware: this terminal houses two Lego outlets. Other retailers are skewed towards beauty and fashion. Splurge on Country Road, pick up a new Mimco handbag, collect cosmetics at MAC and Mecca Maxima, browse accessories at Lovisa, sample colognes at Jo Malone, or for a fresh business shirt, head to Oxford.

A pharmacy and six newsagents have the essentials covered, but I always find that Mott and Mulberry (near gate 23) stocks the airport’s best range of premium greeting cards. Now the secret’s out.

Passing time

Powered-up workstations are plentiful, complementing fast and free terminal-wide Wi-Fi. But see if your credit card can get you into the lounge – many include passes or memberships. Virgin Australia’s haven is near gate 41, while the Qantas Club and Qantas Business Lounge are co-located by gate 22. Stuck outside? Virgin sells entry at the door for $65 within two hours of your departure.

The verdict

Today’s journey happens to be my 487th time flying through Brisbane Airport (yes, I track my travels), but it’s my first visit since the completion of the new central screening point. It’s taken what feels like forever, but finally, passengers flying economy are in the fast lane. That means more time for coffee – or on these early morning flights, a wink more sleep before check-in.

Our rating out of five

★★★★