Flying & Rental Car Checklist
Sorted before you board and after you land
Before You Book
0/5Documents & Admin
0/8Packing — Carry-On
0/7Packing — Checked Luggage
0/6At the Rental Car Counter
0/7Navigation & Electronics
0/4Before You Leave Home
0/7Your progress is saved in your browser. Come back anytime to pick up where you left off.
← Back to all checklistsFlying to your destination and picking up a rental car is a different kind of trip preparation. You're not checking your own vehicle — you're making sure everything is booked, packed within luggage limits, and ready for when you land. The rental car counter has its own set of checks that can save you from surprise charges later. This checklist covers both sides: getting there and hitting the road once you arrive.
Before You Book
Compare rental car companies on price, excess, and inclusions. Check whether your credit card provides complimentary rental car insurance — many gold and platinum cards do, which can save you a significant daily fee. Confirm your luggage allowance matches what you're planning to pack. If your itinerary includes unsealed roads, you'll likely need a 4WD — standard rental agreements usually exclude dirt roads.
Documents & Admin
Have your boarding pass downloaded, rental car confirmation saved, and driver's licence ready. International visitors need an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. Travel insurance should cover your rental vehicle excess — a single scratch can mean a bond claim of several thousand dollars. Save all confirmations offline in case you land without connectivity.
Packing — Carry-On
Keep your essentials with you in case checked luggage is delayed. Phone, charger, medications in original packaging, travel documents, and a change of clothes should all be in your carry-on. An empty water bottle saves you buying overpriced airport water after security. Snacks make layovers more bearable.
Packing — Checked Luggage
Pack for the weather at your destination, not where you're leaving from. Australian weather varies enormously between regions and seasons. Sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes are almost always needed. A reusable shopping bag is handy — Australian supermarkets charge for bags and many small-town shops don't provide them.
At the Rental Car Counter
Photograph the rental car from every angle before you drive off — top, sides, bumpers, roof, and wheels. Document any existing scratches or dents no matter how small. Confirm the fuel type and fuel policy. Check that the spare tyre and jack are present. Adjust your mirrors and seat, connect your phone for navigation, and ask about toll road policies — some companies charge admin fees on top of tolls.
Navigation & Electronics
Download offline maps before you leave home while you have reliable wifi. A phone mount for the car is essential for safe navigation — bring one or buy one at the airport. Your car charger keeps your phone alive during long driving days. A portable power bank is backup for when you're away from the car.
Before You Leave Home
The tasks people forget are the ones that cause problems while you're away. Hold your mail, set light timers, and ask a neighbour to check in. Notify your bank you're travelling so they don't block your card for interstate transactions. Arrange pet care, take out the bins, and unplug non-essential appliances. It takes an hour and gives you peace of mind for the entire trip.