We understand that some people may have special circumstances.
Airports can use other screening methods, where appropriate, to ensure they treat all people with respect and dignity throughout the security screening process.
Australia’s aviation security legislation does not allow you to choose your screening method at Australian airports. Before starting the screening process, tell the screening officer if you need help or have a prosthetic, medical device, or medical equipment.
To find out more about the security screening process, see Security screening at airports.
If you have any questions or are uncomfortable at any time throughout the security 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 at the airport
A letter or medical ID card from your doctor listing your medicines, medical device, or equipment may help speed up the security screening process.
If you are travelling with hypodermic needles, you must carry evidence, such as a letter from your doctor, showing they are medically necessary for you or someone in your care.
We strongly recommend carrying evidence for other medical items. This could be a letter from your doctor listing any prescription and non-prescription powders, liquids, aerosols or gels (such as ice or gel packs used to regulate temperatures).
We recommend asking your doctor or checking the manufacturer instructions to see if your medical device or equipment is suitable for security screening by these devices:
- body scanner (used to screen people)
- X-ray technology (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.
Understand what you can take in your carry-on baggage
Before you arrive at the airport, 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
Tell the security officer before screening if your medical device or equipment cannot go through a body scanner, walk-through metal detector, or X-ray.
Have your medication, medical devices or equipment, and supporting evidence, such as a letter from your doctor, ready to show at the start of security screening process.
If you are carrying hypodermic needles, show them and the evidence, such as a letter from your doctor at the security screening points and to the cabin crew when boarding.
If you have a mobility aid, such as a cane, crutches or wheelchair, and cannot hold the required poses for the body scanner, the screening officer will carry out security screening using other methods.
If an alarm has triggered
You will need to explain if you have any items on your body and what the item is. You will be offered a private room for the following reasons:
- if you do not wish to discuss this at the security screening point
- if you want any extra screening to be done away from public view.
If you need to be frisk searched, you can ask for a screening officer of the same gender. This will be facilitated when a screening officer of the same gender is available.
You do not need to remove your hearing aid device before being screened by security.
Hearing aid devices will not be affected by metal detectors or body scanners. These include the following devices:
- cochlear implants
- external component of cochlear implants
- middle ear implants.
Security screening officers may use hand signals to gain your attention.
Security 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.
If screening officers need to search your belongings, they should return the items to their original place.
You and your animal may be screened separately or together. You can remain with your animal for the whole security screening process.
For you and your assistance animal to be screened together, the security screening officer will use alternative screening methods, and will ask your permission before screening your assistance animal.
Screening your assistance animal includes a check of the following items:
Any items that can easily be removed may be screened using X-ray equipment.
Where possible, security screening officers will allow people with hidden disabilities to keep their support items with them while going through the screening process. While you are unable to choose your method of screening, we suggest carrying evidence, such as a letter from your doctor, if there are screening methods that may not be suitable. This will help the screening officer to choose an appropriate method of screening for your circumstances.
We understand some cultures include items of clothing in their religious observance, such as hats, caps, and other headwear.
- A security screening officer may ask you to remove clothing items for their inspection.
- A security screening officer cannot force you to remove the clothing item.
- A security screening officer may not clear you through security if you refuse to remove the clothing item.
You can ask to use a private room to remove the item.
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 security screening processes used at Australian airports.
If you have any questions or feel uncomfortable during the screening process:
- You can ask for a different screening officer to conduct the screening.
- You can ask to speak with the on-duty screening supervisor.
Some body scanners require the screening officer to choose the gender of the person being scanned to help the equipment to detect prohibited items or other anomalies. This is often based on the passenger's external appearance.
Secondary security screening
Secondary screening will be needed if the body scanner alarms.
If you need to be frisk searched, the screening officer will do the following:
- find out 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.
