International passenger departure numbers jump by more than 40 per cent in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with more than 8500 people flying out of the Perth Airport each day alone. 

The big jump in international departures just before Christmas is then followed by a subsequent surge in international arrivals in early January as travellers return home.

If you’re flying out and don’t like crowds, New Year’s Eve is the quietest day to go.

And if you have people flying in, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are the quietest for arrivals.

SOURCE: Perth Airport

1. Bring your passport. There’s nothing worse than getting to the counter with your bags packed and realising you’ve left your passports at home. And make sure you have more than six months left on your passport as many countries won’t accept passports with less. 

2. Arrive early. Airports can be busy places at the best of times, especially Christmas. It may take a bit longer than normal to check in and get to your gate.

3. Book your parking in advance, online – it’s much cheaper.

4. Use the few hours you have to kill before your flight by completing your Christmas shopping.

5. Or if you’re feeling a little peckish, why not grab something to eat.

6. Check which terminal you’re travelling from.

7. Be patient. The lines may be longer at security screening and passport control, but staff will be doing their best to get you through as quickly as possible.

8. Don’t bring it! Christmas holiday time usually sees a surge in the number of items confiscated at security check points. And, unfortunately, these can include some Christmas presents. 

9. Don’t forget it! Whether it’s the latest iphone or grandma’s dentures – you’d be surprised at what gets left.

10. Picking someone up? Flights sometime get delayed, so check the flight details online.