Travel security

The UK Government has introduced a range of additional security measures at the boarding gate for flights into the UK.

Customers travelling on flights from Dubai to the UK who are randomly selected to undergo additional screening may be required to remove footwear and from hand luggage all electrical equipment including portable electronic devices such as laptops, iPads, smart phones, and cameras larger than a standard mobile phone and power up the device to demonstrate functionality. 

Passengers are advised to ensure that their electronic devices are charged before travel. Devices that do not power on may not be permitted onboard the aircraft.

Further information is available at UK DFT.

The Transport Security Administration in the United States of America has implemented enhanced security measures at select overseas airports with direct flights to the USA.

Passengers travelling on Qantas services to the USA should arrive at the airport at the recommended time – at least 120 mins before flight for Economy and Premium Economy, 90 minutes for Business and First. Please confirm what time you need to be at the departure gate with check in staff.

Further information is available on the TSA website.

Global events continue to remind us that aviation security remains a top priority for us. Qantas Group Security and Facilitation is committed to maintaining the highest aviation security standards for both our customers and employees.

Due to increased security screening, check-in procedures and potential traffic delays, we recommend you allow extra time to get to the airport. For further information view our check-in times.

During check-in and boarding you may have noticed some of Qantas' additional security measures include:

• Random explosive trace detection of passengers and their carry-on baggage.
• Laptop computers* and aerosols are subject to enhanced inspection at screening points.
• Increased vigilance at passenger screening points and increased guarding of our aircraft and terminals.
• On flights to the USA, some passengers will be randomly selected for additional screening at the departure gate.

X-ray equipment used at Australia airports does not damage:⁺

• Computer cpus or memory;
• computer storage media such as magnetic disks (hard drives, floppy disks etc)and other devices (CDs);
• cameras (including digital cameras with electronic storage media) or
• photographic film below asa 1000 (developed or undeveloped).

The Qantas Group has a strict policy of denying boarding to, or off-loading any passenger that makes inappropriate comments or behaves inappropriately inflight or on the ground. Qantas will not accept any inappropriate comments as 'jokes'. We will also seek to recover all costs incurred as a result of inflight incidents, including diversions, from those involved.

Visit Conditions of Carriage for more information.

• Domestic - No access restrictions apply to non-passengers. If intending to meet or farewell passengers you're permitted in the sterile area of Australian domestic terminals subject to security screening.
• International – Non-passengers are not permitted to enter the customs controlled areas of Australian international terminals.

• Always pack your own baggage.
• Do not carry on your person or in your checked baggage any item for another person.
• Always carry your valuables, medication and keys in your carry-on baggage.
• All knives, sharp objects or cutting and stabbing implements need to be packed in checked baggage and not placed in carry-on baggage or on your person.
• Security measures can include random frisk search after consent is obtained. Passengers can request privacy and must be searched by a screener of the same gender.

The Australian Federal Government has introduced full-body scanners at Australia's eight international gateway airports - Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Passengers departing Australia may be required to pass through a body scanner as part of standard screening processes. Unlike walk through metal detectors, the scanners are capable of detecting non-metal items under clothing.

Passengers refusing to pass through the scanner will be banned from entering the sterile area or boarding an aircraft for 24 hours. Exemptions apply for people suffering from a serious medical condition, infants and small children and persons in wheelchairs.

The body scanners will be 'millimetre wave' as opposed to x-ray. One body scan is comparable to passive exposure to a mobile phone used several metres away.

The scanner cannot detect internal medical devices such as pacemakers and metal implants, and due to very low power levels there are no safety concerns in relation to devices such as pacemakers or for women who are pregnant.

The process takes approximately seven to ten seconds - two to three seconds for the scan and five to seven seconds for the image to be generated and viewed by security personnel.

To protect people's privacy the image that is generated appears as a 'stick figure' so all persons have the same outline with no defining features. Images will not be copied or stored.

Find out more about body scanners at TravelSecure.

If you’re in trouble contact the Australian Consulate. Consular staff are able to issue emergency passports, provide lists of local doctors and lawyers and assist during natural disaster, civil unrest or other emergencies.

Protect your personal information and make copies of your passport, credit card and prescription details. Carry a copy with you and leave a copy at home or work where someone can access them if necessary. Ensure your emergency contacts are filled out in the back of your passport.

Be aware that some medications sold over the counter in Australia may be illegal in other countries. Check this detail by contacting the consulate of your planned destination to determine which medications are legal in that country. If you're carrying prescription medicine, ensure you have a copy of the doctors issued prescription with you. If carrying syringes, you'll need to have a copy of a letter signed by your doctor outlining the need for the syringes. Information on the carriage of prohibited items by persons suffering from bona fide medical conditions can be found at TravelSECURE.

• Avoid wearing items of clothing that will draw attention.
• Only carry what you can afford to lose and carry small denominations of local cash so you can hand that over if mugged.
• Take care using ATMs, particularly at night. Preferably go into a bank to increase your personal safety.
• Be wary of strangers or new acquaintances 'offering help'.
• Avoid hailing taxis off the street. In many countries it is safe to do so (for example Japan, Singapore) however in some countries, illegal, unregistered taxis are used to rob or over-charge passengers.
• If you become the victim of a robbery, don't put up a fight. Comply with the demands of the offender.
• Report unusual and dangerous incidents to local authorities.
• Always advise a friend or relative of your schedule and whereabouts.
• Never carry items that do not belong to you. You alone are responsible for the contents of your baggage.
• Be aware of the risks of HIV or other transmittable diseases - avoid ear piercing, acupuncture, tattooing or dental work.

• Domestic - Platinum or Gold Frequent Flyers, or anyone travelling in Business, may use dedicated premium security lanes during peak times at Sydney T3, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane domestic terminals.
• International - Selected airports offer premium security lanes for Platinum Frequent Flyers and those travelling in Business or First. Eligible customers will be provided with an Express Path card at check-in.

Smartraveller - The Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service for Australian residents.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Information on the economic and political climate in other countries.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Current travel advice for international travel for New Zealand residents.

TravelSECURE - Information to assist in clearing security checks quickly and easily at Australian airports.