Section 3—Before and at the airport

On this page

• Monitor your flight and be alert for changes
• Pack right for a safe flight
• Plan your journey to the airport
• Security screening
• Border control
• At the gate and boarding
• Other useful tips at the airport
• What happens if your flight is delayed, disrupted, or cancelled?

Monitor your flight and be alert for changes

Your flight details, such as check-in time, departure time and gate can change. Keep an eye on emails, texts or app messages for updates from the airline or travel agent.

Most airlines have apps that you can download and have the information in one place. Apps can be useful to:

• get timely flight status updates and alerts
• check-in to get your boarding pass on your phone
• view boarding gate information
• track your checked baggage, and
• access other useful information like in-flight entertainment and frequent flyer points.

Pack right for a safe flight

Pack safely to avoid delays or missing your flight. Even your everyday items such as power banks, scissors, lithium batteries, aerosols, powders and gels can carry restrictions. Some items are allowed only in the cabin or checked baggage, while others require airline or civil aviation authority approval. Certain items must be shipped as cargo, and some are prohibited on all flights.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) provides a helpful guide on what you can and can’t pack, and guidance on how to pack these items. The Department of Home Affairs also provides information on TravelSECURE about what you can and can’t bring on board an aircraft or into the secure area of an airport.

Packing tips

Check your airline’s baggage rules before you travel as size, weight and item limits vary. Your carry-on may be checked at the gate, which could result in repacking, fees or items being removed. Some packing tips are below:

• Pack your own bags and avoid overpacking.
• Use a sturdy, lockable bag and label it inside and out with your contact details.
• Review CASA’s Pack Right guidance guidance on dangerous and restricted items.
• Carry spare batteries and power banks in your cabin baggage (note: in‑flight use may be restricted).
• Check your airline’s policy on electronic devices.
• Keep essential items, valuables, medicines and fragile items in your carry-on. Airline compensation may be limited if these items are in checked baggage.
• Keep receipts (or photos of them) for purchased items in your luggage.
• Tell your airline about any special needs in advance.
• Consider using a luggage tracking device and ensure it is charged.

Dangerous goods, restricted and banned items

Dangerous goods are items that can be harmful or unsafe on an aircraft. They might be flammable, explosive, toxic, or react dangerously with other substances. Some dangerous goods are banned from flights. You can pack others but only with airline approval or special packing. See CASA’s Pack Right guide on dangerous goods for more information.

Common dangerous goods include:

• vapes and e-cigarettes
• spare batteries and power banks
• portable electronic devices
• aerosols and toiletries
• cleaning products and chemicals
• fuels and petrol-powered items
• matches, lighters and fireworks.

You should also be aware of restricted or banned items, including (e.g.) some types of batteries, flammable items and chemicals.

When you check-in online or at the airport, you must declare any dangerous goods in your baggage. Airports routinely screen carry-on and checked baggage for dangerous goods like spare batteries and power banks. If they detect dangerous goods in your checked baggage, they may remove your bag resulting in a missed flight or your luggage left behind. 

If you fail to declare a dangerous good or make a misleading or false declaration, you could face serious penalties – up to 7 years jail.

Prohibited Items

Some items are prohibited because they are a security risk. You cannot carry prohibited items beyond the security screening point or on board an aircraft. Prohibited items include weapons and some common household items and sporting goods that people can use as weapons or to cause harm to a person or an aircraft.

This includes replicas or imitations of weapons. You may need to surrender prohibited items at the security screening check point. For more information on prohibited items, check TravelSECURE.

Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries power everyday items like phones, laptops, and cameras, but you must pack them safely to prevent hazards. Always take spare batteries and power banks with you in the cabin. Never place spare batteries or power banks in checked luggage. For more information, visit CASA’s safety tips for travelling with lithium batteries.

Devices with batteries may be packed in checked or carry-on bags if you turn them off completely and ensure they’re protected from damage or accidental activation during flight.

Airlines may limit the number of spare batteries and power banks you can carry—check with your airline before flying. Certain international airports may not allow you to pass through security if your power bank does not comply with their domestic certification standards, so ensure your device is permitted through any airports you travel through.

