Before boarding any flight at Melbourne Airport, all passengers must pass through security screening. As well as liquids, aerosols and gels, you cannot take sharp items such as nail clippers, scissors, pocket knives and metal nail files in your carry on baggage. These must instead be checked.
Other prohibited items include flammable liquids, gases or other dangerous goods, which will be removed by security staff.
At this point, you must remove laptop computers from your bag. Rest assured that x-ray screening will not damage electronic equipment.
Checked baggage is also subject to screening. If you have any queries about what can and cannot be taken in your luggage, we recommend contacting your airline for further information before travelling.
Body scanners
Body scanners operate for the protection of everyone at Melbourne Airport as part of the Federal Government's Strengthening Aviation Security Initiative, adding an additional layer of security.
It is possible that you might be randomly selected for body scan when departing on an international flight. Refusing a body scan will mean you will not be permitted to pass through the screening point for 24 hours or board your flight. This applies not only to passengers, but also airport staff, pilots and cabin crew.
Alternative screening will be provided for those passengers who are medically or physically unable to undergo a body scan.
Similarly to random body scans, you may also be asked to undergo a random explosives test.
For those with concerns about health, body scanners use radio frequency energy similar to mobile phones and wireless network devices. One scan emits 10,000 times less radio frequency energy than an average mobile phone call.
Privacy is something we take seriously at Melbourne Airport. When screened, your privacy is protected as the body scanners display a generic stick figure with no identifying features. No individual scans or personal information can be stored or transmitted.