Winter travel heats up these school holidays at AKL

• First and last days of the school holidays (Saturday 28 June and Sunday 13 July) are forecast to be the busiest international travel days, with over 14,000 departures and 15,000 arrivals respectively
• Thursday 10 July and Friday 11 July will be peak days for domestic travel, with around 14,500 departures and 14,000 arrivals expected
• Australia is the top international destination for Kiwis this winter, along with Fiji and the United States
• Christchurch is leading the way as the top destination for domestic travel from AKL, followed by Wellington and Queenstown.

One of the busiest travel times of the year is about to kick off at Auckland Airport, with nearly 800,000 travellers heading off for sun-soaked escapes or wintery adventures closer to home.

Travel volumes are already ramping up, with the domestic terminal busiest on Thursdays and Fridays, and international travel peaking over the weekends during the school holiday break. 

Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker said New Zealanders love to travel and outside of the Christmas rush, the July school holidays attract some of the largest passenger numbers through Auckland Airport.

“We’ll get around 60,000 travellers flying in and out of AKL on each of the busy days, roughly split between the international and domestic terminal – that’s about 18 per cent more than our usual daily travel numbers. 

“Flights to the US and China are in high demand, and because aircraft mostly depart in the evenings, that’s when international departures volumes will be at their highest.”

 
Checking your international carry on bags
To ensure travellers have a smooth trip through the airport, international travellers are reminded to pack their carry on bags carefully, particularly when it comes to powders, liquids, aerosols and gels (PLAGS) due to security requirements.

Mr Tasker said the new Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanning machines in use at Aviation Security at the international terminal, and most lanes at domestic, means travellers no longer have the hassle of needing to remove laptops, phones and tablets in their cabin bags during screening.

“It’s a good idea for everyone to double check your bags before coming to the airport, which helps to keep queues moving quickly and safely. Due to security requirements for international travel, people need to be conscious of the size of the containers they have in their carry on. They can only carry liquids through security in containers of 100ml or less, regardless of how much liquid is inside.

“At the international terminal, don’t forget to also empty your water bottle before heading through security. You can refill it at a drinking fountain once you're through. A little preparation does help keep everything moving,” said Mr Tasker.

Busiest days
The start and end of the school holidays are shaping up to be the busiest days for international travel at Auckland Airport. More than 14,000 travellers are expected to depart international on Saturday 28 June, while over 15,000 arrivals are anticipated on Sunday 13 July.

For domestic travel, Thursdays and Fridays will be the peak days across the school holiday period. Friday 11 July is expected to be the busiest for domestic departures with around 14,500 travellers, while Thursday 10 July will see more than 14,000 arrivals.

“There’s something special about the energy of the terminal during school holidays and our airport teams are ready to welcome the thousands of travellers coming through the terminals this July.”

Australia is the top international destination for Kiwis this winter, along with Fiji and the United States. Christchurch is leading the way for domestic travel, followed by Wellington and Queenstown.

Top tips for smooth school holiday travel
PLAGS check: For travelling internationally, laptops, powders, liquids and gels can remain in your carry-on bags, with Aviation Security’s new CT scanners. The containers for liquids, aerosols and gels must be under 100mls, otherwise you’ll need to dispose of them.

Prep while you wait to get through faster: While you’re waiting for security checks at international, please remove ankle boots and empty your pockets. Laptops can stay in your carry on bags.

Domestic screening: For domestic travel, the majority of travellers will be able to leave laptops in carry on bags. Or friendly airport staff will let you know what to do.

• Travel light: Keep carry-on bags within airline size and weight limits.

International arrivals: Download the New Zealand Traveller Declaration form or the app from www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or from the app store, to save on filling out the paper form on arrival.

Middle East: Flights to and through the Middle East may be affected by temporary airspace closures. Our advice to travellers with upcoming travel to, from or via the Arabian Gulf and Middle East is to keep a close watch on email, airline websites or airline apps. Airlines will have the most up-to-date information on their operations and any travel impacts.

Plan your parking: Pre-book your airport parking online via aucklandairport.co.nz for either the domestic or international terminals. There are premium closer options or Park n Ride for the best value. For meeters and farewellers, there’s P180 options at the international terminal’s Transport Hub.

Busiest days
International departures
Saturday 28 June
Sunday 29 June
Friday 4 July

International arrivals
Sunday 13 July
Saturday 12 July
Thursday 10 July

Domestic departures
Friday 11 July
Thursday 10 July
Friday 4 July
Domestic arrivals
Thursday 10 July
Friday 11 July
Friday 4 July