Travelling with medications and medical devices

Several Australian Government organisations have a role in overseeing travel with medicines and medical devices. For further information, see:

Agency	Information	website
Therapeutic Goods Administration	Resources & information on rules and requirements	www.tga.gov.au/resources/consumer-information-and-resources/travelling-medicines-and-medical-devices
Services Australia	Medicare’s guidelines for travelling with Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines	www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-manage-your-pbs-medicine-overseas?context=22016
Smartraveller	Guidelines for travelling with prescription medicines	www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/prescription-drugs-and-travel
TravelSECURE	Restrictions and exemptions for liquids, aerosols and gels on international flights	www.homeaffairs.gov.au/travelsecure-subsite/files/fact-sheet-travelling-with-powders-liquids-aerosols-gels-2025.pdf
Australian Border Force	Guidelines for what you can and can’t bring into Australia	www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/categories/medicines-and-substances

For medicines allowed on board, carry enough for your trip in your carry-on, along with a doctor’s letter or prescription if you’re travelling overseas.

Liquids, aerosols and gels

Domestic and international travel may have different limits on the amount of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry onto an airplane.  

International flights often require all liquid, aerosol and gel items to be in containers of 100 millilitres/grams or less. All aerosol containers must have a fitted cap or locking device.

The restrictions apply in the following situations:

• when departing Australia
• when transiting through Australia from one country to another
• when travelling on the domestic leg of a flight departing from an Australian international terminal
• prior to boarding an inbound flight at its last point of departure before it reaches Australia
  
  • Note that inbound flight restrictions may be applied at the boarding gate at the last point of departure

Duty Free Items: If you buy duty free items before you get to the airport, we recommend packing them in your checked baggage.​ Duty free products are subject to powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions. Check the restrictions for powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels.

Restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels also apply if you are arriving in Australia on an international flight. For more information visit the Australian Border Force website.

If you’re flying within Australia on a domestic flight, there are no restrictions on the amount of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry on board. If you’re travelling domestically, but departing from an international terminal, you will be subject to the rules for international travel.

Plan your journey to the airport

It’s your responsibility to arrive at the airport and departure gate on time, including allowing enough time to clear security and any other screening. Check your airline’s website or app to confirm when you need to arrive. If you plan to check in at the airport, identify when check‑in closes.

Plan how you will get to the airport and allow extra time for traffic, public transport delays or busy periods such as school holidays or Christmas. If you’re driving, consider pre‑booking parking to avoid delays.

Airports often publish useful information on terminal layouts, facilities and any works that may affect access. As airports are large and can take time to navigate, allow enough time to get from your arrival point to the correct terminal and gate. If you have accessibility needs, review your airport’s website for information on drop‑off points and how to arrange assistance.

If you’re travelling overseas, allow extra time for border processing, which can involve long queues.

Some cities have multiple airports or separate domestic and international terminals at different locations. Check your departure details in advance to ensure you arrive at the correct location.

Checking in and bag drop

Many airlines offer online check-in via their app or website. Checking-in before you get to the airport can save you time by skipping queues, providing your boarding pass, and may help secure better seats. It also secures your place on the flight, as failing to check-in by the deadline means you may not be able to board your flight.

If you are travelling on a codeshare flight that is operated by an airline different from the one that you booked with, you will usually need to check-in at the counter of the operating carrier.

Check-in closes at different times depending on the airline and where you’re travelling to. Even if you’re checked-in online, you must still adhere to bag drop (including self-service drop off) and boarding gate deadlines. Your airline will usually tell you what time you need to check in and get to the departure gate. Airlines may recommend a different time frames for passengers with reduced mobility or needing special assistance, so be sure to confirm this in advance and let airline staff know.

If you have checked-in baggage, remember to keep a record of your baggage receipt. It can be helpful to photograph your baggage and receipt just in case it is delayed, damaged or lost.

Security screening

Security screening is compulsory for all passengers. Airports and their service providers are directly responsible for passenger screening in line with requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

For security screening information, including your rights at the security screening point, what you can take on board, and screening processes available for people with special circumstances, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

If you have any questions or are uncomfortable at any time throughout the security screening process at an Australian airport, the Department of Home Affairs advises you to speak with a supervisor at the screening point. You can also lodge a complaint by directly contacting the airport.

Special circumstances at security screening

Airports can use alternative screening methods, where appropriate, to ensure all passengers are treated with respect and dignity. For more information, visit the TravelSECURE website.

Gender diverse passengers: If you feel uncomfortable during screening, you can request a different screening officer or ask to speak with a supervisor.

