What To Buy Duty Free Before a Europe Trip

There’s planning a trip, and then there’s planning a trip to Europe. From the weather shifts to the long flight with maybe a layover or two, it’s not the kind of international travel you want to wing at the last minute.

That’s where Melbourne Airport duty free shopping on Laneway comes in, giving you a way to sort your travel essentials before you even leave Australia. Just order online and pick up your duty free items before you fly. Whether you’re prepping for a Mediterranean summer or a trek through the Alps, here’s why pre-ordering your duty free picks is worth doing on Laneway.

There’s enough to plan when you’re flying internationally, but sorting your duty free shopping before you go means one less thing to second-guess. The best part? Doing it on Laneway makes everything that much easier.

Here’s why shopping on Laneway before your Europe trip is worth it:

• You’ll find a wide selection of tax-free picks, from snacks to premium spirits, fragrances to skincare, and even a few limited-edition luxury items you won’t always spot elsewhere.
• You get access to duty free prices across global and Aussie brands, with no GST or value-added tax.
• You can shop online from the comfort of your home. No pressure, and no digging through shelves.
• You can pay with your credit card or Afterpay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Union Pay, Alipay and WeChat Pay.
• Your order is ready for pick up at the international airport after clearing security and before you fly. Just bring your boarding pass and passport to collect.
• You get the perks of planning ahead, like more time for a pre-flight coffee and a smoother start to your trip.
• You earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points for every eligible item you check out.

The best duty free purchases for any European trip are the ones you’ll actually use or give without second-guessing. If you’re flying out soon, here are the picks that make sense to lock in now, before you’re packing in a rush.

• Fragrances That Fit the Trip ⁠–⁠ You only need one or two perfumes that make sense for where you’re headed. Something light for the day and something that lasts through dinner. On Laneway, you’ll find clean, low-key scents from Jo Malone London that won’t fight the weather. If you want something bolder, Maison Margiela or Rabanne have perfumes that hold up without overdoing it.
• Skincare for Changing Climates –⁠ Your skin always knows when you’ve changed time zones, especially if you’re going from summer in Australia to cooler weather in Europe, or the other way around. But you don’t need to bring your whole routine. On Laneway, you’ll find skincare favourites from Australian brands like Jurlique and Aesop, plus hydrating essentials from Lancôme and Clarins that travel well and work for most skin types.
• Makeup That Doesn't Take Up Space –⁠ Long international flights and packed itineraries don’t leave much room for a full makeup kit. Good thing Laneway has travel-sized beauty products from Benefit and MAC that cover the essentials without taking up extra room. If you're after something a bit more high-end, YSL and Gucci have multi-use picks that earn their spot and still leave space in your bag.
• Sunglasses You’ll Actually Wear –⁠ Sunglasses are one of those things that seem optional until you're walking through a bright piazza on no sleep. Whether you’re after something low-key from Ray-Ban and Oakley or looking to dip into luxury goods with picks from Prada and Burberry, Laneway has sunnies that hold up from France to Italy and everywhere in between.
• Gourmet Confectionery That's Easy to Pack and Share –⁠ Chocolate’s an easy win on a long trip. It’s good for snacking in-flight and even better for gifting once you land. Pre-order a box from Koko Black, Lindt or Guylian, and you’ve got something thoughtful, lightweight and hard to go wrong with.
• Duty Free Alcohol and Wine for Personal Use or Gifting –⁠ A premium bottle of liquor or wine is one of the easiest things to sort before a big trip. On Laneway, you’ll find something special from back home that’s ready for sharing. There are local favourites like Starward and Penfolds, as well as Johnnie Walker limited editions that pack well and always land right.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods via the Laneway. Please note that some goods may have minimum age requirements (for example, alcoholic beverages/tobacco products), 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 the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.e-order on Laneway from 60 days in advance, right up to 24 hours before your flight to Japan. That window gives you space to plan properly, especially if you're sorting more than one item or checking how much you’re allowed to bring in.

A long-haul to Europe usually comes with at least one layover, a bit of jet lag and more time in the air than most people care for. Packing a few in-flight essentials ahead of time is one of those travel tips that’s easy to overlook but pays off once you’re in the air.

Here are a few carry-on-friendly picks on Laneway that are worth having on board:

• Lip balm –⁠ Cabin air dries skin out fast. Lano and Endota both have lip balms that help keep things smooth and comfortable from take-off to landing.
• Hand cream sanitiser –⁠ Look for combos from brands like Ashley & Co that clean and moisturise at the same time without taking up space.
• Sleep mask –⁠ A simple silk eye mask from Slip helps block out cabin light, especially when your body clock doesn’t line up with the lights overhead.
• Water bottle –⁠ Pre-order a reusable bottle from Frank Green or Kinto so you can refill as needed instead of waiting for the trolley.
• Neck pillow and compression socks –⁠ A soft, supportive neck pillow and a pair of compression socks from Korjo can make long stretches in the air feel more comfortable.
• Travel adaptor and TSA lock –⁠ Grab a compact universal adaptor from Korjo that works across multiple plug types, no matter where you're coming from or going next. A sturdy TSA-approved lock from Korjo also keeps your checked luggage secure during tight connections and long transits.

You can pre-order on Laneway up to 60 days before your international flight and as close as 24 hours before departure. That means you can lock in what you need well ahead of time, without scrambling for your essentials the night before you fly.

It’s also worth checking your duty free allowances and duty free limits for your destination and return trip. Staying within those means fewer delays, especially if you’re travelling with others.

There’s a lot to plan before a big trip to Europe, but your duty free shopping doesn’t need to be one that takes up all your time. Pre-ordering on Laneway keeps it simple, organised and out of the way early. Just shop online, pick it up on your way out, and you’re good to go.

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