Flying Domestic in Australia: My First Budget Airline Experience!
Australia is a vast continent where distances between major cities are enormous. As a result, flying is often the most practical and common way to travel. As I mentioned in my Australia Budget Airlines Guide, low-cost carriers are the go-to choice for locals moving across the country—they are fast, affordable, and get the job done smoothly.
In this post, I will share my firsthand experience flying domestic airlines in Australia, featuring Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia, along with a handy walkthrough of Brisbane Domestic Airport and Hobart International Airport to help you plan your journey!
◎ Brisbane Airport (Domestic Terminal)
This journey took me from Brisbane to Tasmania, landing in the state capital of Hobart. For the outbound flight, I flew with Jetstar Airways. The aircraft models used on these domestic hops are very similar to those operating on Asian routes, with plenty of flight reviews available online. Jetstar’s booking system also supports multiple languages, making ticket purchases quite straightforward.
What I really want to highlight here is navigating Brisbane Airport. The airport is split into International and Domestic Terminals, connected by shuttle buses and the Airtrain. For a complete breakdown of local transit, check out my Brisbane Public Transportation Guide.
(Most budget airlines operate from the Domestic Terminal, which is also the final stop on the Airtrain line.)
(After getting off the train, follow the signs and walk about 5 minutes to reach the terminal; pictured is the connecting pedestrian skybridge.)
(Brisbane Domestic Terminal features a linear layout. Our flight departed around 6:00 AM, and this was the lively scene at 5:00 AM—already bustling with travelers!)
(The terminal is well equipped with automated self-check-in kiosks, and friendly staff are on hand to guide you through the process, making it super convenient.)
(Time to board!)
(The gate area where Jetstar departs has a circular concourse design surrounded by cafes and souvenir kiosks. Low-cost carriers are truly immensely popular in Australia!)
(As we were boarding, the sun began to rise over the runway—one of my favorite photos from the trip, marking my very first flight with Jetstar!)
(On the return leg, I flew Virgin Australia back from Tasmania to Brisbane. Upon arrival, you enter a similar circular hall, though this wing features noticeably more retail and dining options than Jetstar's gates.)
(Exiting Brisbane Airport, you have immediate access to buses, trains, and taxis. Reaching the city center takes only around 20 minutes. For great things to see and do in the city, check out my Brisbane Top Attractions Guide.)
◎ Virgin Australia
Booking with Virgin Australia is slightly different and might feel less familiar to some international travelers. However, within Australia, Virgin Australia is an undisputed heavyweight airline known for delivering "full-service quality at budget-friendly fares"!
On domestic routes, Virgin Australia frequently offers promotional rates competitive with low-cost carriers, yet you enjoy larger aircraft, top-tier safety records, included light refreshments, and generous checked baggage allowances. It is a fantastic option for domestic travel. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of how to book your tickets:
(First, head to the Virgin Australia homepage, select your departure city, destination, dates, and number of passengers, then click "Find Flights".)
(Next, you will reach the flight selection screen. The top bar highlights fares on nearby dates, while the schedule below lists available flights for the day under Economy or Business class.)
(Clicking on a cabin class expands different fare levels based on flexibility and inclusions. Notably, even basic economy fares often come with a 23 kg checked baggage allowance—a massive advantage over strict budget carriers.)
(If you are booking a round trip, repeat the flight selection for your return leg. Once chosen, a summary of your itinerary and fare breakdown will appear. Check the details and click "Continue".)
(Now fill in your passenger details, ensuring your name matches your passport or travel ID exactly.)
(Next comes the seat selection map. Dark grey seats are standard available seats that incur no extra charge, while highlighted rows indicate premium seats with an additional fee.)
(An add-ons screen will follow with rental car and hotel offers. The main travel-related decision here is whether you need extra baggage beyond the included allowance.)
(Finally, enter the payment section. Virgin Australia accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and more, with the final fare summary shown on the right.)
(Fill in your payment card details. Once processed, an official booking confirmation and e-ticket will arrive in your email inbox!)
(My first Virgin Australia ticket from Hobart back to Brisbane was under AUD $150—practically on par with low-cost carrier prices!)
(Virgin operates a modern, diverse fleet. As a hybrid full-service carrier, the aircraft feel spacious and stable, consistently earning stellar international safety ratings.)
(Even on short domestic routes, they served a complimentary snack—a fresh sandwich and juice. Compared to budget carriers where everything costs extra, this was fantastic value!)
◎ Hobart International Airport
Wait, is this really an international airport?
That was my very first reaction walking out onto the tarmac, much like my first arrival at Naha Airport in Okinawa years ago! It is delightfully compact—some shopping malls feel larger! Yet it sits in tranquil, open natural scenery and holds the title of Australia's southernmost international airport.
(Hobart Airport operates with a single unified terminal handling both domestic and international operations. Here is the view right after stepping off the plane onto the apron.)
(The terminal map reveals a simple rectangular layout with essential amenities clearly marked. It is charmingly straightforward and easy to navigate!)
(Inside the terminal, you will find visitor displays offering plenty of handy Tasmania travel brochures.)
(The baggage claim carousel sits right in the first hall you enter. In fact, standing where I took this photo, the automatic exit sliding doors were right behind me!)
(Stepping outside Hobart Airport, car rental kiosks and airport shuttle stops line the pavement directly across the street. For my full road trip route, take a look at my Tasmania Travel Guide.)
(When departing, the check-in hall is located in the left wing of the terminal, offering the most spacious open area.)
(The departure lounge features about five local Tasmanian gift shops, with a central dining cafe serving warm meals and coffee.)
That wraps up my guide to Brisbane Domestic Airport, Hobart International Airport, and flight reviews with Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia. Australia is an incredible destination to navigate using affordable domestic carriers. With a bit of route planning and price watching, you can save substantially on transit and enjoy greater flexibility on your travels!