We understand that some people may have special circumstances.
To ensure all people are shown respect and dignity throughout the screening process, airports can use other screening methods, where appropriate.
Under Australia’s aviation security legislation, you are unable to choose how you are screened at Australian airports. Before you begin the screening process, if you need help or if you have a prosthetic, medical device or medical equipment, tell the screening officer.
To find out more about the screening process, see
Security screening at airports.
If you have any questions or are uncomfortable at any time throughout the screening process, speak with the on-duty screening supervisor. You can also give feedback about your experience by directly
contacting the airport.
Before you arrive
It may streamline the screening process if you have a letter or medical identification card from your legal medical practitioner that describes your medicines, medical device or equipment.
If you are travelling with hypodermic needles, you must have evidence such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, that they are medically necessary for you or a person under your care.
We also strongly recommend it for other medical items. The evidence, such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, should list any prescription and non-prescription powder, liquid, aerosol or gel medication, (for example, ice or gel packs used to regulate temperatures).
Understand if your device or equipment can be screened
We recommend you talk with your legal medical practitioner or check the manufacturer instructions for guidance on whether your medical device or equipment is suitable for screening by:
- a body scanner which is used to screen people
- X-ray technology which is used to screen baggage and personal effects.
Body scanners in Australia use non-ionising millimetre wave technology, similar to a mobile phone, not X-ray technology. Body scanners in Australia do not pose any known health risks to people, and there are no known safety concerns to people with active implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers or continuous glucose monitoring devices.
Understand what you can take in your carry-on baggage
Before you arrive, find out what you can and can’t bring.
Screening officers will have the final say on the amount of medication permitted.
At the security screening point
If your device or equipment is not suitable for screening by body scanner, walk-through metal detector or X-ray, make the screening officer aware of any restrictions before beginning the screening process.
Have your medication, medical device or equipment, and supporting evidence, such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, ready for inspection and present them to the screening officer at the beginning of the security screening process.
If carrying hypodermic needles, present the needles and evidence, such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, to:
- screening officers at the security screening points
- cabin crew as you board the plane.
If you have a mobility aid, such as a cane, crutches or wheelchair, and cannot hold the required poses for the body scanner equipment, the screening officer will carry out screening using other methods.
If an alarm has triggered
You will be asked to explain whether you have any items on your person and what the item is. You will be offered a private room if you:
- do not wish to discuss this at the security screening point
- want any extra screening to be done away from public view.
Where a frisk search is required, you can request a screening officer of the same gender. This will be facilitated where a screening officer of the same gender is available.
You will not be required to remove your hearing aid device before being screened.
Hearing aid devices will not be affected by metal detectors or body scanners. These include:
- cochlear implants
- external component of cochlear implants
- middle ear implants.
Screening officers may use hand signals to gain your attention.
Screening officers will communicate each step and guide you through the screening process.
You may be offered a different screening process.
Canes cannot be taken through a body scanner. If you cannot be separated from your cane, you should tell the screening officer who can arrange for alternative screening methods.
Where it is necessary for screening officers to search your belongings, they should place the items back in their original location so they can be easily found again.
You and your animal may be screened separately or together. You do not have to be separated from your animal at any time throughout the screening process.
The screening officer will use alternative screening method(s) if you do not wish to be separated from your animal, and will ask your permission before screening your assistance animal.
Screening your assistance animal includes a check of its:
Any items that can easily be removed may be screened using X-ray equipment.
Where possible, screening officers will allow people with hidden disabilities to keep their support items with them while being screened. While you are unable to choose your method of screening, we suggest carrying evidence, such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, if there are screening methods that may not be suitable. This will assist the screening officer to choose an appropriate method of screening for your circumstances.
Screening authorities train staff to help passengers with certain cultural or religious needs.
We understand some cultures include items of clothing in their religious observance, such as hats, caps, and other headwear.
A screening officer:
- may ask you to remove the item for their inspection
- cannot force you to remove it
- may not clear you through security if you refuse to remove it.
You can ask to use a private room to remove the item, if you wish.
Carrying religious items
Australian law may class some religious items as prohibited items or weapons. If you are not sure, pack these items in your checked baggage, or make other plans to transport these items to your destination.
The Australian Government recognises that passengers who identify as transgender or non-binary may have specific concerns and questions about the screening processes used at Australian airports.
At any point during the screening process, if you have any questions or feel uncomfortable, you can ask:
- for a different screening officer to conduct the screening
- to speak with the on-duty screening supervisor.
Gender-neutral body scanning
Most domestic and international airports in Australia use gender-neutral body scanner technology to screen passengers. However, if required the screening officer may need to select the gender of the person being scanned, which is often based on the passenger's external appearance.
Secondary screening
As with all passengers, secondary screening will be needed if the body scanner alarms.
If a frisk search is required, the screening officer will:
- ascertain how you define your gender
- offer for the frisk search to be carried out by a screening officer of the same identified gender as the person being searched, or preferred gender, as far as practicable
- offer the use of a private screening room.
Find out more about this process and the option of having a private room in Security screening at airports.
