Family Airport Transfer Checklist
Everything families need to check before, during and after their Gold Coast airport transfer — from child seat booking to arrival logistics
Book Family TransferTravelling with children requires a different level of planning than solo or couple travel. This checklist covers every step of a Gold Coast airport transfer with children — from booking through to arrival at your destination — so nothing gets overlooked when it matters most.
Use this as your go-to reference for any family airport transfer from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or to Brisbane Airport. Tick off each item before your travel date and you’ll arrive at the airport prepared, calm and on time.
Before You Book — Determine Your Requirements
Count your passengers and ages
Note the number of adults, children and infants travelling. Children’s ages determine which child seat type is legally required. Babies under 6 months need a rear-facing capsule. Toddlers 6 months to approximately 4 years need a forward-facing seat. Children 4–7 years need a booster seat.
Count your luggage and pram
Families typically travel with more luggage than a standard booking. Know whether you have a full-size pram, travel cot, portacot, or oversized sporting equipment. The KIA Carnival handles most standard family configurations. For very large luggage loads or groups, the Maxi Taxi is the better choice.
Choose the right vehicle tier
Sedan (up to 4 passengers, 2 child seats) — couples or small families with one or two older children. KIA Carnival (up to 7 passengers, 3 child seats) — the most popular family vehicle, handles capsule + baby seat + booster simultaneously. Maxi Taxi (up to 11 passengers) — large families or extended family groups.
Decide on child seat types
You need to specify child seat types at booking. One seat per child under 7. Children can share a vehicle but not a seat. If you’re unsure which seat type applies, check the Queensland Transport child restraint guide or call us on 0414 680 860 and we’ll advise based on your child’s age and weight.
Confirm meet & greet requirement
With children and luggage, meet and greet ($33) is strongly recommended. Your driver will wait in the arrivals hall with a name board, help with the gear and walk you through the child seat setup. Worth every dollar when you have tired kids after a flight.
At Booking — What to Include in Your Reservation
Flight number (not just arrival time)
Provide your flight number at booking — not just the scheduled arrival time. We track live flight status and adjust your pickup time if you’re delayed. Without the flight number, we can’t track and you may be left waiting or incur a rebooking fee.
Number and type of child seats
Specify exactly how many child seats you need and the type for each child. Example: “1 x infant capsule (4-month-old baby) + 1 x booster seat (5-year-old)”. This ensures the vehicle is configured correctly before pickup — seats are pre-installed, not fitted at the kerb.
Pram type and size
If you’re travelling with a pram, note whether it’s a full-size travel system, a compact stroller or a lightweight umbrella pram. Full-size travel systems with bassinet take significantly more boot space than a compact fold stroller. Mention it in the notes so we confirm boot space before your trip.
Pickup address (if departing from accommodation)
For transfers from your accommodation to the airport, provide the full address including resort name or building name. Gold Coast has many resorts and units with similar street addresses — precise details avoid delays and confusion at pickup.
Contact number (mobile, not hotel)
Provide a mobile number your driver can reach on the day. Hotel reception numbers are unreliable for real-time coordination, particularly when you’re managing children at check-out.
Night Before Travel — Pack and Prepare
Pack a carry-on bag for the transfer
Keep a small bag accessible (not in the boot) with nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks and entertainment for the journey. For a Gold Coast to Brisbane Airport transfer, allow 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic — enough time for a toddler to need a nappy change or a snack.
Charge tablets, phones and in-flight entertainment
Transfer entertainment is a lifesaver for toddlers and school-age children. Downloaded movies, games or audiobooks avoid reliance on internet connectivity in the vehicle.
Confirm your booking details
Check your confirmation email: pickup time, address, vehicle type, child seats specified and driver contact. If anything looks wrong, call 0414 680 860 the evening before — much easier to fix than on the morning of travel with tired children.
Set a buffer on departure time
Children add 15–20 minutes to any departure. Getting little ones dressed, fed, pram folded and everyone to the vehicle takes longer than anticipated. Build in a buffer so the transfer isn’t rushed — particularly important for early morning flights when everyone’s tired.
On Transfer Day — Arrival and Airport
Look for your name board at arrivals
If you booked meet and greet, your driver will be in the arrivals hall with a board showing your name. They’ll come to you — you don’t need to navigate the pickup zone with children and luggage. If there’s any delay finding each other, call the number on your confirmation immediately.
Allow your driver to check the child seat
The seat is pre-installed, but your driver will walk you through the fitting and show you the harness adjustment. This takes 2–3 minutes and is worth doing — especially if it’s a different seat type from your own vehicle at home.
Use the airport parents’ room if needed
Gold Coast Airport has parents’ rooms in both arrivals and departures with change tables, privacy screens and feeding areas. If your baby needs feeding or a nappy change after landing, use the facility before the transfer — a settled baby makes for a smoother ride.
Confirm destination address with driver
Before departing the airport, confirm your destination address with the driver. For resort areas with multiple buildings or nearby streets, a quick confirmation prevents costly navigation errors.
Child Seat Quick Reference
| Child age | Queensland law requirement | Seat type | GC Airport Transfers fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth to ~6 months | Rear-facing only | Infant capsule | $25 |
| 6 months to ~4 years | Rear-facing or forward-facing with harness | Baby seat (forward-facing) | $25 |
| ~4 years to 7 years | Forward-facing with harness or approved booster | Booster seat | $25 |
All seats meet AS/NZS 1754. Full child seat guide →
Related Family Transfer Guides
Travelling with a Newborn
Specific guidance for families with babies under 6 months — capsule requirements, airport facilities and keeping newborns calm during the transfer.
Read guide →Travelling with a Toddler
How to manage toddler-specific challenges — seat requirements, keeping them entertained and handling the unexpected at airports.
Read guide →Large Family Groups
Planning a Maxi Taxi for 8+ passengers — what to specify at booking, luggage capacity and keeping large family groups together.
Read guide →Family Airport Transfers Hub
Back to the full family airport transfers guide — vehicle options, child seat overview, pricing and booking for all family scenarios.
Return to hub →Checklist FAQs
How far in advance should I book a family airport transfer?
Book at least 24–48 hours in advance for standard travel. During peak periods (school holidays, Christmas, Easter), book as early as possible — family-configured vehicles with child seats fill quickly. Last-minute bookings are possible but vehicle and seat availability is limited.
What if I’m not sure which child seat type my child needs?
Call us on 0414 680 860 and describe your child’s age and approximate weight. We’ll recommend the correct seat type per Queensland law and our AS/NZS 1754 certified seat options. Don’t guess — the wrong seat type is both illegal and unsafe.
Can I bring my own child seat?
Yes. If you prefer to use your own child seat, you’re welcome to bring it. In that case, you won’t need the $25 child seat add-on. Your driver can help fit your seat if needed, but installation of customer-owned seats is at the customer’s responsibility.
Is there a checklist for departures as well as arrivals?
This checklist covers both arrival (airport pickup) and departure (transfer to airport) scenarios. For departures, the key additions are: confirm pickup time with driver the evening before, allow extra time for check-out, and keep your child’s entertainment bag accessible during the transfer.
Book Your Family Transfer
Child seats pre-installed. Private vehicle. Flat fares. Call 0414 680 860 or book online.
Book Online