Frequently Asked Questions
We have prepared the following questions and answers to help you understand the rules restricting liquids, aerosols and gels on flights to and from Australia.
They are based on commonly asked questions at Australian airports and draw on the experiences of overseas airports who have already implemented similar rules.
Scroll down or click on a topic below to find the answers to your questions.
- Who will be affected by the restrictions?
- What are the restrictions?
- Can I still take other carry-on baggage like clothing and books?
- What type of liquids, aerosols and gels do these measures cover?
- Will containers larger than 100 millilitres/grams that are partially filled be accepted?
- What about an empty container?
- Can I transfer my liquids, aerosols and gels into smaller containers?
- What if my liquids, aerosols and gels are in grams, not millilitres?
- Why do the containers have to be 100 millilitres/grams or less? Why do they have to fit into a one litre bag?
- How many liquid, aerosol and gel bags am I allowed to take?
- How many millilitres/grams will fit in a 1 litre bag?
- Why use a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag?
- Can I bring my own plastic bag?
- What if my bag has logos or pictures on it?
- How can I minimise any delays and ensure a smooth transition through security screening?
- What will I be expected to do when I reach the screening point?
- What will happen to items that have been surrendered?
- Why do I need to be frisk searched?
- What does a frisk search involve?
- What does random and continuous frisk search mean?
- Can I still take liquids, aerosols and gels in my hold baggage?
- Why cover all liquids?
- What are the exemptions?
- What if security screening staff do not accept that the medication/baby product is a reasonable quantity?
- Can I still buy Duty Free when I travel?
- Buying Duty Free in Australia off-airport
- If I forget to pack my liquids, aerosols and gels in my hold luggage, will I get another chance?
- What will happen if I don't comply with these measures?
- Have the measures caused delays at airports?
- Will Australian procedures be the same as other countries?
- When did the measures take effect?
- What has the Government done to communicate these restrictions?
- Why have these measures been put in place?
- Do these measures apply to domestic passengers?
- Is Australia facing a higher level of threat from terrorism?
- A caution about getting angry or argumentative at the security screening point.
1. Who will be affected by the restrictions?
The measures only apply to international air services that are regular public transport operations or open charter operations:
- from a place within Australia to a place outside Australia; or
- from a place outside Australia to a place within Australia; or
- from a place within Australia to a place within Australia - passengers travelling domestically on international flights (domestic ticketed passengers).
2. What are the restrictions?
Restrictions have been introduced to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken through the screening point. Any liquids, aerosols or gels such as drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels and toothpaste must be in containers that do not have a capacity greater than 100 millilitres/grams, and all containers should fit comfortably in a transparent resealable plastic bag. The bag must have a volume no greater than one litre, such as a freezer bag (20cm x 20cm or 25cm x 15cm) sold in most supermarkets.
This bag will be screened separately at the international screening point.
3. Can I still take other carry-on baggage like clothing and books?
Yes, you can still take on your normal carry-on baggage like books, cameras and clothing, as restrictions only limit the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that you can pack in your carry-on baggage.
Existing size and weight restrictions for carry-on baggage remain. It is advisable to check with your airline on these restrictions as these may vary between countries and airlines.
4. What type of liquids, aerosols and gels do these measures cover?
Liquids, aerosols and gels include, but are not limited to:
- water and other drinks, soups, syrups, jams, stews, sauces and pastes;
- foods in sauces or containing a high liquid content;
- creams, lotions, cosmetics and oils;
- perfumes;
- sprays;
- gels including hair and shower gels;
- contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foam and deodorants;
- pastes including toothpaste;
- liquid-solid mixtures;
- Makeup;
Some examples of makeup items that must be in containers 100ml/g or less and placed in your resealable plastic bag: Some examples of makeup items that are not liquid aerosols and gels and as such, can be carried loosely in you hand luggage regardless of quantity: - Liquid Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Liquid Foundation
- Creams, lotions and moisturisers
- Facial Cleansing or Wet Wipes
- Lip Gloss, Lipsticks and Liquid Lip Liners
- Compact Foundation and Blush with the consistency of a paste.
- Pencil and Kohl Eyeliners
- Powder Foundation
- Powder Eye Shadow
- Pencil Lip Liners
- Powder Blush
- any item of similar consistency at room temperature.
This is not an exhaustive list and security screening staff have the final say on what constitutes a liquid, aerosol or gel.
If you are unsure of whether an item is OK, you should pack it in your check-in baggage.
