Whether you’re heading overseas or flying back to Australia, there’s always that point when your travel plans shift from “sometime soon“ to “better get sorted.“ You start narrowing down what’s worth packing, what you’ll actually use, and what can wait until you land. That’s where a well-planned duty free edit comes in.

If your next trip takes you through Melbourne Airport, Laneway makes it easy to line up your international travel essentials ahead of time. From morning skincare to late-night spirits, this online duty free shopping platform lets you click and collect everything you need up to 60 days before your flight. But what’s actually worth pre-ordering?

Already got the non-negotiables in your bag? Think travel documents like your passport, travel insurance, and vaccination proof, plus maybe even a list of emergency contacts, just in case. That’s the kind of admin you need to carry. Everything else? You can leave it off your packing list.

On Laneway, you can avoid overpacking your carry-on bag or checked luggage and still arrive with exactly what you need. Not sure where to start? Let’s break it down by how you’ll use it.

For your morning routine

A toothbrush and toothpaste don’t need much thought, but the right extras on Laneway can turn a rushed start into something you actually enjoy, such as:

• Specialty coffee grounds – There’s something grounding about starting the day with a proper brew. Bacha Coffee takes it up a notch with single-origin beans and blends that come in striking tins, as giftable as they are practical.
• Vitamins and supplements – Travelling throws routines off balance, so a little support goes a long way. Organicer and Australian by Nature both offer premium honey products with the kind of antioxidant kick that keeps you feeling steady.
• Morning skincare – Good skincare makes jet lag less obvious, but Jurlique’s lightweight balancing day cream brings back that moisture fast. Pair it with a good sunscreen from Clinique to protect your skin before you step outside.
• Body care – Freshness comes down to the small things. Grab a crisp deodorant from Aesop for something herbal or Hugo Boss for that bolder scent, plus a lip balm from Clarins or Lano to keep dry cabin air from following you into the day. Both are simple, low-effort ways to feel ready without overthinking it.

A long day of sightseeing, shopping, or simply getting from place to place calls for essentials that travel well and don’t weigh you down. Think of these as the little things that help you stay fresh, comfortable, and organised until you’re back at the hotel.

• First-aid basics – You don’t need to carry a full first-aid kit, but a few picks in your travel backpack can save the day. Band-Aids are easy enough to source, but what does make sense is a hand sanitiser that won’t dry out your skin, like Ashley & Co’s Hydrating Cream Sanitiser. For long days outdoors, Ocean King’s spray works as a natural repellent and also helps ease cold or hay fever symptoms.
• Day makeup – Lightweight coverage is best when you’re out for hours. Bobbi Brown’s skin tints even out tone without feeling heavy, while Givenchy’s lip balms add colour and hydration. For a natural lift, Benefit’s blushes are quick to blend. If you wear contact lenses, stick to soft, non-irritating eye products that stay comfortable even after long wear.
• Light fragrance – A crisp scent can perk you up halfway through an outing. Jo Malone London is perfect if you want citrus and floral blends that work seamlessly from brunch to late afternoon. For something bolder, try YSL perfumes, which include playful, modern scents with more staying power. Both come in travel-size bottles that slip into your carry-on luggage.
• Sunnies – Bright afternoons call for proper sunnies. Grab a pair from Oakley, Nike, or even Burberry if you want something more luxurious for stylish eye protection that works from casual mornings to late lunches.
• Money pouch – Travelling with credit cards and cash means keeping them safe is the top priority. RFID-blocking wallets and pouches (plus a TSA lock for your luggage!) from Korjo protect your valuables or personal items while keeping everything organised and within reach.
• Water bottle – If you’ve already packed a water bottle, great—it’s one of the easiest ways to stay hydrated. If not, a reusable tumbler from Kinto saves you from relying on single-use bottles during long outings.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods on Laneway. Please note that some goods, like alcohol and tobacco products, may have minimum age requirements, and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.

Evenings on holiday often call for a little extra polish, whether it’s dinner out, a celebratory drink, or a gift for someone you’re visiting. These are the kinds of duty free picks that don’t just travel well but also help you look and feel ready for the night ahead.

