Leslie Massey
Airport security in Australia is quite different from that of other countries. While security measures are stringent, they are more relaxed than in many other jurisdictions. For instance, full-size liquids are permitted, shoes can remain on, and identification checks are not always required for domestic flights. However, passengers must remove laptops and aerosols from their bags for screening. Australia's eight international gateway airports have introduced full-body scanners, which are capable of detecting non-metal items under clothing. Passengers refusing to pass through the scanner will be banned from entering the sterile area or boarding an aircraft for 24 hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Screening of passengers, carry-on baggage and checked baggage | Conducted by a screening authority, usually the airport or the airline |
| Checked baggage screening | Designed to prevent explosives and improvised explosive devices from being loaded onto an aircraft |
| Prohibited items | Weapons, explosives, and items that may present a safety risk to the aircraft |
| Full-body scanners | Available at Australia's eight international gateway airports |
| Random explosive trace detection | Of passengers, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage |
| Laptop computers and aerosols | Subject to enhanced inspection at screening points |
| Identification checks | Not always required for domestic flights |
| Liquids | Full-size liquids are permitted on domestic flights |
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What You'll Learn
- Screening procedures for domestic flights are relaxed compared to other countries
- Full-body scanners are in use at Australia's eight international gateway airports
- Checked baggage is screened to prevent explosives and devices from being loaded
- Qantas has additional security measures, including random explosive trace detection
- The Australian Federal Police keep airports safe by preventing and investigating aviation crime
Screening procedures for domestic flights are relaxed compared to other countries
Screening procedures for domestic flights in Australia are more relaxed compared to other countries. For instance, passengers can take full-size liquids on board with them, unlike in the US, where the limit is 3 ounces. In Australia, shoes can remain on, and only laptops and aerosols must be removed.
Identification checks are also less stringent for domestic flights in Australia, with boarding passes and family names typically being sufficient for check-in and boarding. However, ID checks may be required for domestic flights, and international flights still require a passport.
Despite the relaxed screening procedures for domestic flights, security measures in Australian airports are still robust. The Australian Federal Government has introduced full-body scanners at the country's eight international gateway airports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. These scanners can detect non-metal items under clothing, and passengers who refuse to pass through them will be banned from entering the sterile area or boarding an aircraft for 24 hours. Exemptions are made for individuals with serious medical conditions, infants, small children, and persons in wheelchairs.
Additionally, Qantas, an Australian airline, has implemented enhanced security measures. These include random explosive trace detection of passengers and their carry-on baggage, increased vigilance at passenger screening points, and increased guarding of aircraft and terminals. Qantas also conducts random frisk searches after obtaining consent, ensuring privacy by having passengers searched by screeners of the same gender.
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Full-body scanners are in use at Australia's eight international gateway airports
Australia has introduced full-body scanners at its eight international gateway airports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. These scanners are now part of the standard screening process for departing passengers. The scanners are capable of detecting non-metal items under clothing, including weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items. Unlike walk-through metal detectors, the scanners use millimetre wave technology, which is a type of non-ionising radiation similar to that emitted by mobile phones. This means they do not pose a health risk to passengers or operators.
The scanning process takes approximately seven to ten seconds, with two to three seconds for the scan and five to seven seconds for the image to be generated and viewed by security personnel. To protect passengers' privacy, the image generated is a generic stick figure outline with no defining features. No individual scans or personal information are stored or transmitted. Passengers who have a serious medical condition or physical condition that prevents them from going through the body scanner may be exempt from the scan.
During the scan, passengers are asked to stand in the body scanner with their arms raised while the machine rotates around them. The machine collects radio waves emitted by or reflected from the body to create a three-dimensional image. This technology is also used for screening carry-on luggage, which means passengers no longer need to remove laptops, aerosols, and other items from their bags at security checkpoints.
The introduction of full-body scanners is part of enhanced security measures at Australian airports, which include random explosive trace detection of passengers and their carry-on baggage, enhanced inspection of laptop computers and aerosols, and increased vigilance at passenger screening points. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all travellers and staff.
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Checked baggage is screened to prevent explosives and devices from being loaded
Checked baggage screening is a critical component of the multi-layered security approach implemented at airports across Australia. This process is specifically designed to prevent explosives and improvised explosive devices from being loaded onto aircraft, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
Aviation security officers employ various methods to thoroughly screen checked baggage. One of the primary tools used is explosive detection system-capable X-ray equipment. This technology is highly effective in identifying explosive materials or improvised explosive devices concealed within luggage. The X-ray screening process is mandatory for all checked baggage on a screened air service.
