Everything you need to know about domestic flights in Australia
Here is an insight into the main airlines, key airports, baggage allowances and popular routes 👇
Book Domestic Flights in Australia
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Looking for an easy and affordable way to get around Australia? ✈️
Those long drives through the outback and coastal highways can take hours, even days, to get through.
With limited annual leave, you want to make the most of your time off. And for those 3-day long weekends, spending half your break driving isn't worth it.
Domestic flights, though? Much faster. Most domestic flights in Australia are perfect for travellers who don't like losing precious time.
With Alternative Airlines, you can find all your options in one place. Compare domestic flights across Australia with over 600 airlines and choose from 40+ payment methods that work for you.
Pay later for domestic flights around Australia
Why wait to pay when you can fly now? With Alternative Airlines, you don’t have to pay the full cost upfront. Choose from a range of flexible payment options that make booking a breeze.
This gives you more flexibility in how you budget your trip, especially for last-minute bookings or group travel.
Pay Later options for Australian residents:
If you're an Australian resident, you can break up the cost of your flight with payment options such as:
- Afterpay – Split your flight into 4 simple instalments, paid every 2 weeks.
- Klarna – Choose from flexible pay-in-3 instalments or pay later options.
- Zip Pay – Spread the cost of your flight over time, interest-free up to your approved limit.
- Slice Pay – Prefer a lay-by style? Secure your flight today with a deposit, then pay the balance at least 7 days before departure.
Book now, pay later, and spend more time enjoying Australia's stunning landscapes, rather than stressing over your wallet! 💜
How to book domestic flights within Australia
Flying around Australia is easy and stress-free when you know where to look. Here’s how to make the most of your booking with Alternative Airlines:
- Search all the options in one place. Compare flights from all major domestic airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. Just pop in your departure city, destination, and travel dates to see what’s available.
- Choose the payment that suits you. Spread the cost with our flexible options like Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm.
- Pick your trip type. One-way, return, or multi-city? Build an itinerary that fits your schedule and your plans.
- Confirm and get ready to fly. Once you’ve selected your flight and payment method, you’ll get instant confirmation and your e-ticket straight to your inbox. No waiting, no fuss.
Airlines that offer Domestic Flights within Australia ✈️
Qantas
Qantas is the national carrier of Australia, offering both international and extensive domestic flights. Passengers can check in online 24 hours before departure or use self-service kiosks and counters. Economy Class offers comfortable seating with optional seat selection, while Premium Economy, Business, and First Class upgrades are available for added comfort.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is one of the top airlines for domestic flights in Australia, offering affordability and a premium service for domestic travellers. The airline has hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and flies to over 30 destinations across the country. Virgin Australia also offers online check-in and kiosks, making the process smooth for all passengers.
Jetstar
Jetstar is a low-cost carrier that provides budget-friendly fares for internal flights within Australia. For more information, check out our Jetstar Domestic Flights page.
Other domestic airlines in Australia
- Airnorth, Aviair, Air Link, FlyPelican, Hinterland Aviation, King Island Airlines, Link Airways, Nexus Airlines and Skipper Aviation.
- Keep an eye out for Koala Airlines, a new Australian airline launching in late 2026 👀.
Airports for Domestic Flights in Australia
Major Domestic Hubs
These are the busiest airports in Australia and serve as the main gateways for domestic routes:
- Sydney Airport (SYD) – New South Wales
Australia’s largest and busiest airport, offering flights to every state and territory. - Melbourne Airport (MEL) – Victoria
A major hub for both domestic and international flights, with regular connections to all Australian capitals. - Brisbane Airport (BNE) – Queensland
Serves as Queensland’s main gateway, with frequent flights to northern, southern, and regional destinations. - Perth Airport (PER) – Western Australia
Connects the West Coast with major cities across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. - Adelaide Airport (ADL) – South Australia
The key airport for South Australia, offering short connections to Melbourne, Sydney, and beyond.
Baggage Allowances and Additional Fees 🧳
Check your airline’s baggage policy to avoid extra airport fees. Low-cost airlines like Jetstar often charge for checked bags, seat selection, or special equipment. Extra fees such as these can increase costs depending on what you are bringing with you on your flight.
Looking for a hassle-free baggage experience? Check out our page on how to book baggage with us.
Carry-On Baggage
Most Australian domestic airlines allow passengers to bring one or two pieces of carry-on luggage free of charge. The specific allowances are typically:
- Qantas: 1 piece up to 7kg
- Virgin Australia: 1 piece up to 7kg
- Jetstar: 1 piece up to 7kg
Checked Baggage
For checked luggage, domestic flights often have a free allowance for economy passengers, but additional fees may apply if you exceed the limit.
- Qantas: 1 piece (23kg) included in most fares
- Virgin Australia: 1 piece (23kg) included in most fares
- Jetstar: Checked baggage is not included in the base fare.
Domestic flights from Melbourne
Whether you’re travelling for business, a weekend getaway, or your next big adventure, Melbourne Airport (MEL) connects you to destinations all across Australia and beyond.
Popular routes from Melbourne
- Melbourne to Sydney - One of Australia’s busiest routes, with multiple daily flights. The Flight time is around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
- Melbourne to Brisbane - A favourite route for travellers heading to Queensland’s capital. Morning and evening flights are ideal for business trips or weekend getaways.
- Melbourne to Gold Coast - A popular choice for families and beach lovers, offering access to theme parks and surf spots.
- Melbourne to Adelaide - A short hop to South Australia’s capital, famous for its festivals, wineries, and relaxed lifestyle.
