Airports are often crowded and noisy places. We have developed a terminal sensory map that identifies low, medium and high sensory areas. This can help you navigate your way through the terminal and can prepare you for crowded areas, additional noise, smells and lights. It identifies areas where you can stop and be in a quieter area if required. Gold Coast Airport offers a Low Sensory Entry, Low Sensory Amenity Block and Sensory Friendly Room. Please refer to the terminal sensory map for their locations or look for the sunflower symbol.

Written social story journeys are designed to assist people in understanding how an airport works and what to expect.  The story can help you prepare for your journey.  There is a journey story for our domestic and international processes.

Domestic Departures social story

Domestic Arrivals social story

International Departures social story

International Arrivals social story

We want all our guests at Gold Coast Airport to be as comfortable as possible, so we have created the below videos to help you prepare for your time at Gold Coast Airport.  It can help to navigate your journey through the terminal.

An activity book has been created for children traveling through Gold Coast Airport. This activity book has activities that can be completed along each step of the terminal journey. There is a I-spy for children to find different things, colouring and a find a word. Checklists are also included of some of the important things we all have to do.  Children can tick off when they have completed such as check-in, security checks and boarding the plane.

Download the Activity Book:

My Airport Activity Book

If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a hidden disability lanyard. Wearing a sunflower lanyard when you are at Gold Coast Airport is a discreet way for you to indicate to our team that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes.  Our team have been trained to recognise the lanyard and provide the assistance and support you may need.

Tips for using the hidden disabilities lanyard:

• If you are feeling overwhelmed or have specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to approach a Gold Coast Airport team member for help or to make a request.
• Please use the priority lane at security screening.  Security team members are aware of varying disabilities and will conduct searches as efficiently and sensitively as possible.
• If travelling on an international service, please use the assistance lane at Powders, Liquids, Aerosols and Gel.

• If travelling on an international service, you can proceed directly to the counter where Australian Border Force officers will check your passport.

This program does not exempt passengers from normal airport procedures.

• If you are travelling in a group, we typically only facilitate the passenger requiring assistance and the immediate carers (maximum two adults).
• The lanyard does not provide a personal escort through the airport process.  If you require this level of assistance or wheelchair assistance your airline is best placed to help you.
• Hidden disability lanyards are free of charge.

Hidden Disability Form

Please fill in the form to request a hidden disabilities lanyard and information pack no later than 14 days before your date of travel.

Gold Coast Airport wants to ensure that customers are able to travel as comfortably and hassle-free as possible, including passengers and guests with a disability.  A Hidden Disability Guide has been produced for Gold Coast Airport and details the services and facilities available for our passengers with accessibility requirements.

Download the Gold Coast Airport Hidden Disability Guide

Travel Tip:

Be sure to contact your airline/travel agent directly to request any specific help, including wheelchair assistance.

Visit our Airlines page for their contact information.

Other links and programs:

• Virgin Australia Nervous Flyer Program
• Virgin Australia Hidden disability assistance
• Jetstar Specific Assistance
• Qantas Specific Needs
• Rex Special Requirements
• Melbourne Airport Hidden Disability Program
• Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT)

• Cairns Airport Hidden Disability Program
• Perth Airport Hidden Disability Program
• Adelaide Airport Disability Program

• Sydney Airport Disability Program