5. Will containers larger than 100 millilitres/grams that are partially filled be accepted?
No. Containers which have a total capacity greater than 100 millilitres/grams will not permitted through the screening point, even if they are only partially filled.
6. What about an empty container?
Completely empty containers or vessels are permitted to be carried through the screening point.
7. Can I transfer my liquids, aerosols and gels into smaller containers?
Yes, liquids, aerosols and gels such as drinks, creams, perfumes, shampoo and toothpaste can be transferred from larger containers to containers 100 millilitres/grams or less. This is something you might wish to do at home.
However, restrictions on dangerous goods still apply. You should check with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) http://www.casa.gov.au/dg/luggage/dgtable.htm if you think any of your items might be considered a dangerous good.
8. What if my liquids, aerosols and gels are in grams, not millilitres?
One millilitre is very close to one gram. Accordingly when your liquids, aerosols and gels are in grams, the container limit is 100grams.
9. Why do the containers have to be 100 millilitres/grams or less? Why do they have to fit into a one litre bag?
By experiment, experts found that it is not possible to cause the catastrophic failure of an aircraft with explosives made from a small amount of liquid, aerosol or gel. This is why the amounts of these items must be restricted.
10. How many liquid, aerosol and gel bags am I allowed to take?
Each passenger is allowed only one, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a volume no greater than one litre.
Please note, these bags must be independently resealable. Bags sealed with items such as sticky tape, rubber bands, zippers or ribbons will not be accepted.
11. How many millilitres/grams will fit in a 1 litre bag?
By experiment, experts found that if you pack several containers of 100 millilitres/grams each into a plastic bag of one litre capacity, the total quantity of liquids that could fit into the bag was in the range of 450-500 millilitres/grams.
12. Why use a transparent, resealable plastic bag?
The benefit of the transparent plastic bag is that makes it easy to display and inspect the liquids, aerosols and gels that you are carrying, while protecting your carry-on baggage against leaks.
The resealable bags will help to minimise delays at the screening point.
13. Can I bring my own plastic bag?
Yes you can. In fact, it's a good idea to pack those liquids, aerosols and gels you want to take on board with you before you get to the airport. Make sure that any bag you choose is transparent, plastic, resealable and has a volume no greater than one litre.
When purchasing your bag please ensure that the sum of the four sides does not exceed 80cm. For example a 20x20cm bag would be 20+ 20+ 20+ 20 which equals 80cm. Likewise, bags with dimensions such as 19x21cm, 18x22cm, 30x10cm, 25x15cm also equal 80cm when you add up the four sides.
Clear, resealable plastic bags, such as sandwich and freezer bags, can be found in most supermarkets. While the dimensions may vary between brands, any bag where the sum of the four sides does not exceed 80cm, will have a volume of 1 litre and will be acceptable under the regulations.
Please note, these bags must be independently resealable. Bags sealed with items such as sticky tape, rubber bands, zippers or ribbons will not be accepted.
14. What if my bag has logos or pictures on it?
The logos or pictures are fine under the following conditions: they must be contained within a space no more than four centimetres from the base of the bag, and may run the entire width of one side of the bag. Any logos or pictures placed within this space must be at least 50% transparent.
Clear resealable sandwich bags with a white stripe across the centre are also acceptable.
15. How can I minimise any delays and ensure a smooth transition through security screening?
To help avoid any delays it is best that you pack your liquids, aerosols and gels before you arrive at the airport. Make sure that each container you wish to take on board is no greater than 100 millilitres/grams, and that all containers are packed comfortably in a single, transparent, plastic, resealable bag of no more than one litre in total volume.
16. What will I be expected to do when I reach the screening point?
You will be required to present your liquids, aerosols and gels bag ready for visual inspection to ensure it complies with the measures. The bag will not have to be in a separate tray, however you must ensure it is clearly visible to security screening staff. Any liquids, aerosols or gels larger than 100 millilitres/grams will need to be placed in the bins provided.
Remove all bulky over coats (suit jackets not included) for x-ray.
You may also be asked to submit to a frisk search (pat down).
17. What will happen to items that have been surrendered?
Aviation security regulation requires that all surrendered items are destroyed. Airports and airlines have no discretion to store or return surrendered items.
18. Why do I need to be frisk searched?
19. What does a frisk search involve?
If you are selected for a frisk search a security screening officer will explain that you have been randomly selected and will ask your permission to conduct the search. You have the right to refuse to be frisk searched, but if you refuse you will not be allowed to proceed through the screening point.
