New Aviation Security Measures for Carry-on Baggage at International Airports

Overview

To increase your safety, there are new rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on flights into and out of Australia.

For more information, email lags@dotars.gov.au or contact the liquids, aerosols and gels hotline on 1300 791 581 during business hours.

These new rules are needed to protect you from the threat of liquid explosives. They are in effect from 31 March 2007.

Each container of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on baggage must be 100 millilitres or less. All the containers must be sealed in a transparent, one-litre plastic bag. You are only allowed one plastic bag. Any resealable bag of one litre capacity or less is allowed.

You may still carry on board prescription medicines. Baby products and non-prescription medicines that you need for the flight are also allowed. Proof of need may be required.

When you get to the screening point, you will have to surrender any liquids, aerosols or gels greater than 100ml that you still have with you, including duty free. The new rules also introduce random frisk searches as part of the screening process.

We recommend that you look through the diagram below and pack your bags in accordance with these new rules before you check-in. This way you will have time to put any containers that are too big into your check-in baggage.

Substances Covered

What is covered by 'liquids, aerosols and gels'?

The new rules apply to drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, lipstick, lip balm and similar substances. Basically, this covers anything you can pour, spray or smear.

A table is provided in the Information Brochure. It gives you some examples of what are allowed and not allowed under the new rules. More information on specifics regarding medicines, non-prescriptions and baby products is at exemptions.

Note that you can still fly internationally with items shown in the right hand column of the table if:

• they are carried in containers smaller than 100 millilitres and they fit comfortably into a resealable, one-litre plastic bag, or
• you pack them into your check-in baggage.

Naturally, these items need to comply with existing Dangerous Goods regulations.

Exemptions

The new rules take into account medical and health needs of passengers, as well as the practical requirements of operating an airport.

A. Prescription medicines
Prescription medicines may be taken on board flights into and out of Australia. You may be asked to show that the medicines are required, for example by matching the name on your prescription medications to the name on your boarding pass or by showing a doctor's certificate.

B. Non-prescription medicines
Essential non-prescribed medicines are allowable in quantities required for use during the flight, including a reasonable allowance for possible delays.

C. Baby products
Baby products are allowable in quantities required for use during the flight, including a reasonable allowance for possible delays. 'Baby products' includes items such as baby milk, sterilised baby water, baby juice, baby food and gel-filled baby products. People with baby products would be expected to have a baby with them.

Duty Free

Duty free items taken through screening are subject to the same rules as other liquids, aerosols and gels.

Flying out of Australia
At many Australian airports you will be able to purchase and collect duty free items after you have passed through screening for your international flight.

Transit stops
No duty free items will be permitted to be taken through an international transit screening point in Australia. Similar rules are in place at airports internationally. You should check with your airline for specifics about the rules in effect at your transit stops.

Flying into Australia
You may carry duty free liquid, aerosol and gel purchases on board if they are delivered to the departure gate in a sealed bag with proof of purchase and collected after you have proceeded through security screening. The application of these procedures may vary from airport to airport and you are advised to check specifics with your airline.

On board
You may also purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items on board an aircraft. Remember, if you are transiting through Australia these items can not be taken through the screening point.

Information Brochure

The Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) have put together a short flyer that outlines what you need to know about the rules regarding carrying liquids, aerosols and gels on flights into and out of Australia. You can download the flyer at the link below.

Downloadable flyer [PDF]