Travelling to a new airport can be cause for concern if you don’t know what the accessibility is like. So as we travel we like to share airport reviews. On a recent trip to Noosa we flew into Sunshine Coast Airport and found there are definite advantages to a small regional airport experience, but there’s a few things you should be aware of before you fly.
Sunshine Coast Airport Maroochydore – Accessibility Review
The size of the airport makes the travel experience less overwhelming than flying from a major city airport. There is no air bridge access to the terminal so visitors unable to negotiate stairs will need to use the air lifter to get on and off the aircraft.
To use the air lifter a passenger needs to transfer to an airline wheelchair.
Arriving into the terminal, before exiting to baggage claim, there’s a range of food outlets and stand-alone accessible bathroom facilities. The largest accessible bathroom in the airport, with sliding door for access, is to the right of the Rip Curl Store (as you look at the store).
Once you’ve exited through to baggage claim there’s another stand-alone accessible bathroom, car hire and an information booth with plenty of ideas on how to spend your time on the Sunshine Coast.
FACILITIES
My friend who lives locally referred to Sunshine Coast Airport as “the world’s smallest airport” and although that’s a slight exaggeration, there’s not much to do once you clear security. But the advantage of a small airport is the services on offer, free luggage trolleys to use and less waiting time.
If you need assistance at Sunshine Coast Airport you can contact the Terminal Services Officer on 0419 658 829 to organise this prior to your visit. Make sure you have your flight details ready before calling.
We arrived early and didn’t experience any queues for check-in or security for our departing flight. It was a stark contrast to our departure from Sydney Airport where the queues went for miles.
Audio Loop and map is provided in the terminal.
Shopping is limited but that’s good for the budget right? Newstravels sells snacks, souvenirs, books and magazines.
If you’re looking for a local gift for someone back home, head to Sunshine Coast 153 East. They stock plenty of local produce and hand crafts. Lovely quality goods but they are on the pricey side.
Food outlets have a range of standard airport choices including salads, sandwiches, meals and a range of hot and cold beverages.
Left-handed and right-handed orientated bathrooms are available.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Sunshine Coast. It’s so easy to navigate the roads, shopping options are plentiful, local produce is delicious, the beaches are bountiful and pristine and the locals are all pretty friendly. Sunshine Coast Airport has excellent access and is easy to use with the only downside being the necessity to transfer to the air lifter to disembark and board the plane.
For more information on the services available for visitors with a disability, check the Sunshine Coast Airport website.
When travelling to the Sunshine Coast you may also find the following helpful
Accessible car/van hire Sunshine Coast
We also have the following airport information for other areas
Wheelchair access at regional airports
Los Angeles Airport – Accessibility at Tom Bradley Terminal
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