- Melbourne to Perth - The flight time is around 4 hours and 15 minutes, and airlines that take this route include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Rex.
Domestic flights from Sydney
As Australia’s busiest airport, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) offers convenient connections to every corner of the country.
Popular Routes from Sydney
- Sydney to Melbourne – Australia’s busiest domestic route, with flights taking around 1 hour 25 minutes. Choose from airlines such as Qantaslink.
- Sydney to Adelaide – Reach South Australia’s vibrant capital in roughly 2 hours.
- Sydney to Gold Coast – Fly to one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots for sunshine all year round.
- Sydney to Cairns – Escape to tropical North Queensland. Perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and Northern Queensland.
- Sydney to Hobart – Connect Australia’s east and west coasts on this long-haul domestic journey, 1 hour 55 minutes.
Domestic flights from Brisbane
Brisbane International Airport (BNE) offers easy connections across the country with regular flights operated by Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Rex.
Popular Routes from Brisbane
- Brisbane to Sydney - A busy route linking Queensland’s capital with New South Wales’ harbour city.
- Brisbane to Melbourne - Connects two of Australia’s major cities in just over 2 hours. Try early morning flights for the best prices and to make the most of your day in Melbourne.
- Brisbane to Perth - A popular long-haul domestic route for travellers. Evening flights are great for maximising your time and adjusting to the time difference
- Brisbane to Adelaide - A relaxed route to South Australia’s cultural hub in under 3 hours.
- Brisbane to Darwin - Fly north to Australia’s tropical top end in under 5 hours.
Not an Australian resident? Check out our other pay later partners:
Why book Australian flights with Alternative Airlines?
Flying should be convenient and flexible, designed to fit your schedule. We make it easy to discover the flight that works best for you.
Book with Alternative Airlines and...
- Compare 600+ airlines from a single search 🌍
- Spread the cost with pay-later options like Afterpay, Klarna, and more 💳
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- Get help from our friendly customer service team, 7 days a week 👋
Australia has several major domestic airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar, all offering extensive networks across the country.
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Australian Flights FAQs
What is the national airline of Australia?
Qantas Airways is the national airline of Australia. It is also the largest airline based in Australia, by its total number of international destinations and the size of its fleet. The airline also owns Jetstar Australia which flies regionally within the country.
Are there any discount airlines in Australia?
If you’re looking for cheaper fares, book flights with low-cost discount airlines in Australia, including Jetstar, Scoot and Virgin Australia. You can book flights with any of these airlines through Alternative Airlines.
Is a passport required when travelling domestically in Australia?
All passengers, including children and infants, are required to provide ID on flights within Australia. ID can include a passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate. So if you are Australian and have any other listed identification, then a passport is not required.
Do I need a passport if traveling to Tasmania from Australia?
Tasmania is an isolated island state off Australia’s south coast. Technically, no, a passport is not required to fly from Australia to Tasmania, but for practical purposes, it is recommended! Tasmania passport requirements state that a passport is not required to visit Tasmania. However, you will need one to enter back into Australia. A visa is also required to visit the country, but those travelling for tourism or business for less than 90 days can opt to obtain a label-free visa known as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for a small fee.
Do I still need to go through security if travelling on a domestic flight in Australia?
Passengers travelling on flights that don't leave the country's airspace still need to comply with all airport security procedures and are still subject to screening before arriving in the boarding area. However, travellers are not required to pass through customs or immigration before boarding. On arrival, passengers can disembark and head straight to baggage claim, without having to pass through immigration or customs.
How much baggage can I take on an internal flight?
Most airlines will offer free hand luggage when travelling in Australia. We always recommend checking with each airline to find out more!
For more details about the top domestic airlines' policies, view their guide:
Are domestic flights the same as interstate flights?
They can be! All interstate flights are domestic, but not all domestic flights are interstate. If a domestic flight departs and lands in two different states within the boundaries of a single country, then it is also an interstate flight. If the flight departs and lands within a single state, it can be referred to as domestic, but not interstate.
What is the internal flight check-in time for flights within Australia?
This will depend on the airline that you're flying on. But, generally, check-in tends to open 48–24 hours before check-in and can close anywhere between 60–30 minutes before.
Do you need a passport to fly on a flight that doesn't leave Australian airspace?
Again, this will depend on the airline, but usually, only a form of photo ID, such as a driver's licence, or passport, is required.
Can I book Australian flights online?
Alternative Airlines offers easy online booking for your domestic flights. We let you pay for your flights the way you want, whether that's using USD or Australian Dollars (or over 170 other currencies!), or the payment method you'd prefer.
Use our search bar to search and buy flights with different airlines to destinations across Australia.
Can I book flights to Victoria?
Absolutely! If you're itching to visit Victoria, Australia, you can book flights to Victoria here at Alternative Airlines. Please read our guide on booking Victoria flights for more information.
Can I cancel my domestic flight?
At Alternative Airlines cancelling flights has never been easier. Simply log into our Manage My Booking Portal. Here, you'll see the options to cancel or make changes to your booking. You are then entitled to a potential refund if your cancellation meets your airlines refund guidelines.
Looking for cancellation protection? Our Cancellation Protection product protects your booking in the case of an emergency.
What Buy Now Pay Later plans are available for flights in Australia?
In Australia, you can use Afterpay, Klarna, Slice Pay and Zip to spread the cost of your flights into manageable instalments. Check out our page on Buy Now Pay Later Options in Australasia for more information.