Security FAQs at Adelaide Airport

Everyone who wants to enter the secure area of the airport, including passengers (adults, children and babies), visitors and staff, must be screened

It is compulsory to be properly screened before you can access the secure areas of Adelaide Airport. This means you will be required to go through the scanner if you want to proceed to the departures area  - this is a requirement of the Australian Government Aviation Transport Security regulations. You can refuse to go through the scanner; however, this means you will not be able to proceed to the departure hall. If you require special assistance due to medical or other devices, please speak with our security team.

Body scanners utilise state-of-the-art technology to employ millimetre-wave imaging to detect items concealed under clothing. These waves penetrate clothing and reflect off a passenger's skin and any concealed objects. The reflected waves are used to generate an image that shows the outline of a person's body and highlights the location of any items that may be a threat.

Yes, including children, those with medical implants and pregnant travellers. Unlike X-rays, millimetre waves are non-ionising and do not pose a health risk. The energy emitted is also significantly less than that of a mobile phone.

Only if they set off the body scanner. If that happens, security staff may ask you to remove them and walk through again.

Planning before you arrive at the airport will help you move through security screening faster and with less hassle. 

There are rules about what you can pack in your bags or carry onto a plane. Some items are not allowed because they could be used to harm others. These items can’t go past the security screening point or be taken onboard. 

If a screening officer finds one of these items in your carry-on bag, you won’t be able to take it through. Airports and airlines are not required to store or return surrendered items. 

Not sure if an item is allowed? Play it safe — check with your airline before you fly or leave it at home. In some cases, you may be able to pack the item in your checked baggage but always check with your airline first. 

Some items that aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage may be okay in your checked bags. However, some things are considered dangerous goods and can’t be packed at all — even in checked baggage. 

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) sets the rules for what’s considered a dangerous good. To check if your item is restricted, visit the CASA website for advice before you travel. 

The X-ray machines will not cause damage to electronics. If you have questions regarding camera film, please ask a security officer for assistance before proceeding through.

Yes, everyone, including pets and assistance animals, must go through security screening.

Sometimes security staff will swab your bag, laptop, or even your clothing. This is called Explosive Trace Detection (ETD), and it’s a quick check for tiny traces of explosives.

Yes, completely safe. The process is non-invasive, doesn’t damage your belongings, and leaves no marks or residue.

Yes, absolutely. You can request a private search for yourself or your hand luggage. These are always carried out with a second officer present, and you’re welcome to bring a support person with you.

At times, you may be asked to undergo a frisk search — for example, if you set off an alarm, including in a sensitive area, while passing through screening. 

A frisk search is a physical pat-down conducted by a screening officer to help resolve any alarms triggered by walk-through detection equipment.

Here’s what to expect: 

• You will always be asked for your consent before a frisk search is performed. 
• If you’d prefer, you may choose to have the frisk search conducted in a private room. 
• If a private room is requested, you’ll need to provide written consent. 
• You may also request that a support person accompany you. 

Just let the screening staff know what you’re most comfortable with — your consent and choice of setting will always be respected. 

You can take all personal items that are not on the prohibited items or dangerous goods lists. You can carry liquids, aerosols and gels that follow the regulation guidelines for international flights.

The weight and size of your luggage are determined by your airline. Please check with them before flying, as they may refuse items that exceed the weight limit.

Yes, prams and strollers can go through the checkpoint; they’ll just be screened like your bags, and you may be asked by security staff to carry or walk your child through. If you’d like to take a pram or stroller on the plane, please contact your airline first.

Yes, you can; however, most airlines prefer that car seats be placed in the hold. If you’d like to take a car seat on the plane, please contact your airline first.

Yes, you can. As long as they’re not dangerous goods or prohibited items, you’re fine to carry them through the first security point. Your airline may have its own rules, so it’s always best to check directly with them.

Yes, you can use your own wheelchair through the security checkpoint at Adelaide Airport and proceed to the gate. However, you will need to check it in for storage in the aircraft's cargo hold before boarding, and you'll be provided with an airport aisle wheelchair to use until then. You must arrange assistance with your airline in advance, providing them with details about your wheelchair, especially if it's battery powered. 

Items such as CPAP machines, insulin pumps, and other medical devices can be taken with you. We may ask to screen them separately, this helps to better protect your items and reduces the risk of damage by X-ray machines. Sometimes you may be asked for supporting documents (for example, a doctor’s letter or prescription).

Yes, before you travel, speak with your legal medical practitioner or check your manufacturer’s instructions to confirm whether your device or equipment can safely go through: 

• A body scanner (used to screen people), or 
• X-ray technology (used to screen baggage and personal items). 

Body scanners used in Australia do not use X-rays. They use non-ionising millimetre wave technology, similar to what’s used in mobile phones. 

