Before the Flight
The ground side of an Airlie Beach scenic flight: when to be at the stop or the airfield, the weigh-in, what to bring, luggage on check-out day, and how long it all takes.
Plan on about two hours from pickup to drop-off: about 10 minutes on the bus each way, check-in, then the hour in the air. Be at your pickup stop on time, or at the airfield 30 minutes before take-off if you drive. Bring sunglasses and a camera. If you are leaving Airlie Beach that day, Fly Australia’s Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight has luggage storage and free parking at the airfield, so the flight can come between check-out and the road, from US$240 (checked November 2026).
The pickup time for your stop comes with the booking.
How long it takes
| Flight | Bus each way | Be at the airfield | In the air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Australia | About 10 minutes | 30 minutes before take-off | 65 minutes |
| Ocean Rafting | About 15 minutes | 45 minutes before take-off | 1 hour |
| Whitsunday Air Tours | Listing allows about 30 minutes | At Laguna Quays if you meet the plane there | 70 minutes |
At the airfield, Fly Australia’s check-in and flight together take about an hour and a half. Add the bus at both ends and two hours is a fair plan. Whitsunday Air Tours' flight takes longer on the ground because Laguna Quays is further out: budget closer to two and a half hours.
At check-in
Fly Australia weighs every passenger at check-in and seats people for the aircraft’s weight and balance, so members of one booking may not sit together. Everyone gets a window. The weight limits are on who can fly.
Both Whitsunday Airport flights have a lounge. Fly Australia’s is air-conditioned, with luggage storage. Ocean Rafting’s has secure lockers, Wi-Fi, charging points, a water station and a cafe.
What to bring
Sunglasses and a camera are on every flight’s list, and water on Ocean Rafting’s and Whitsunday Air Tours’. On Fly Australia’s flight the pilot makes several passes over each place, so one missed shot is not the end of it. You do not need swimwear or a towel on a flight; that list belongs to the flight-and-boat package.
The bus
Be at your stop on time. Fly Australia makes it your responsibility: if you miss the bus for any reason, getting to the airfield is at your own cost, and that cost is not reimbursed. If you have a car, drive instead; parking at Whitsunday Airport is free on both companies’ flights.
After landing, the bus takes you back to the same list of stops.
Flying on the day you leave
It works if you leave room. Fly Australia stores luggage, but it takes no responsibility for missed flights, transfers or accommodation caused by delays, rescheduling or cancellations, so do not book a tight connection. Whitsunday Coast Airport is 46 km by road from Whitsunday Airport, so a morning scenic flight and an afternoon departure from Proserpine is a plan with slack in it; a flight that the weather moves by a few hours is not a disaster then.
If the weather is uncertain, put the scenic flight earlier in your stay instead. Will the flight go today? explains how a weather day is handled.
More from Airlie Beach
Other Whitsundays Trips with Open Dates
Boat days, sailing and reef trips from Airlie Beach with live availability. Where each starts, what it includes and the cancellation terms are shown before you book.
Fly on the Day You Check Out
Fly Australia's 65-minute flight from Whitsunday Airport, with luggage storage, an air-conditioned lounge and free parking at the airfield.
Check dates