With a little preparation, there's a lot you can do to make sure your journey through the airport security processes is as quick and hassle-free as possible. This guide will assist in preparing for your journey, a few minutes spent reading this will save you time once you reach the airport. Here are a few things for you to consider:

Information from the Australian Government

Departing Passengers
Arriving Passengers
Transiting Passengers

Quick Check

The more you know about our check-in and security processes, the easier it will be to pass through as fast and hassle free as possible.

Before leaving home

• Make sure you know your baggage allowance and size restrictions for both hand baggage and baggage you are checking in. Remember, these may differ between airlines, so check with them.
• Limit your hand baggage to items you really think you’ll need on board the aircraft.
• Remember, if travelling internationally, all liquids, aerosols and gels in your hand baggage need to fit in a transparent and re-sealable bag, 200mm x 200mm (8 inches x 8 inches). Check details for medical and dietary exemptions.
• Plan to arrive at the airport early, just in case you need extra time at security.
• Contact your airline if you have any queries about how everything works.

Checking in

Ensure you arrive in plenty of time, your airline may suggest extra time. The recommended minimum times are:

Domestic flights -1 hour before departure
International flights - 2hours before departure

Going though Customs

Ensure you have all your correct travel documents ready, including the Passenger Declaration Departure Card available at check in or the Customs area.

Going through security

• Be prepared. For example, have laptops removed from their cases, if travelling internationally Liquid, Aerosol & Gel (LAG) items should already be in transparent re-sealable bags ready for inspection.
• If you’re carrying any liquid medicines or baby foods in your hand baggage, take them out for inspection.
• Remember, you can leave keys, coins, wallets and mobile phones in your jacket or coat pockets, but take off your coat while you’re in the queue so you’re ready for the X-ray machine process.
• Large electrical items, such as laptops, will need to go through X-Ray machines separately, so get them ready by taking them out of your cabin luggage.
• Don’t forget, you might need to take your shoes off.
• Your coat, transparent bag (including medicines) and, if asked, your shoes all need to go in one tray, but your large electrical items will go through in another.
• Staff may search your bags after the X-ray process, and may require you to undergo an explosives trace detection process. If travelling internationally you may also be asked to undergo a pat down search.

In the departure lounge

• Anything you buy in the departure lounge, you can take on your flight. If you are travelling on an international flight and transiting another airport before arriving at your destination - LAGS items bought in the departures lounge at your departing port may have to be surrendered at the transiting airport. It is recommended you check with your airline upon check in.

At the boarding gate

• If you’re travelling to the US, you might come across further security checks at the boarding gate. Before boarding for instance a face to passport check is usually required.