Flight Home
Heading home may involve one or more flights to reach your destination. The first flight for most people is the international flight out of Port Moresby. To ensure this leg of your journey is successful and as hassle free as possible follow these basic tips below.
Flight Confirmation
International flights typically require that you confirm your flight bookings and departure times. In most cases this will be a formality. You can use the hotel phone (your cost) or the pay-phone in the lobby.
Book Transport
The hotel courtesy bus operates on a schedule leaving at specific times during the day. If your flight is very early you should ensure you book spots on the bus ASAP the night before and allow time for check-in etc. at the airport. The local taxi services are not recommended unless you are really stuck without transport.
It would be wise to allow for up to a 45 minute delay in getting to the airport when planning your check-in time. You will be competing with other hotel guests for seats and possibly other trekkers from your expedition. The transport time from the hotel to the airport is typically 20 to 25 minutes for a good run without any delays.
Customs Preparation
As you enter the Port Moresby International terminal you will pass through a security station with an X-Ray machine. As discussed in the section on cleaning, you may need to open your bags for inspection as per normal protocols in an International airport.
Passengers arriving in Australia (and other countries) will also pass through customs. Australian Customs will sort you into different lines for passengers with items to declare. It is wise to declare that you MAY have items with dirt on them (tick yes to declare) and when you speak to the customs officer, explain that you have attempted to clean them. They will most likely want to see your boots and that will be it, provided they are clean; otherwise you will have to clean them. Help protect Australia and ensure all your items are clean.
If you are bringing any food back with you, be aware of the same problems as discussed when packing to go to PNG. Any wooden artifacts you have bought or items made from natural products should be declared at customs.
Money Exchange (Kina to Dollars)
If everything went well with your budgeting you shouldn't have too much kina to exchange. The money exchangers in the International Airport terminals or large bank branches back home may change back money for you. There is always a small charge for this service.
Jacksons International Airport
The waiting room at the airport is upstairs before you pass through customs. It has toilets and a small food outlet to the right of the customs entry door just off the main passage way. The food (hot and cold) is not cheap but it may help if you have to wait a while. There are only a few gift shops in this waiting area. Once you go through customs you will find another food outlet in the waiting room, toilets and another gift shop.
Flight Confirmation
International flights typically require that you confirm your flight bookings and departure times. In most cases this will be a formality. You can use the hotel phone (your cost) or the pay-phone in the lobby.
- Airlines PNG - http://www.apng.com/
- Virgin Blue / Pacific Blue - http://www.virginblue.com.au/
- Qantas / QantasLink - http://www.qantas.com.au/
- Air Niugini - http://www.airniugini.com.pg/
Book Transport
The hotel courtesy bus operates on a schedule leaving at specific times during the day. If your flight is very early you should ensure you book spots on the bus ASAP the night before and allow time for check-in etc. at the airport. The local taxi services are not recommended unless you are really stuck without transport.
It would be wise to allow for up to a 45 minute delay in getting to the airport when planning your check-in time. You will be competing with other hotel guests for seats and possibly other trekkers from your expedition. The transport time from the hotel to the airport is typically 20 to 25 minutes for a good run without any delays.
Customs Preparation
As you enter the Port Moresby International terminal you will pass through a security station with an X-Ray machine. As discussed in the section on cleaning, you may need to open your bags for inspection as per normal protocols in an International airport.
Passengers arriving in Australia (and other countries) will also pass through customs. Australian Customs will sort you into different lines for passengers with items to declare. It is wise to declare that you MAY have items with dirt on them (tick yes to declare) and when you speak to the customs officer, explain that you have attempted to clean them. They will most likely want to see your boots and that will be it, provided they are clean; otherwise you will have to clean them. Help protect Australia and ensure all your items are clean.
If you are bringing any food back with you, be aware of the same problems as discussed when packing to go to PNG. Any wooden artifacts you have bought or items made from natural products should be declared at customs.
Money Exchange (Kina to Dollars)
If everything went well with your budgeting you shouldn't have too much kina to exchange. The money exchangers in the International Airport terminals or large bank branches back home may change back money for you. There is always a small charge for this service.
Jacksons International Airport
The waiting room at the airport is upstairs before you pass through customs. It has toilets and a small food outlet to the right of the customs entry door just off the main passage way. The food (hot and cold) is not cheap but it may help if you have to wait a while. There are only a few gift shops in this waiting area. Once you go through customs you will find another food outlet in the waiting room, toilets and another gift shop.
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