Aussie News - Issue 24 - March 2007
Attention Travellers to Australia
Enhanced Airport Security Screening Measures
From 31 March 2007, the Australian Government will introduce enhanced security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken through an airport screening point. The new restrictions will affect all international travellers flying to and from Australia.
What are the new rules?
Restrictions being introduced will limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through Australian airport screening points. Travellers can still take on board items purchased after the screening point, including duty free. Travellers may also carry on board the things they would normally take in carry-on baggage, such as cameras, personal music devices, books and clothing. Existing restrictions for carry-on baggage remain the same.
All containers with drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste and similar substances will have to be carried in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag, no larger than one litre (20cm x 20cm) and be inspected separately at the airport screening point. Each container in the plastic bag should have a capacity no greater than 100 millilitres and fit comfortably in the sealed plastic bag.
The purpose of transparent plastic bags is to make display and inspection of the liquids easy for passengers security. Present-day machines cannot distinguish one liquid from another quickly enough to allow for an efficient automatic airport screening process.
Are there any exceptions?
Exceptions from the limits will be made for passengers with medical conditions and those with requirements for baby food and milk. However, these items may be subject to additional security checks. Larger amounts of liquids can still be carried in checked-in baggage.