Cultural or religious requirements: You may be asked to remove items such as headwear for inspection. While you can refuse, you may not be cleared through security and allowed to fly. You can request to remove items in a private room.

Disability or hidden disability: Where possible, security screening officers will allow people with disabilities or hidden disabilities to keep their medical or support items with them while going through the screening process. We suggest carrying evidence, such as a letter from your doctor, if there are screening methods that may not be suitable. This will help the screening officer to choose an appropriate method of screening for your circumstances.

Assistance animals: You and your animal may be screened together or separately. You can request to remain together, and alternative methods will be used.

Medicines, medical devices and mobility aids: Bring a doctor’s letter or medical ID to help with screening. Tell the screening officer if your device cannot go through scanners or X-rays. Keep your medication and supporting documents ready for inspection. If carrying items like hypodermic needles, show these at screening and when boarding. If you use a mobility aid or cannot complete body scanner requirements, alternative screening methods will be used.

Border control

If you’re travelling internationally, you’ll need to pass through border control. Remember, all departing passengers must have a valid passport or travel document. For more information about arriving and departing Australia, please visit the Australian Border Force’s guide to Crossing the Border.

At the gate and boarding

Make sure you’re at the gate well before boarding, especially if you require special assistance to board. Have your boarding pass and ID ready. If you’re late to the gate or haven’t checked in, you may not be allowed on the flight.

Carry-on baggage checks may be done at the gate, so ensure you’re within your allowance. Non-compliance can result in the bag being gate checked (stored in the hold and not able to be taken into the aircraft with you) or denied and may result in excess charges.

Most Australian airlines have a policy of ensuring people who need boarding assistance will board before other passengers. Trained airline staff can help you get to and from your seat if you're not mobile enough to do it yourself. For medium or large planes, this may include using boarding ramps, jet bridges or lifts. If you’ve requested an aisle seat but weren’t given one, ask a flight attendant to swap your seat where possible.

Remember that an airline has the authority to refuse to board any passenger who displays behaviour that presents a risk to the safety of the aircraft, or people on people on the aircraft and their property.

Other useful tips at the airport

Pay attention to announcements. Allocated departure times and gates can change with little notice. Listen for announcements, speak with airline staff and check flight information boards for gate changes or boarding times. If you’re waiting at the gate and see no staff or other passengers when boarding time approaches, double check your gate has not changed.

Stay with your bags. For security reasons, never leave your luggage and personal items unattended at the airport.

Behave sensibly. Unruly, disruptive and disorderly behaviour can result in being denied boarding and can lead to intervention by Australian Federal Police in Australian airports.

Drink responsibly. While it can be tempting to have a few drinks before your flight, it’s an offence to enter an aircraft intoxicated.

If you miss your flight. If despite all your good planning you miss your flight, contact your airline quickly to see what can be done to assist you. This is especially important if you’re on a multi-itinerary international flight. Your airline may have conditions that state if you fail to show up for a flight, and don’t make contact, you then forfeit all future flights on the itinerary with no refund rights.

What happens if your flight is delayed, disrupted, or cancelled?

Flight delays and cancellations can occur for many reasons, including weather, air traffic control and airport restrictions outside the airline’s control. Your options and any assistance depend on the airline’s policies, the cause of the disruption and how you booked.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled:

• check updates from the airline (app, SMS, email or airport screens)
• speak with airline staff at the airport
• contact your travel agent if you booked through one, and
• make sure your contact details are up to date.

Booking directly with the airline will usually help with changes. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party platform, you may need to contact them instead.

Airlines must set out their policies in their conditions of carriage or customer charters. Depending on the circumstances, some airlines may offer meals, accommodation or transfers for significant delays. This assistance is not always automatic, so ask what is available. Keep receipts if you incur expenses, as you may be able to seek reimbursement under airline policies or travel insurance.

Your entitlements are generally determined by the airline’s terms and conditions and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Under the ACL, you may be entitled to remedies, such as a refund or replacement service, if you do not receive what you paid for.

If your flight is disrupted, airlines will generally offer:

• Rebooking if you still need to travel
• Refund if you no longer wish to travel (timing and fees may vary, especially if booked through an agent)

Travel insurance may cover some costs, depending on your policy and the reason for the disruption. Check your coverage and keep supporting documents.

For more information about your consumer rights if your flight is disrupted, please visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) website or visit our website.

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