Security Screening and Restricted Items
The primary purpose of airport screening is to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and prevent potential threats from entering an aircraft. The following screening information is designed to help make your journey as easy as possible. For further information, see the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004, the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 and the Aviation Transport Security (Prohibited Items) Instrument 2022 at the Federal Register of Legislation website or visit the TravelSecure website.
Passenger Screening
By entering the screening area, you are consenting to undergo each screening procedure. If a frisk search is necessary, you will be asked for your consent before it begins. If you agree to the frisk search, you will be given the option to have it conducted in a private room by a screening officer of the same gender.
Body scanners are designed to detect prohibited items such as explosives, weapons, and other restricted articles, in addition to metallic objects. It is important for passengers to empty their pockets before screening, as failure to do so may trigger alarms, resulting in further screening. If an issue is detected, you may be asked to undergo the security screening process again until you are cleared. This may involve other screening methods, including frisk searches and the use of hand-held metal detectors.
You have the right to refuse any screening process, but if you do so, you will not be allowed to proceed to the gate or board your flight. Visit the TravelSecure website for information about passenger screening for domestic flights.
Carry-on Baggage Screening
The Australian Government’s Aviation Transport Security legislation restricts you from carrying certain items on you or in your carry-on bag through security screening and onto an aircraft. Visit the TravelSecure website for information about carry-on baggage for domestic flights.
Checked Baggage Screening
The Australian Government’s Aviation Transport Security legislation restricts you from carrying certain items in your checked baggage. Visit the TravelSecure website for information about checked baggage for domestic flights.
Travel Tips and Resources
Visit the TravelSecure website for travel tips about domestic flights.
Restricted Items
Prohibited Items
The Australian Government determines which items are not permitted in carry-on baggage for security and safety reasons. These items are called prohibited items. Prohibited items include sporting goods, kitchen utensils, tools, and other things with sharp edges or points capable of injuring someone. If you are not sure whether an item is prohibited or not, check with your airline, pack it in your checked baggage or leave it at home.
You are required to surrender any prohibited items you are carrying before boarding your flight. Airports and airlines are under no obligation to store or return any surrendered prohibited items. Surrendered or prohibited items will be disposed of. For further information about what you cannot take on board, including the current list of prohibited items, please visit the Australian Government’s TravelSecure website.
Weapons
Weapons of any kind are not permitted to be carried on you or in your carry-on bag and onto an aircraft. Weapons include but are not limited to pocket knives, firearms, parts of firearms including ammunition, replica firearms, and martial arts equipment. If you are not sure whether an item is a weapon or not, check with your airline or leave it at home. For further information about what you cannot take on board, including the current list of weapons, please visit the TravelSecure website.
Dangerous Goods
There are also a range of items which are generally not permitted on board an aircraft because they are considered a dangerous good. Dangerous goods are not allowed anywhere on the aircraft because they may be explosive, flammable, magnetic, caustic and generally too dangerous to be taken on the aircraft. To find out more about dangerous goods visit the TravelSecure website.