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
Get a doctor’s letter
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.
You
must get a letter if you travel with hypodermic needles, however, we also strongly recommend it for other medical items. The letter should list any prescription and non-prescription powder, liquid, aerosol or gel medication, (for example, ice or gel packs used to regulate temperatures), or the need for hypodermic needles.
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 body scanner or X-ray technology.
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 medical documents 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 documentation 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 can request a private room and a screening officer of the same gender if you:
- do not wish to discuss this at the security screening point
- want any extra screening to be done away from public view.
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 walking aid, you should tell the screening officer who can arrange for another screening.
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 will
not be separated from your animal at any time throughout the screening process.
The screening officer will use another screening method(s), and will ask your permission before inspecting 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.
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 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 passengers external appearance.
Extra screening
As with all passengers, extra screening will be needed if the body scanner alarms. Find out more about this process and the option of having a private room in Security screening at airports.