First Time Traveller

If you are a first time air traveller you will find Christchurch International Airport very simple to use.

Travelling through the Airport

Here’s a run down of what happens at the airport when taking a flight.

Domestic Flights (within New Zealand)

Check-in> When checking-in you could use either a check-in desk or check-in kiosk machine, this depends on which airline you are using. Take all of your luggage and travel documents to a check-in counter or kiosk. When using a check-in desk the airline representative will allocate you a seat onboard the aircraft and send any luggage that you may have to the aircraft directly. If you are using a kiosk, you will select your own seat and take your luggage to the dedicated drop-off area.
Proceed to your gate> Once you have checked-in you will be notified of your gate number and time for boarding on your boarding pass. The flight information screens around the airport will also advise when you need to proceed to your gate.
Security check> Before you board your flight, you must go through security screening to ensure that you are not carrying any dangerous items.
Board flight> Once you are at your gate, you will be called for boarding. Please present your boarding pass to the assistant at the gate. Retain your boarding pass to show to the steward onboard who will show you to your seat.
Departing flight> Once you have arrived in your destination airport you will be notified which luggage belt your luggage will be available on.

International Flights (overseas)

Check-in > Take all of your luggage and travel documents including your passport to a check-in counter that displays your airline, flight number and destination. The airline representative will allocate you a seat onboard and send any luggage that you may have to the aircraft directly. Please remember when travelling on an international flight hand luggage restrictions apply, see here for more details.
Customs and security> Before you go through departures you will also need to go through Customs who will view your travel documents. Security screening is immediately after Customs and will ensure that you are not carrying any dangerous items and are abiding to the hand luggage restrictions.
Proceed to your gate> Once through departures you may locate your gate within the international departures lounge. Your departure gate and time will be printed on your boarding pass.
Board flight> Once you have been called for boarding please present your boarding pass to the assistant at the gate. Retain your boarding pass to show to the steward onboard who will show you to your seat.
Departing flight> Once you have arrived in your destination airport you will be notified which luggage belt your luggage will be available on, you will also need to go through Customs.

In the Air

If you would like to find out more about what happens on your flight, please contact your airline directly.

If you have a fear of flying you may benefit from taking a programme such as the Fear of Flying programme developed in conjunction with Air New Zealand. Visit www.fearofflying.co.nz for more information.

Travelling with Children

Visit our family section for tips on travelling with children.

Special Assistance

If you require any special assistance either at the airport or during your flight, please see our special assistance section for more information.