A frisk search is not designed to be intrusive, and will usually take no more than 30 seconds. The frisk search must be conducted by a security screening officer who is the same sex as you.
The frisk will involve the security screening officer running their hands over your outer garments in order to ensure there are no items hidden on your person. If the security screening officer discovers a hidden item, you will be required to remove and possibly surrender the item. You may also be subject to a second frisk search.
You should be aware that if you deliberately attempt to conceal liquids, aerosols or gels you may be subject to a $2,200 fine, two years imprisonment, or both.
You may request that the frisk search take place in a private room. In these circumstances you will be accompanied by two security screening staff, one to undertake the frisk search, and one to act as a witness.
If you have a medical device on your person, you may wish to inform the security screening officer of this prior to the frisk search, although you are not required to do so.
If you are unsure about any part of the frisk search process, you should ask the security screening officer to explain it to you.
20. What does random and continuous frisk search mean?
As you pass through the screening point, security screening staff may ask you to submit to a frisk search. Security screening staff select people for a frisk search at random, so you won't be selected every time you pass through a screening point. The process is similar to the random and continuous explosive trace detection process currently in place at screening points.
Security screening staff do not target or profile particular passengers. They are instructed to continuously undertake frisk searches, which means once they have concluded one frisk search, they will select the very next person they see. If you are selected, it means you were that person. It's not just passengers who are selected; airport and airline staff may also be randomly selected.
21. Can I still take liquids, aerosols and gels in my hold baggage?
Yes. All liquids, aerosols and gels over 100 millilitres/grams in volume, in a container larger than 100 millilitres/grams or not needed during the duration of the flight can and should be packed in your hold luggage.
However, the restrictions on dangerous goods still apply. You should check with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) http://www.casa.gov.au/dg/luggage/index.htm if you think any of your items might be considered a dangerous good.
22. Why cover all liquids?
Present-day screening technology cannot distinguish one liquid from another quickly enough to allow for an efficient airport screening process. That is why these restrictions apply to all liquids except for those in quantities too small to make effective explosive devices.
23. What are the exemptions?
Some exemptions apply for medications and baby products.
Exemptions for medicines:
Prescription medicine and prescribed medical devices are exempt from LAGs restrictions, including storage containers required for temperature control of medicines on board.
Where the medication is non-prescription, you may take the amount required for the flight.
You should determine the reasonable quantity of non-prescription medication required for the duration of your flight, as it may be assessed by security screening staff. Reasonable amounts include what is required for length of the flight as well as possible delays and flight diversions.
If you have any prescription or non prescription medications, have them ready for inspection. It is also best to have any supporting documentation (ID cards, letters from doctors etc) ready for inspection should it be required.
What sorts of medications and medical devices are exempt from these measures?
Medicines may include the following:
- essential prescribed medicines, including angina spray;
- insulin;
- clotting factor (for haemophiliacs);
- contact lens solution, where the container capacity exceeds 100ml;
- inhaler (with spare canisters to be packed in checked baggage);
- essential non-prescribed medicines such as cough syrup; and
- children's medicines.
Medical devices and items may include the following:
-
blood products;
-
organs;
-
human embryos;
-
gel filled external breast prosthesis;
-
personal supplemental oxygen;
-
those items required and being used to regulate the temperature of prescription medications and/or devices for example, ice packs or gel filled heat packs.
Will I need to bring documentation with me from my doctor?
It is recommended that passengers carry supporting documentation (ID cards, letters from doctors etc) regarding their medication needs. Security screening staff may request presentation of supporting documentation to assist in determining whether the medications you are carrying are exempt.
In addition, the name on the label of the prescription medication should match the name on your boarding pass.
What about medication in solid form?
Any medications in solid form i.e. tablets, are not effected by these restrictions as they are not liquid, aerosols or gels. You are free to carry these in your carry-on baggage as normal.
Exemptions for baby products:
Where you are travelling with a baby, baby products in reasonable amounts required for the flight are exempt from LAGs restrictions. Where the volume of baby products is deemed excessive by security screening staff, it will not be allowed through the screening point.
If you are carrying any baby products have them ready for inspection. It is reasonable for security screening staff to expect that you will be carrying a baby with you. If you are travelling in a large group or as a family, ensure that you and your baby go through the security screening point together.
What sorts of baby products are exempt from the measures?
Baby products may include:
- baby milk;
- sterilised water;
- baby juice;
- baby food in liquid, gel or paste form; and
- wet wipes.
What is the definition of a Baby or Toddler?
