What can $100 get you these days? If you’re flying internationally, quite a bit, especially if you plan ahead. Think skincare that actually works, spirits worth pouring, or something small but smart to gift when you land. All tax-free, all easy to sort before you even start packing.

On Laneway, Melbourne Airport’s duty free shopping platform, you can pre-order and lock in your favourites from 60 days up to 24 hours before your international travel. That means no overthinking it at the last minute, no paying GST, and no guessing what’s left on the shelf. Just choose what works for you, pay in AUD, and collect it when you land or head out of Australia. But what does a smart $100 duty free cart actually look like?

Everyone shops differently, but when you’re working with a budget, every item should earn its place. Here’s how five different types of frequent flyers spend their $100 on Laneway.

As a Business Flyer…

Work trips mean early starts, long flights, and tight turnarounds. That’s why frequent business flyers tend to go for beauty products that restore moisture quickly and pack neatly without compromising on quality. Here’s one way to make that $100 count:

• Elizabeth Arden Prevage Cleanser – Long flight ahead or early meeting coming up? This helps you reset, clearing your skin without drying it out so you don’t look as tired as you feel.
• Clinique SPF 50 Face Cream – Add this SPF for all-day protection. Lightweight, non-greasy, and holds up whether you're in the air or heading straight into a full schedule.
• Lano 101 Ointment Multi-Balm – A quick fix for dry lips or cracked skin. Keep it in your pocket or laptop bag, and you’ll end up using it more than you think!

These duty free finds offer a mix of function, care, and just enough high-end polish to keep things professional. And if you’re heading straight back to family, something extra never hurts. A plushie from Windmill Toys and a box of Toblerone confectionery add a thoughtful touch.

As a Weekend Traveller…

You’re not packing checked luggage, and you’re definitely not wasting time. For weekend flyers, it’s about keeping things light, smart, and ready to go. A perfume that doubles as a mood lifter, and sunnies that actually suit you? That’s your $100, sorted.

• Gucci Flora Gorgeous EDP Pen Spray – You don’t need to pack a full bottle. This eau de parfum pen spray slips into your bag and gives you that little lift before dinner, drinks, or a last-minute plan.
• Le Specs Sunglasses – You know the forecast, but these come with you either way. They pull your outfit together, keep the sun off your face, and actually fit in your carry-on.

Together, these duty free items cover the essentials without taking up space so you can spend less time packing and more time making the most of the weekend.

As a Long-Haul Flyer…

Landing after 14 hours in the air doesn’t have to mean looking or feeling wrecked. If you fly long-haul often, your cart should cover the basics: hygiene, hydration, and small comforts that help you reset fast. These Laneway picks lean practical, but they still feel good to use.

• Aesop Rinse-Free Hand Wash or Mist – You won’t always get to freshen up mid-journey, but this helps you feel cleaner, calmer, and a bit more put-together.
• Calvin Klein Deo Stick – Keeps you feeling fresh without leaking in your bag. It’s subtle, travel-friendly, and easy to reapply if your layover runs long.
• Clarins Shampoo & Shower Gel – If you’ve got time for a shower, make it count. This one does double duty and helps rinse off that recycled air feeling.
• Endota Signature Blend Moisturiser – Cabin air is brutal on your skin. This brings it back to life without feeling heavy or sticky.

This is bath and body care built for function but still feels like care. Everything fits in your carry-on, works hard, and gives you a small sense of control even when your sleep schedule’s a mess.

As a Travel and Beauty Influencer…

When travel is part of the content, your cart needs to pull its weight. These duty free Laneway finds are compact, camera-ready, and get the job done without needing a full routine. They’re not just extras. They’re the makeup essentials you actually reach for.

• Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer – Covers without caking. Throw it on mid-flight or just before landing. It blends fast and photographs well, even in bad lighting.
• Benefit The POREfessional Primer – If you’re shooting, this smooths everything out. It grips, mattifies, and gives your base the best possible start.
• MAC Mineralise Blush – A soft flush that holds its colour, whether you're walking off a plane or heading to dinner straight from the hotel.

This duty free shopping cart doesn’t try to do too much. It travels light, looks good on the go, and keeps your face as ready as your passport.

As a Last-Minute Gifter…

Not every gift needs a lot of thought, just the right one. If you’ve got people waiting back home, or you’re heading straight to a catch-up, it’s worth grabbing something you don’t have to second-guess. These bottles all come in under $100, so you can sort your gifting on Laneway without overthinking it.

• Jacob’s Creek Expedition Red – Heading to a dinner or catching up with friends? This classic Australian red is easy to pack, easy to pour, and always gets a good reaction.
• Penfolds Brut Champagne – Want to show up with something that feels thoughtful without going overboard? This bottle does exactly that. It’s polished, but not too serious.
• Johnnie Walker Double Black – Gifting someone who appreciates a proper drink? This Scotch whisky is a smart pick. Smokier than the usual, but still familiar enough to be a safe bet.
• Absolut Elyx Vodka – Looking for something that feels elevated without the premium price tag? This one’s smooth, clean, and looks good in the gift bag too!
• Maestro Dobel Diamante Cristalino – Gifting tequila? This one stands out. Crisp, refined, and easy to enjoy, even for someone who says they’re not usually a tequila person.

Pick one, check out, and pick up when you land or before you fly. Just make sure you order at least 24 hours before your flight!

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

Shopping online at duty free prices already puts you ahead, but a few smart habits can help you get even more value out of every purchase. From timing your order to choosing the right offers, these small habits can help you get more value out of every click.

Here’s how to make your duty free purchases feel even more worth it:

• Look out for multi-buy offers. Laneway regularly features bundle deals like 2 for $79, 2 for $99, or 2 for $129 across categories like beauty, liquor, and skincare. It’s an easy way to stretch your budget and still walk away with premium picks.
• Subscribe to the newsletter. Melbourne Airport’s Shopping News newsletter gives you early access to new promos, limited-time bundles, and exclusive online-only perks. Signing up takes a few seconds and could save you more than a few dollars.
• Order early. You can pre-order from 60 days up to 24 hours before your flight. But shopping early gives you more choice, more stock, and more time to compare, especially helpful if you're after a luxury item that’s often the first to sell out!
• Keep an eye on seasonal sales. Holiday periods often bring markdowns on popular gift sets and Australian brands.
• Shop the bestsellers. If you're not sure where to start, follow the crowd. Laneway’s best sellers tend to hit the right mix of quality, price, and convenience, and they’re often exactly what other travellers are adding to their cart for a reason.

Before you check out, take a minute to review your duty free allowances so you can shop with confidence. Limits vary depending on your destination, and knowing them upfront helps you avoid surprises.

No matter how often you travel, a smart $100 cart comes down to two things: knowing what to buy and where to buy it. On Laneway, you can skip the rush and shop your favourite duty free stores online. Just browse the full range and check out using your credit card, debit card, e-wallet or Afterpay.

You’ll collect your order from the dedicated collection points in Melbourne Airport’s international terminal (T2). It’s simple, fast, and made for international travellers flying in or out. Just place your order at least 24 hours before your flight, and we’ll have it ready when you are!