Screenwriter Tony Ayres reveals trick to pack a suitcase in 10 minutes

This Aussie talent is not only an accomplished screenwriter, director and showrunner. Filming on location interstate means he's become a packing expert, too.

These days, Australian writer, director and showrunner Tony Ayres gets to the airport with time to spare, and has his travel routine down pat.

I travel for…

Work, although sometimes I append a holiday at the end. The most recent example was the making of The Survivors (for Netflix). My job is as a showrunner, writer and director. For The Survivors I was flying in and out of Hobart for more than six months. Fortunately, at the beginning, my partner and I got to do a driving tour around Tasmania looking for locations. We were searching for seaside towns that could match the fictional Evelyn Bay in Jane Harper’s novel, so we drove to many spectacular beaches and remote coves. In particular we were hunting for sea caves, which are pivotal to the plot.

The most dramatic and cinematic landscape we found was around Eaglehawk Neck, which is only 77km southeast of Hobart. The timeless scale of the cliffs and the wildness of the ocean were awe-inspiring and humbling.

Tasman’s Arch at Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania. Picture: Getty

Inside my carry-on you’ll always find… My iPad, which I use instead of a laptop because I have a rare autoimmune condition that means I find laptop keyboards impossible to use.

I pack my suitcase… As quickly as possible. I have two packing lists on my computer – one for interstate travel, and one for overseas travel. I’ve got it down to 10 minutes for interstate, and 30 minutes for overseas.

I like to get to the airport… With an hour to spare. In my younger days I used to time my arrival so that I was the last person to board, ordering my taxi so late that I’d get out, get through security, then get to the gate as they were calling my name over the loudspeaker. But this game of chicken led to me missing one flight too many, culminating in a disastrous night where I was penniless and hotel-less in Surfers Paradise. After that I decided to grow up.

As soon as I check in… I go to the lounge if I’m travelling Qantas, or a café if I am travelling Virgin (sadly I lost my Virgin gold status during Covid). There is something about the ritual of the pre-flight coffee which is incredibly grounding.

On the plane I dress…. For comfort, although I haven’t ever gone as far as wearing tracksuit pants and Ugg boots. It’s usually jeans and a T-shirt and a light jumper. A friend told me once that it helps you get upgrades if you look classy, but I think that ship has sailed.

Tony Ayres was blown away by the Tasmanian landscape while filming The Survivors.

My preferred plane meal is… The lightest on offer, especially if you are on a long-haul flight. I remember the days of being packed in economy and fed like a battery hen. They weren’t pretty.

The plane seat I always choose in economy is... The window seat, because you can lean your head against the window, which is especially useful for a hangover.

I never recline on the plane because... Some annoying person behind you will deliberately sink their knee into your back as revenge.

Tony Ayres at the launch of Netflix drama The Survivors. Picture: Getty

My favourite type of travel companion… Differs according to my schedule. There was a time when work was so demanding that I would have to start notes on a television script before I took off and have them completed by the time I landed. So I avoided travelling with anyone back then. These days, things are not quite so hectic, and I’m naturally pretty social, so I’m happy to travel with someone chatty. The truth is, my favourite travel companion is my partner, Michael McMahon, because if I get dozy, I can rest my head on his shoulder, which is the most natural and beautiful thing in the world to do.

I both am and am not a points person… I love the idea of accumulating frequent-flyer points, but I never do anything with them. Yet the idea of having them is strangely reassuring.

The city I always use public transport in is… Paris. The Metro is amazing.

I am not loyal to one hotel brand… Consequently I am a member of numerous loyalty programs from which I gain absolutely no benefit.

I save money when travelling by... Ignoring the exchange rate. This is less than sound advice, but way better for your mental health, especially if you are in London.

The Survivors is now streaming on Netflix.

Originally published as Screenwriter Tony Ayres reveals trick to pack a suitcase in 10 minutes