4 Tips to breeze through Airport security
Gone are the days when you only had to worry about remembering your passport when heading to the airport for an international flight. In the ever-changing global environment of travel, rules and regulations change regularly, affecting how we travel around the globe.
Whether you are a first time flyer, or have more frequent flyer miles as Richard Branson, it pays to know what the latest information is before you get caught out at the airport. Remember that the rules can vary from destination to destinations, so be sure to check for specifics in your destination.
As a general rule of thumb, here are the latest things you need to know about airport security:
1. Go Go Gadgets fly
This is a new one that many people are not aware of, but travellers flying overseas will now have to prove that your electronic devices and gadgets function before you board your plane. If your tablet, mobile phone, e-book reader, laptop computer, digital camera, MP3 player or other digital device (especially those with lithium batteries) doesn’t turn on during airport security checks, you run the risk of having these gadgets confiscated and also be denied boarding. A flat battery excuse will not fly here. You’ll also need to stash your electronic devices in your hand luggage. To avoid losing your gadgets and missing your flight, make sure your electronics devices are fully charged before flying and that the battery power will last for your journey. And make sure you switch them to flight mode when in flight, we all hate a smarty pants that leaves it on.
2. Take me to the limit
It has been around for a while now, but people still get this wrong. Liquids, aerosols and gels limits are strongly enforced on all international flights. Airport security screening does not care that it is your favourite perfume, or a 50 year old bottle of scotch you have brought for your dad. Each passenger can take in their cabin baggage liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100 millilitres or less, carried in one transparent, resealable bag like a zip-lock plastic bag of 20cm x 20cm. This includes drinks and duty-free items, unless they are sealed at purchase in special designed duty free bags at time of purchase in the airport and accompanied by a receipt. If in doubt, ask the duty free salesperson if you can take it.
3. Yeah, look at that body
Body scanner screening has been introduced in eight international airports across Australia, including Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. This extra security is a quick process, where people are selected at random and asked to remove all items from your pockets, step into the scanner and stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and hands above your head. Don’t worry; they do not see you as if naked. The scanner highlights areas of concern on a generic ‘stick figure’ on the screen when you walk through.
4. Things that maybe go Boom
If you have seen an episode of Border Security or ever boarded a plane, domestic or international, you will be aware that some things are just not meant to fly. Flammable items are a big no-no here, as you will be reaching an altitude where atmospheric pressure can cause hazardous materials to behave unpredictably. There are plenty of signs at the airport to advise you of what these are, but generally a handy place to look is your plane ticket, as it will tell you what you can and can’t carry on the plane. Note that certain airlines may also have extra restrictions, so it’s best to check out the website or contact the carrier if you’re not sure.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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