Yes, you can take a walking frame through Adelaide Airport. However, non-collapsible frames must be checked in and will be loaded into the aircraft's cargo hold. Collapsible frames can be stowed in the cabin if space is available. You should contact your airline in advance to arrange assistance, such as a wheelchair to help you reach the departure gate, and to confirm their specific policies and the process for using your mobility aid.

Yes, you can help a family member to their flight at Adelaide Airport, but you will need to go through security screening to enter the departures terminal and then proceed to the gate. 

We recommend contacting your travel agent or airline, as they will make all necessary arrangements for airport assistance. Discover more about our accessible airport and receive our expert advice on planning your trip. 

You do not need to remove your hearing aid before screening.

Please speak to the Security Officer and the most suitable screening process will be determined.

Screening officers may use hand signals to gain your attention if needed.

Screening officers will explain each step and guide you through the screening process. You may be offered an alternative screening method based on your needs. 

Canes cannot go through a body scanner. If you are unable to be separated from your cane, let a screening officer know — they will arrange for a suitable alternative screening method. 

If screening officers need to search your belongings, they will place items back where they found them so they’re easy for you to locate. 

You and your animal may be screened separately or together. You do not have to be separated from your animal at any time throughout the screening process. 

If you’re travelling with an assistance animal, rest assured — you’ll never be separated from them during screening unless you choose to be. 

When you arrive at the screening point, simply let the screening staff know your preference. You can choose to be screened with your assistance animal or have them screened separately if that suits you better.

If you choose to stay together, a screening officer will use an alternative screening method and will always ask for your permission before checking your animal. 

Screening your assistance animal includes a check of its:

• collar
• harness
• leash
• vest

Any items that can easily be removed may be screened using X-ray equipment.

Just let staff know what works best for you. We're here to support a smooth and respectful journey for both you and your assistance animal. 

Where possible, screening officers will allow support items (such as comfort tools, aids or sensory devices) to remain with you during screening. 

While you cannot choose your method of screening, if a certain method is unsuitable, we suggest carrying supporting documentation (such as a letter from your medical practitioner). This will help the screening officer select an appropriate screening method for your needs. More information on travelling through the airport with a hidden disability can be found on our website.

Screening staff are trained to support passengers with specific cultural or religious needs. We understand that religious observance may include wearing items such as hats, turbans, or other head coverings.

A screening officer:

• May ask you to remove the item for inspection
• Cannot force you to remove it
• May not be able to clear you through screening if you decline to remove it.

If requested, a private room can be provided for item removal.

Religious items:

Some religious items may be classed under Australian law as prohibited items or weapons. If you're unsure, we recommend packing them in checked baggage or arranging alternative transport to your destination. 

The Australian Government recognises that transgender and non-binary passengers may have specific questions or concerns during the screening process.

At any time during screening, you can request:

• A different screening officer
• To speak with the on-duty screening supervisor

Body scanners:

Most Australian airports use gender-neutral body scanner technology. However, if required, the screening officer may need to select a gender for the scan based on your external appearance. 

Secondary screening:

If the scanner alarms, a secondary screening may be required. If a frisk search is needed, the screening officer will:

• Ask how you identify your gender
• Offer to have a screening officer of the same or your preferred gender (as far as practicable) conduct the search
• Offer the use of a private screening room 

For more information, visit Security screening at airports. 

Domestic flights:

Friends or family flying within Australia? You’re welcome to go through security screening and wait with them in the domestic departure hall. 

Just like passengers, you’ll need to pass through security screening, but once inside you can relax and enjoy the shops, cafés and amenities until it’s time for them to board. Please note you won’t be able to follow them through the boarding gate. 

International flights:

Adelaide Airport has a shared terminal for both domestic and international flights — so you can head through security screening and spend time with your loved one in the general departure hall before they fly overseas. 

However, once they enter the international departures zone to clear international screening, passport control and customs, it’s time to say your goodbyes. Only international passengers can proceed beyond that point. 

When welcoming someone home, international passengers will complete their arrivals process — including passport control, baggage collection, and customs — before meeting you in the public arrivals hall on the ground floor. 

You're welcome to bring your video or camera gear through Adelaide Airport. But please be mindful — filming or photographing security screening equipment, staff (including Australian Border Force) is not allowed and may be considered suspicious. It could be referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). 

Filming and photography is strictly prohibited in security screening areas and Customs and Passport Control areas. 

If you’re planning to film for commercial or media purposes, please refer to our filming and photography guidelines and get in touch with our team for permission. 

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Comments or jokes about weapons, explosives, or security threats are taken seriously — and could result in refused travel or referral to the AFP for prosecution. 

