
Flying internationally through Melbourne takes some smart planning. From checking flight times to packing for the kids, the earlier you get ahead, the easier the day feels.
That can also include duty free shopping. Instead of leaving it until you’re at the airport, you can plan it early. With Laneway, Melbourne Airport’s online shopping platform, you can shop online and then collect your order when you arrive at the airport.
To make duty free shopping smoother from the start, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Plan Around Your Travel Dates
Once your international flights are booked, you can start shopping online on Laneway. You don’t need to wait until the day before you fly. Orders can be placed from 30 days up to 24 hours before your flight. That gives you plenty of time to plan ahead and avoid the usual last-minute rush.

Pick What You’ll Actually Use
When you’re shopping online before a trip, it’s worth thinking about what will actually be useful once you’re home. The best picks are the ones that fit into your everyday routine and make life a little easier.
Duty free beauty products like face moisturisers, cleansers and serums are all practical choices. They’re perfect for refreshing after a flight, simplifying your morning routine or keeping your skincare stocked at home.
You can also shop duty free eyewear if you’ve been meaning to grab a new pair of sunglasses. It’s an easy add-on that gives you one less thing to think about later.
Sort Gifting Before You Pack
If you’ve got birthdays, reunions or family visits coming up, Laneway is the place to find thoughtful gifts without the time pressure. Pre-ordering means you don’t have to squeeze in a shopping trip or pack bulky presents in your luggage.
There’s a solid range of duty free watches that make great gifts, along with fragrance sets, premium chocolate and other items you won’t always find at your local shops. Buying through Laneway also gives you access to airport-exclusive deals, so you can tick off your gift list while staying on budget.
Have a Few Treats Ready to Go
Smart planning isn’t just about packing early or checking flight times. It’s also about making homecoming feel smoother. Having a few treats sorted ahead of time means you can skip the snack aisle and settle in quickly.
When you shop duty free food and snacks online, you can pick up chocolates, honey or lollies when you land. They’re easy to add and handy to have on hand, especially when you want to avoid another stop after a long flight.

Collect Fast and Be Done
Once you land, head to the collection point in Terminal 2 with your passport and order confirmation. Your items will be packed and ready for you.
There’s no waiting around or searching through shelves. Collection is quick and simple, so you can grab your order and get on with the rest of your day.
Get Duty Free Shopping Sorted Early
Now that you know how to shop duty free the smart way, there’s no need to leave it to the last minute. Pre-order what you’ll use, pick it up and keep your travel day simple. To sort it early, shop at Melbourne Airport’s Laneway online store and collect your order when you arrive.