There is no age where a child is no longer considered a baby or toddler. The final decision is at the discretion of the security staff at the security screening point.
Some things to consider when making the decision as to whether your child is still a baby:
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Is the child still being breastfed or drinking baby formula?
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Are they still eating processed baby food or baby powder as their main meals?
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Are they travelling as a child, i.e. will they have their own seat and will they receive a child's meal on board?
24. What if security screening staff do not accept that the medication/baby product is a reasonable quantity?
Security screening staff have the final say regarding what items are allowed through the screening point. If the security screening officer decides that you are attempting to take unreasonable amounts of non-prescription medication or baby products through the screening point, you may be asked to surrender some or all of these products. If you fail to do so you will not be allowed to proceed through the screening point.
25. Can I still buy Duty Free when I travel?
Australian airports
Yes. In Australia, you can collect or purchase duty free once you have passed through international screening for your international flight. At Darwin and Adelaide, domestic and international passengers are screened through the same screening point. These airports will have a separate international screening area for international flights after the first screening point.
Please keep in mind, if you are transiting through any other international airports, you may be screened for liquids, aerosols and gels. You may be asked to surrender anything over 100ml, including duty free. It is advisable that you check your transit information with your airline before you leave Australia.
In addition, if you have any international transits within Australia for example, Melbourne - Sydney - Singapore, you may be re-screened at the transit stop e.g. Sydney. As a result, you will be asked to surrender any liquids aerosols and gels, including duty free that you have purchased.
Duty free purchases made overseas
Duty free in checked-in baggage
Liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items purchased overseas may be packed into check-in baggage if you have this opportunity. Checked-in baggage is not subject to liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.
For example if you were spending two days in Singapore, you would be able to purchase duty free in Dubai. You would then pack your duty free in your check-in baggage before checking in for your flight from Singapore to Australia.
Direct flights from the United States
Provided you have no other international transits before arriving in Australia, you may purchase duty free liquid, aerosols and gels once you have passed through the security screening point at the last United States airport you travel through. You may then carry these items on board the aircraft.
You may also purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items on board an aircraft.
If you transit in any other country before arriving in Australia, you will be re-screened at the transit departure gate for liquids aerosols and gels. You will be asked to surrender any items over 100ml, including duty free purchased in the United States.
Further, if you are transiting through an Australian international airport, these items can not be taken through the screening point. Alternatively, you may purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items at inbound duty free stores at your final destination
Direct flights from New Zealand
For return flights from the New Zealand you may purchase duty free liquid, aerosols and gels once you have passed through the security screening point. You may then carry these items on board the plane.
You may also purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items on board an aircraft.
Please remember, however, if you are transiting through an Australian international airport, these items can not be taken through the screening point. Alternatively, you may purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items at inbound duty free stores at your final destination.
Direct flights from Thailand and South Africa
Some airlines travelling out of Thailand and South Africa have imposed a complete ban on duty free liquids, aerosols and gels for flights to Australia. It is advised that you contact your airline to see if this will apply to you.
Direct flights from all other countries
For return flights to Australia, you may carry duty free liquid, aerosol and gel purchases on board if they are delivered to the departure gate at the last international airport you travel through 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.
If you transit in any other country before arriving in Australia, you will be re-screened at the transit departure gate for liquids aerosols and gels. You will be asked to surrender any items over 100ml, including duty free purchased in other countries regardless of how it is packaged.
You may also purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items on board an aircraft during the final leg of your international journey.
Please remember, however, if you are transiting through an Australian international airport, these items cannot be taken through the screening point. Alternatively, you may purchase liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items at inbound duty free stores at your final destination.
Inbound Duty Free stores
In all cases duty free may be purchased at inbound duty free stores when you land at your final destination in Australia, just prior to clearing customs and collecting your baggage.
26. Buying Duty Free in Australia off-airport
Off-airport duty free
From 31 March until further notice
Liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items
Purchases made at duty free outlets off airports are treated differently from those made at airports. This process has changed in response to security measures around the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on baggage.
The "Docket plucking" for duty and tax free liquid, aerosol and gel purchases made at off airport duty and tax free stores may now be undertaken landside so that you can pack these items in your hold baggage. The off airport duty or tax free store should pack your liquid, aerosol and gel purchases in a sealed bag separate from non liquid, aerosol and gel purchases when you make your purchase.
You should ensure your sealed bag containing liquid, aerosol and gel duty and tax free items is packed securely in your hold baggage prior to reaching the airline check-in counter. You should have plucked the docket off the sealed bag prior to packing these items. You should be ready to hand in the docket to Duty Free Security Company staff at the airport.
