Regional Screening
Screening will commence at some regional airports on 1 July 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has screening been introduced?
The Australian Government constantly monitors the threats posed to aviation and seeks to ensure passengers flying to, from, or within Australia can do so safely and securely. Following an extensive analysis, the Australian Government announced on 16 December 2009, as part of the release of the National Aviation Statement, that all passengers travelling on regular public transport and open charter aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 20,000 kilograms or more must be screened. The regional airports affected by this decision are those where aircraft of this size operate.
Why am I being screened more than once?
The Australian Government has introduced categories of screened airports, numbered from 1–7, and each category requires a differing level of security based on a number of factors including threat and risk to aviation security. Accordingly, a passenger travelling from a category 5 airport, such as Blackall, through a category 3 airport, such as the Brisbane domestic terminal, may be screened at each airport. If your journey only involves flying on one aircraft, for example from Tamworth to Sydney, and your journey finishes in Sydney, you will only be screened once.
How much time will screening add to the boarding process?
The screening process should not take long, but it will add a little extra time to the boarding process. You should check with your airline and confirm their arrangements, but as a guide you should ensure you are at the airport at least one hour before your flight is scheduled to depart.
What if I don't want to be screened?
Under Australian law, you must undergo screening if you wish to board your flight. You may choose to decline the aviation security screening process but you will not be allowed to board your flight if you do so. At any point during the screening process you may choose to stop the process.
I used to bring certain items on board my flight, and now I can't. Why?
Under Australian law, some items are not permitted on board an air service. These include firearms, knives, axes, open or straight razors, baseball bats, golf clubs and a number of other items that could cause injury to a person. Some items, such as scissors or sporting equipment, may be placed in your checked-in baggage prior to approaching a passenger screening point. These items are not permitted in the cabin of an aircraft and will need to be surrendered. Security screening examines passengers and baggage for prohibited items to ensure they are not being carried on board an aircraft.
What about screening for liquids, aerosols and gels?
LAGs screening does not occur for domestic flights, and will not occur at your regional airport of departure. However, if you are travelling on an international flight as part of your journey you should pack accordingly.
Why am I being selected for additional screening using an explosive trace detection machine?
As part of the screening process, the Australian Government requires passengers to be selected for additional explosive trace detection (ETD) screening. ETD screening is part of the normal screening process and happens on a random and continuous basis. This means on some occasions you may be selected for ETD screening, and on other occasions you may not. If you are selected for ETD screening you have not been targeted or profiled.
Am I going to have to be screened using a body scanner?
No. You will not be screened using a body scanner at a regional airport.
- Regional Screening Poster [
PDF: 2310 KB] - Regional Screening Brochure [PDF: 2006 KB] [
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