Airports and their service providers are directly responsible for delivering aviation security services. This includes passenger screening. The Department of Home Affairs sets the broad requirements and outcomes for aviation security.
Australian airports have different security screening practices depending on their equipment. Each airport has its own screening procedures that meet the government’s requirements to achieve the required level of security.
Selection for security screening is not based on:
- gender
- ethnicity
- religion
- employment
Under Australia’s aviation security legislation, you are unable to choose how you are screened at Australian airports.
Security screening is compulsory
Security screening is compulsory for anyone entering the secure area of an Australian airport terminal. This means:
- all passengers including children and infants
- all people going with passengers to the boarding gate
- all assistance animals and pets
- all aircrew
- all airport workers.
Security screening officers must be satisfied an individual is not carrying any weapons or prohibited items before allowing them to proceed beyond the security screening point.
Your rights at the security screening point
You have the right to refuse any screening process. If you refuse you will not be allowed to go to the gate or board your flight.
When you enter a screening area, you are consenting to all screening procedures, excluding a frisk search.
If you feel you have experienced an inappropriate screening process, ask to speak with a supervisor at the screening point. You can also:
- make a complaint with the airport
- check the airport's website.
Before you arrive at the airport
Prepare for screening by:
At the security screening point
- Place all personal items in your carry-on baggage, including wallets or purses.
- Remove any outerwear including jackets, coats or bulky jumpers.
- Remove all items from your pockets, such as keys, coins, tissues, pens and mobile phones. If you don’t, it may trigger alarms, and you will need further screening.
- Place your carry-on baggage and all loose items in the tray provided on the X-ray conveyor belt for screening.
You may need to remove items from your carry-on baggage such as:
- laptops
- iPads or tablets
- aerosols
- liquids
If so, place them in the tray for separate screening through the X-ray. The requirements will differ at each airport depending on the type of equipment used. If you are travelling with camera film that is not suitable for X-ray screening, please advise the security screening officer.
Security screening officers may screen you using either a body scanner or walk-through metal detector. Body scanners are the Government’s preferred method of security screening. Airports in regional locations currently use a mix of body scanners and walk through metal detectors for initial security screening. If a screening officer selects you for security screening via body scanner, you cannot opt out. Under Australia’s transport security regulations, if you refuse body scanner screening, you will not be allowed to pass through the screening point within 24 hours, unless you are security screened via body scanner.
Before screening
- Tell security screening officers if you have any medical devices, mobility aids, implants or if you have other special circumstances.
- Show the security screening officers any supporting letters or documents from your doctor and device manufacturer, if you have them. This helps screening officers to select the most appropriate screening method.
During screening
If an issue is identified or an alarm is triggered, you may be asked to go through the security screening process again until you are cleared. This may include other screening methods, such as:
- a hand-held metal detector
- a frisk search
- explosive trace detection.
A security screening officer may ask you to remove an item of clothing if they consider it necessary to screen you.
The security screening officer must not remove, try to remove, interfere with, or ask you to remove any medical device or equipment you are wearing.
Frisk search
Frisk searches may be targeted to a particular area on your body, or may be a full body search covering any part of the body, including sensitive areas.
If you need a frisk search:
- you will be asked to consent to this process
- you can request a screening officer of the same gender to conduct the frisk search
- you can request a private room.
If an issue is identified, or the search is to include a sensitive or private area of your body:
- you will be offered to have the search completed by an officer of the same gender
- you will be offered the use of a private room
- you may be required to give your written consent
- you may ask to have a support person accompany you.
Explosive trace detection
Explosive trace detection may be required:
- if an alarm is triggered.
- if you cannot be screened by body scanner or walk-through metal detector
- if you are randomly selected for explosive trace detection screening after going through the first screening process.
The security screening officer must explain this screening process to you. Explosive trace detection can involve the screening officer placing this equipment directly on the areas of your body they have identified for further screening, or by asking you to run your hands over the required areas and carrying out the test on your hands.
Body scanners are used at many Australian domestic and international airports.
- Body scanners are designed to detect all items worn or carried on a person, not just metallic items. This includes prostheses and medical devices or equipment such as an insulin pump or ostomy bag
- Body scanners are the most advanced means of detecting items worn or carried by people including:
- explosives
- weapons
- other prohibited items.
Imagery in body scanners
Body scanners create a three-dimensional image by collecting radio waves emitted by or reflected from the body.
- Body scanner images are in a simple format
- Body scanner images protect people’s privacy
- Body scanner images show no human anatomy
- Body scanners do not collect or store any personal information.
Safety factors
Body scanners used for aviation security screening in Australia:
- do not emit ionising radiation like that of X-rays
- do not pose any known health risks to passengers or operators.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) regulate the use of body scanners in Australia. ARPANSA have deemed body scanners to be safe and advise there are no known safety concerns. For more information see ARPANSA’s
Airport passenger screening and health.
Children and infants must undergo security screening. The screening method used will depend on the height of the child and whether the child can walk through the security screening point without help.
If a child is eligible for security screening via body scanner, another method may not be requested.
Infants carried in a child carrier must be taken out of the carrier before undergoing security screening.
Child carriers, including strollers and prams, must be screened along with other carry-on baggage. Many airlines limit what items can be brought on board an aircraft due to space and stowage constraints. If you are unsure, check with your airline before you travel.
Minors may be required to undergo a frisk search. In most cases a parent or legal guardian may provide consent on their behalf.
Unaccompanied minors and children travelling alone
If your child is travelling alone, we recommend visiting the airline’s website for helpful information and tips.
Be aware that unaccompanied minors and children travelling alone must undergo security screening. If a frisk search is required, the screening officer will assess whether the minor has sufficient understanding to provide informed consent. A minor’s ability to consent depends on their capacity to understand what the search involves. If the security screening officer determines that the minor is unable to provide consent, they will be unable to pass through the screening point.
Arrangements for travelling with your pet need to be made with the airline. Passengers travelling with pets are required to complete an in-person check in with the airline prior to approaching the screening point.
During the screening process, you can have your animal remain with you or have them screened separately. Both your pet and its carrier or container need to be security screened.
For more information see your airline’s website.
Other security screening processes are available for people with special circumstances. All passengers are required to be screened to a high standard to prevent a security incident from occurring, however airports can use other screening methods where appropriate. This is to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