• Evening fragrance – When the sun goes down, a bolder scent sets the right tone. Tom Ford has rich perfumes built for nights out, while Giorgo Armani’s deeper blends carry a lasting impression. Both come in sleek bottles that are compact enough to carry.
• Night makeup – Evening looks can be simple with the right products. A bold lipstick from MAC, a shimmering eyeshadow palette from Gucci, or a zero-smudge mascara from Estée Lauder are quick ways to shift into night mode. Think of them as easy makeup hacks that take minimal space but add maximum impact.
• Watches – A watch is as practical as it is stylish, especially when you’re moving across time zones. Brands like Raymond Weil and Seiko offer polished designs that transition seamlessly from casual wear to evening events. A timeless addition that doubles as a keepsake.
• Spirits and wines – Packing bottles for an international trip isn’t the smartest move. Even in checked luggage, they’re heavy, fragile, and more hassle than they’re worth. A simple hack is to pre-order duty free on Laneway instead. Premium whiskies from Chivas Regal or Starward and wines from Penfolds or Chandon make it easy to bring something special to the table without the stress of carrying it yourself.

After a full day out, you probably don’t need much. Just a quick way to reset and something to help you wind down properly. These are the kinds of duty free picks that make evenings easier, whether you’re heading to bed in a hotel room, staying with family, or in transit somewhere quiet.

• Bath and body care – By the time you get back, a good shower and your usual toiletries go a long way. A moisturising shampoo, conditioner, and shower oil from L’Occitane or a fast-absorbing body lotion from Sol de Janeiro help you feel human again.
• Nighttime skincare – Your skin doesn’t need much, but it does need something. Elizabeth Arden’s face and eye cream is a go-to for overnight hydration, while La Mer has options to calm redness and restore moisture after long-haul flights or days outdoors. If you want a one-step routine, a mask from Shiseido locks everything in so your skin can recover while you rest.
• Wind-down must-haves – You might already be packing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones—both worth having on hand if you need help switching off. But if you’ve got time to slow down, make it count. A silk eye mask, travel pillow, and pillowcase from Slip make any bed feel more like your own, while Ostrich Pillow’s compression socks are great for soothing tired legs.
• Travel tech gear – It’s the small things that keep everything running smoothly. A universal travel adaptor means you won’t be stuck without power, whether you’re charging your styling tools or plugging in your iPad. Korjo has compact, country-specific kits to pair with your charger or backup power bank.

Absolutely. If you’re already mapping out your packing checklist and making a mental note of what’s going in the bag, it’s worth locking in your duty free picks early too. Here’s what makes pre-ordering your travel essentials on Laneway worth it:

• Pre-order up to 60 days in advance. Lock in your travel essentials early and pick them up when you land or depart from Melbourne Airport.
• Available for international arrivals and departures. It doesn’t matter which direction you're flying. If you’re travelling through Melbourne Airport, you can shop duty free on Laneway.
• No queues or checkout lines. Your order is packed, prepaid, and ready for you to collect at Terminal 2. Just grab and go.
• Less to carry. Skip packing bulky full-size products and lighten your load.
• Exclusive bundles and online-only offers. From fragrance to skincare, Laneway gives you first pick of limited sets from brands you already know and love.
• Earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Get rewarded for what you were already going to buy.

For more travel tips, product drops, and limited-time deals, sign up for Melbourne Airport’s Shopping News newsletter and follow along on socials.

Once you know what you need, pre-ordering them on Laneway is the easy part. You can sort your duty free essentials online from 60 days up to 24 hours before your international flight. If you're the kind of traveller who likes having your travel checklist sorted before takeoff, this step brings peace of mind.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Add to cart. Start by browsing the full range on Laneway. Whether you’re ticking off last-minute makeup or adding an extra T-shirt or souvenir, just choose what you want and add it to your cart.

Step 2: Enter your flight details. This step confirms you’re travelling internationally and tells us when to have your order ready.

Step 3: Pay online. Use Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, or even Afterpay for eligible items—whatever works best for you.

When you land or before you depart from Melbourne Airport, head to the Click and Collect counter in Terminal 2. Just show your boarding pass, passport or ID, and your confirmation email, and that’s it. No repacking, no added bulk. Just a smoother start (or finish) to your trip!

You’ve already put thought into where you’re going and what to bring. We’re just here to make it all easier. Whether you're flying in or heading off, pre-ordering your duty free travel essentials means less time hunting things down and more time actually enjoying your trip.

Think of it as the easiest packing tip to add to your travel packing list. It's quick, flexible, and saves you space, all while keeping things stress-free from day one!