Security

From 30 June 2018, people travelling internationally will notice some changes to how they are screened in Australia. Passengers will be required to present all powders in their carry-on baggage separately for screening.

There will be quantity restrictions on some types of powders but most common powders remain unrestricted. You can view the summary of changes here. 

There are certain restrictions around the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) that can be taken through security screenings. This applies if you are travelling on an international flight to or from Australia, or on the domestic leg of an international flight within Australia.

LAGs may only be taken in your carry on luggage if they are in containers no more than 100mL in size. These containers must also be able to fit comfortably together in one re-sealable transparent bag that is no bigger than 20cm x 20cm. This generally fits around five items – with deodorant, moisturiser and lip balm amongst some of the most common.

LAGs greater than 100mL will need to be packed into your checked baggage. Anything that exceeds this in your carry on luggage will need to be left at security.

Note that existing restrictions related to explosive or flammable items are still relevant.

Certain items are exempt from this rule:

• Items purchased after security – If you are flying direct to your destination, you can purchase LAGs after you pass through security.
• ​Medicine – Prescription medicines may be taken in your carry on luggage when presented with a letter from your doctor. Non-prescription medicines are also exempt, though you may only carry the amount required for the duration of your flight on board. You may also carry medical items such as sprays, insulin, contact lens solution and cough syrups.
• Baby products – If you have a baby, certain baby products are allowed on your flight, including baby milk, sterilised water, baby food and wet wipes.

To assist you with your packing, below is a list of the LAGs to consider before packing:

• water (empty bottles can be filled up after security)
• 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 such as shaving foam, other foam and deodorants
• pastes, including toothpaste
• mascara
• lipsticks, lip gloss or lip balm
• any item of a similar consistency at room temperature.

For more information about LAGs, visit the Australian Government website.

Depending on which stage of your airport journey you are at, you will need to be mindful of the liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) restrictions while shopping.

Before security at Melbourne Airport
While there are no restrictions as to what you may purchase at the wide variety of airport shops, be aware that anything over 100mL will not be able to board the plane with you and will need to be surrendered at security.

After security at Melbourne Airport

• Direct flights (flights with no stopovers) – If you are are on a direct flight to your destination (e.g. Melbourne – Singapore), there are no restrictions as to what you may purchase after security, including LAGs.
• Flights with a stopover – If you are on a flight with multiple stops (e.g. Melbourne – Singapore – London), there are no restrictions as to what you may purchase after security, including LAGs. However, if you want to carry these items beyond your first stop, it is recommended that you speak to a sales assistant before purchasing as different countries have different LAG and duty free restrictions.

Flying into Australia
It’s best to check with your airline before purchasing items after security at other airports as restrictions vary from country to country.

Transiting passengers
If you are transiting in Melbourne, you will need to pass through international security screening. This means that any items over 100mL will need to be surrendered at this point. If you are ending your journey at your next stop, you can purchase all items after security at that point, including LAGs.

If you are still unsure about what you can or cannot take on your flight, we recommend contacting your airline before travelling.

The safety of those at Melbourne Airport is of the utmost importance to us, which is why security is always a top priority.

We operate as per the stringent security standards set by the Federal Government and have a Victorian Police unit located on-site.

To help you understand more about some of the security measures taken at Melbourne Airport, we have explained them in the list below.

Pick up and drop off at the airport
If you are picking or dropping off passengers in front of the terminals, you must not leave your vehicle unattended at any point. Unattended vehicles will be immediately fined and may be towed.

So long as they are attended, vehicles may remain in the pick up/drop off zone for 5 minutes. If you require longer, there is a 20-minute free wait zone. More information here.

Unattended baggage
Baggage must not be left unattended in public areas of the airport. Unattended baggage will be treated as suspicious. It is recommended that your baggage should be clearly tagged with your contact details.

Security-related threats
Please be warned that any threats or comments made by airport visitors about carrying weapons or explosives will be taken seriously, regardless of intent. Penalties include refusal of carriage onto your flight and prosecution.

Medical
If you have a medical condition and require certain medical equipment, it is recommended that you contact your airline to find out what can be carried through security screenings and on board your flight. More information here.

Travel advice
For all advice on travel warnings, visas and consular services, visit the Federal Government’s Smart Traveller website.

For more aviation security information, visit the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website.

For Australian Government airport security screening information, including videos, fact sheets and key pages that have been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, see here.

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.