Additionally, officers utilise Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment to test for explosives residues. These ETD tests are conducted on a random and continuous basis to meet regulatory requirements. Passengers selected for random ETD testing must comply; otherwise, they will not be permitted to proceed beyond the security screening point.
It is important to note that passengers are responsible for ensuring their checked baggage complies with security regulations. While the carriage of firearms and ammunition is generally not prohibited in checked baggage, passengers must declare these items and adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and their airline. Any items that may pose a safety risk to the aircraft should be appropriately declared and cleared before boarding.
Overall, the comprehensive checked baggage screening process in Australia plays a vital role in mitigating security risks and enhancing the safety of air travel. Through the use of advanced technology and stringent security protocols, aviation security officers are dedicated to preventing explosives and devices from being loaded onto aircraft, protecting passengers, crew, and the wider aviation community.
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Qantas has additional security measures, including random explosive trace detection
Qantas is committed to maintaining the highest aviation security standards for its customers and employees. The airline has implemented several additional security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
One of these measures is random explosive trace detection of passengers and their carry-on baggage. During check-in and boarding, Qantas conducts these random checks to ensure that no explosive materials are brought on board. This process helps to enhance the safety of the aircraft and terminals. In addition to explosive trace detection, laptop computers and aerosols are subject to further inspection at screening points. This means that passengers travelling with laptops may be required to remove them from their carry bags, and both the laptop and the bag will be x-rayed separately.
Qantas has also increased vigilance at passenger screening points and guarding of aircraft and terminals. This includes random frisk searches after consent is obtained. Passengers can request privacy and will be searched by a screener of the same gender. Furthermore, on flights to the USA and UK, some passengers will be randomly selected for additional screening at the departure gate. This may include removing footwear and all electrical equipment from hand luggage to demonstrate functionality.
The Australian Federal Government has also introduced full-body scanners at Australia's eight international gateway airports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Passengers departing Australia may be required to pass through these body scanners, which can detect non-metal items under clothing. This additional layer of security ensures that prohibited items are not carried onto aircraft, enhancing the safety of air travel in Australia. Qantas continues to adapt and enhance its security measures to ensure the highest level of protection for its passengers and staff.
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The Australian Federal Police keep airports safe by preventing and investigating aviation crime
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is the principal federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing Australian criminal law and protecting the national security of the Commonwealth of Australia. The AFP plays a critical role in keeping Australian airports safe by preventing and investigating aviation crime through its Aviation Operations team.
The AFP's key priorities are set by the Attorney-General through the Australian Federal Police Act 1979, which includes a focus on preventing, investigating, and disrupting transnational, serious, complex, and organised crimes that impact Australia's national security. This includes crimes such as terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, child exploitation, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.
At airports, the AFP's Aviation Operations team works to prevent and respond to a range of crimes and threats, including antisocial and dangerous behaviour, the carriage of dangerous goods (such as weapons, drugs, and banned chemicals), cyberattacks, threats, and hoaxes against airports or aircraft. They also address other threats to aviation or the safety of travellers, such as serious and organised crime.
To achieve this, the AFP provides uniformed and specialist policing at nine major Australian airports: Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Cairns, Gold Coast, and Perth. Their officers are equipped with tools such as firearms and explosive detection capabilities to patrol airports and detect dangerous items. Additionally, the AFP introduced full-body scanners at these airports to enhance security further. These scanners can detect non-metal items under clothing, providing an additional layer of protection.
The AFP also relies on the cooperation of travellers, airport workers, and the entire airport community to report suspicious activity. They have established Airport Watch, a 24/7 service that allows individuals to report any suspicious behaviour, incidents, or potential crimes. This service plays a vital role in the AFP's efforts to protect Australia's airports and people, ensuring safe, secure, and efficient air services, which are critical to the country's national security.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport security in Australia differs from that of other countries. For instance, passengers can take full-size liquids on board, shoes can remain on, and identification checks are not always required for domestic flights.
Yes, laptops must be removed from carry bags and x-rayed separately.
Any aerosols should be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin for security.
Passengers departing Australia may be required to pass through a body scanner as part of standard screening processes. Body scanners are capable of detecting non-metal items under clothing. Passengers refusing to pass through the scanner will be banned from entering the sterile area or boarding an aircraft for 24 hours.
You can report it to Airport Watch by calling 131 237 (131 AFP). Airport Watch is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