If you see or hear anything that doesn’t seem right, report it to the Australian Federal Police on 131 AFP (131 237). No concern is too small.

Please never leave your baggage unattended anywhere at the airport. Unattended items may be treated as suspicious and reported to the AFP.

• Always clearly label your bags with your contact details and destination.
• Pack your bags yourself.
• Never carry anything on behalf of someone you don’t know or trust. 

If you spot unattended baggage, notify the Australian Federal Police on 131 237.

Adelaide Airport is monitored by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security. CCTV allows for real-time monitoring and rapid response to any suspicious or unlawful activity — helping keep passengers, visitors and staff safe.

Security regulations mean that vehicles at the terminal drop-off and pick-up zones must be attended at all times.

• Drivers must stay with their vehicles and may stop for no longer than two minutes.
• Unattended vehicles will be fined and may be towed without warning.

If you’d like to come inside to greet or farewell someone, please use one of our nearby parking options. Unattended vehicles close to the terminal are considered a potential security risk — so plan ahead and park safely.

If you're flying on a direct international flight from Adelaide, you’ll go through an additional security screening point after the main screening area and before passport control. 

As part of international security requirements, there are restrictions on the quantity of liquids, aerosols, gels (LAGs), and some inorganic powders (like powdered baby formula or protein powders) in your carry-on baggage. 

Here’s the important bit: 

At this second screening point, you’ll need to remove more items than you did at the main checkpoint. 

Take out and place separately in trays: 

Laptops & tablets 

• Aerosols 
• All LAGs (Liquids, Aerosols & Gels) 
• Inorganic powders (like powdered supplements, talc or spices) 

Pack the liquid, aerosol and gel items in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. Four sides of the bag’s sealed area must add up to no more than 80cms (e.g. 20x20cm or 15x25cm). The items should fit comfortably in the bag. Only one bag per person is allowed. Australia restricts the quantity of liquids, aerosols, gels and certain powders you can carry on board international flights. Powder items are to be kept separate from the liquid, aerosol and gel bag. These restrictions do not apply to your checked baggage or most domestic flights.  

Duty free goods in a sealed tamper- evident bag with relevant proof of purchase can be taken on board. Please note that if you have stopovers during your flight, your duty free goods might be subject to powders, liquids, aerosols and gels restrictions. Read advice on when to purchase duty-free. 

Exceptions apply to baby products, medical (prescription and non-prescription) items and dietary requirements. Exempt items do not have to be carried in the clear, resealable plastic bag, but will still need to be security screened. 

For a complete list of what’s allowed and what’s not, head to the official TravelSECURE website. 

Present all powder, liquid, aerosol and gel items to security screening staff if required. Duty free purchases of powder, liquid, aerosol or gel items may also need to be presented to screening staff at this point 

Surrender any over-sized powder, liquid, aerosol or gel items to screening staff.

If you’re flying overseas, liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less. They all need to fit inside a clear, resealable plastic bag no bigger than 1 litre. Powders over 350ml may need extra checks. More information is available on the government website. You will be screened for these items at a secondary screening point in the Adelaide Airport international departures area. 

Liquids, aerosols and gels (often called LAGs) include items such as drinks, water bottles, toiletries, perfumes, deodorants, creams, pastes, gels, cosmetics, hairspray, shaving foam, jams, sauces, yoghurts and soups. If an item can be poured, pumped, squeezed, spread, smeared, sprayed or spilled, it is classed as a liquid, aerosol or gel.

If you are travelling on a domestic connection then yes, you can, as long as they’re sealed in a tamper-evident bag with the receipt inside. If you’re unsure, just ask your airline or the duty-free team when you buy them. However, if you are flying internationally you cannot put items over 100ml in your hand luggage.

You can carry as many items as fit into the 1L plastic bag, and this bag must be sealed and the overall weight of the carry-on bag must meet the airline’s baggage weight limit requirements.

The container size is measured, regardless of the amount of liquid it contains. It must also state the capacity of the container. This means you cannot take on a 250ml bottle with less than half the liquid inside (equivalent to roughly 100ml)

Yes, there are no limits to the amount of milk powder that may be carried. Bottled water is available at the shops after security and on board your flight. The usual restrictions to liquids (100ml maximum carried in a sealed, transparent bag) do not apply. However, please note that the amount carried should be sufficient for your trip and will be subject to security screening. This rule also applies to jars of baby food.

You may still carry prescription medicines, medical equipment, baby products and non-prescription medicines that you need for the flight through the screening point. Proof of need may be required. For Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels, amounts fewer than 100ml should be placed in a sealed, transparent, resealable bag. If the container is larger than 100ml, it will need to be screened at the security checkpoint. 

Non-prescription medication may be taken on board. They should be marked appropriately with a professionally printed label identifying the medication and the manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label.