We flew through Melbourne three times on our latest trip to Down Under…read more International arrivals required a little bit of a hike to get to immigration. We were able to use the egate to enter so no more passport stamp. We grabbed our luggage and proceeded through customs. That was the much longer and slower line. Definitely better to declare conservatively (per announcement on our flight) and explain all Yes answers to the agent. To connect to our domestic leg to Hobart we followed the signs to T3 and did the self serve baggage drop like everyone else. Security was next and water was allowed to be carried through. To connect to our international flight to Queenstown in T2 we had to queue to check bags and get our boarding pass since they had to verify our NZETA and return flight. Security screening was quick but a little slower at the egate customs as people fumbled around for their passport (required first step). Some people had to be rerouted to the in person agent when flagged by the egate. After all this, at least there was a good selection of restaurants and shops in each terminal we visited. Prices were roughly just a couple AUD higher than outside the airport so it felt reasonable. Overall good signage and well connected terminals.

Our recent MEL experience included 2 domestic flights, one coming in from Hobart on Virgin…read moreAustralia, and the other flying up to Alice Springs on Quantas. The highlight of these experiences was running into members of Allegaeon at baggage claim. They are an American death metal band from Fort Collins, on tour here I guess. I'm not into that type of music, but one of my step-sons has made some cool art related to that genre. I can't speak for the International side of MEL, but I found Domestic to be "Easy Out/Easy In", even though this is a busy place. It also helps when your tour guide is facilitating baggage check-in and transportation. Security was on our own, but by this time, Gayle and I knew the Australian Rules (everything out of your pocket, plus belt). Signage was good, so there were no problems finding baggage claim or our gate.

This area is close to the food area so it's easy to get some provisions, if you need them, before…read moreyour flight. The area is very large and well organized. I actually loved that the stanchions were up with the ropes pulled out already and all the gate agents had to do was put a little cover over them to indicate which line was which. There is plenty of seating around and a lot of open space where you can stand (or let your kid rum amok like some people we saw). The bathrooms are clean and plentiful, with actual paper towels. The gates themselves are large and easy to navigate with your carry on baggage, etc.

Great terminal! Quick and easy check in! Nothing like I have ever seen in America…read more Everyone was orderly and quick to move. Minimal assistance was needed if you're not brain dead or have been living under a rock for the last 39 years. Security was as painless as having pre-check. Virgin Australia has something going on and America needs to venture to the outback more, to see how things can be done without making you regret and rethink your life choices when going to an airport.

This Monday the lounge wasn't very crowded compared to the Auckland lounge. This made our visit a…read morelot more enjoyable instead of searching for seats and then going elbow to elbow on the food lines. Friendly baristas who crafted our drinks this morning as well as the other staff in the seating and serving area. Staff walked around handing out glasses of sparkling water. The hot breakfast options were interesting with choices such as patatas bravas, vegan huevos rancheros and beef chipolata. The cold items were better tasting especially the fresh fruit smoothie and mint and berry coulis chia pot. This was the first lounge that I can recall that included a kiddie play area with toys. Nice for families. Each set of chairs, comfortable, included a side table with built in outlets and four USB ports for charging. Nice spot for relaxing before our 14 hour flight.

Good lounge, but that may be more to do with no crowds than actual layout…read more Very out of the way, had to go down corridors and two escalators from the gate concourse but finally found it. No hand sanitizers anywhere - not even on the food buffet. Asked for one and a staff member brought one out ... and left with it .... So my hands were clean but not sure about anyone else helping themselves to food. Good barista coffee, but no shirt order chef or martini mixer like Sydney koru lounge. Overall ho him experience

Dec 2018 Sometimes I feel like an uber driver!!! 6 times at…read moreairport picking up or dropping off within the last 4 weeks!! Time to catch up on my reviews I guess! June 2018 20 minute wait Zone. They should've allowed for this years ago rather than forcing everyone to loiter at the nearby maccas!!! Or to pay some crazy airport parking fees! Come o

Economical and convenient way to travel from MEL to the central business district. You can buy a…read moreround trip ticket at the kiosk next to the bus stop. It's a double decker and the bus is always full.

I don't understand why Melbourne's otherwise outstanding tram system doesn't extend to the airport…read morebut it doesn't. So your option is an expensive cab or the Skybus. Fortunately there was a stop right outside our hotel so it was super convenient. There are several routes that go to different places - just ask & staff will make sure you get to the right bus. The buses we were on were very clean, with pleasant drivers and ample luggage space. There is also free WiFi that actually worked. I'd rather take a tram but the Skybus gets the job done.

A functional airport with a new selection of shops in the international terminal. The building…read moreitself looks a little tired and doesn't have the wow factor you might experience in Singapore or Seoul. Travel to and from the airport is a bit archaic, with no fast train as yet and it's location being a considerable distance from the Melbourne CBD. The Emirates lounge is sublime and the Qantas domestic lounge is not a bad stop over either.