Once you have passed through the passport control point you must hand your docket to Duty Free Security Company staff as you usually would. Duty Free Security Company staff will check that these dockets only apply to liquid, aerosol and gel items.
Non liquid, aerosol and gel duty free items
Current processes still apply, and docket plucking of sealed bag non-liquid, aerosol and gel items will continue to occur after the Customs outwards control point. You should confirm these arrangements with your off airport duty free retailer.
Can I still access the Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS)
The Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS) is managed by the Australian Customs Service, and information regarding claiming a GST refund under the TRS scheme is available by contacting the TRS Information Hotline on 1300 555 043 or the Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263.
27. If I forget to pack my liquids, aerosols and gels in my hold luggage, will I get another chance?
Once you have arrived at the screening point all liquids, aerosols and gels that are not in containers 100 millilitres/grams or less, and packed comfortably in a single, sealed, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a volume no greater than one litre will need to be surrendered. If your liquids, aerosols and gels are in containers of 100 millilitres/grams or less, and you have access to an appropriate bag, you will be able to pack them before proceeding through the screening point. Some screening points may have bags available for you to use, however you should not rely on bags being available.
28. What will happen if I don't comply with these measures?
You will not be able to board your flight unless your liquids, aerosols and gels comply with the measures.
If you deliberately attempt to avoid complying with these measures you may be subject to a $2,200 fine, two years imprisonment, or both.
29. Have the measures caused delays at airports?
The measures have cause minimal delays at airports. Reports from airports indicate that any delays are generally less than 5 mins more than before the rules were introduced.
30. Will Australian procedures be the same as other countries?
The Australian procedures are broadly similar to those measures introduced in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, South Korea and a number of other countries, and are also similar to security measures the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommend be introduced to protect air travellers from the threat of liquid, aerosol and gel based explosives.
31. When did the measures take effect?
These enhanced security measures were introduced on 31 March 2007. Any person travelling to or from Australia will be required to comply.
32. What has the Government done to communicate these restrictions?
The Australian Government undertook an extensive communication campaign on the measures. This campaign included information flyers, which are available at airports, travel agents, Australian Embassies and a number of other locations. There is also a dedicated website, accessible through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, www.infrastructure.gov.au, airport posters, information staff at international airports, and a significant media campaign.
The Government consulted widely with industry to assist in a smooth transition to the measures and to minimise the impact on business and the travelling public.
In addition, the Government also invested in additional training for security screening officers to maintain the speed and quality of security screening.
33. Why have these measures been put in place?
On 9 August 2006, United Kingdom (UK) security services interrupted a terrorist operation involving planned attacks against international aviation targets. Intelligence indicated the group were planning to board an aircraft with concealed materials that could be used to construct an explosive device.
Analysis of this plot revealed a threat to civil aviation with respect to liquid explosives.
34. Do these measures apply to domestic passengers?
No. The restrictions only apply to international flights.
However, occasionally domestic passengers travel on an international aircraft while it's travelling within Australia (for example, travelling on the Sydney to Melbourne sector of a Singapore-Sydney-Melbourne flight). In these circumstances, the domestic passengers will board their aircraft at the international terminal, and will be subject to international restrictions.
35. Is Australia facing a higher level of threat from terrorism?
In spite of the high level of activity that has followed the discovery of the terrorist plot to bomb a number of international passenger aircraft from the United Kingdom to the United States, there is no intelligence to suggest the need to change Australia's counter terrorism alert level. The national counter terrorism alert level remains at MEDIUM.
36. A caution about getting angry or argumentative at the security screening point.
A security screening officer's decision about what items to allow through a screening point is final. Arguing or getting angry with a security screening officer will most likely result in the situation getting worse, not better, for you. Passengers who become verbally or physically aggressive may find themselves denied uplift by the airline (you will be refused permission to fly).
In some circumstances you can be arrested and charged by the Australian Federal Police, which may result in significant fines, possible jail time, or both, if you are convicted of an offence. Airlines may also ban you from flying with them. The Australian Government takes aviation security seriously, and people causing an unlawful disturbance at a screening point can expect to be dealt with according to the law.
Security screening officers are not trying to make your travel experience difficult or unpleasant. Their job is to ensure Australian Government aviation security requirements are met, and that all members of the air travelling public are as secure as possible.
If you still have further questions please direct them to lags@infrastructure.gov.au. If your matter is urgent please include a contact phone number.