What you need to know about your onboard security, safety and health
Qantas security policy Full-body scanners
The Qantas Group has a strict policy of denying boarding, or off-loading any passenger who makes inappropriate comments or behaves inappropriately inflight or on the ground. Qantas will not accept any inappropriate comments as “jokes”. It will also seek to recover all costs incurred, including diversions as a result of security incidents, from those involved.
Group-wide security
Security screening is subject to the laws and regulations of the country of operation. The Qantas Group ensures that its passengers, staff and aircraft are safe and secure through an outcome-focused, risk-based approach to security management. Qantas security standards apply across the business, including QantasLink and Jetstar.
A dedicated operations centre monitors global security events 24 hours a day.
Security advice
Pack your own luggage
Do not carry any items for another person Carry valuables, approved medication and keys in your carry-on baggage
All knives, sharp objects or cutting implements must be in checked baggage
Security measures can include random frisk search after consent is obtained. Passengers may request privacy and must be searched by a screener of the same gender
Security screening is subject to the laws and regulations of the country of operation.
Restrictions on powders and liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs)
On all international flights to and from Australia: Each container of LAGs in your carry-on baggage must be 100ml or less
All 100ml containers must be placed in a single transparent one-litre plastic bag Plastic bags containing LAGs are to be screened separately from other carry-on baggage
All powders must be screened separately with restrictions on the carriage of inorganic powders over 350ml (350g) Passengers may still carry prescription medicines or baby products sufficient for the flight
If departing, transiting or transferring on an international flight at an Australian international gateway airport, duty-free powders and LAGs must be sealed, with receipt, in a security tamper-evident bag issued at the time of purchase
The Australian federal government has introduced full-body scanners at international gateway airports: Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, Melbourne and the Gold Coast
The Australian Federal Government has commenced introducing full-body scanners at major domestic airports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Townsville At international gateway airports passengers refusing to pass through the scanner will be banned from entering the sterile area or boarding an aircraft for 24 hours Exemptions apply for people with serious medical conditions, infants and small children, and people in wheelchairs
As per advice, the energy exposure is comparable to that from a mobile phone several metres away
There are no known safety concerns for people with pacemakers and metal implants or for pregnant women
Dangerous goods
Common items used every day may seem harmless but on an aircraft they may become dangerous. When the aircraft changes altitude, variations in temperature and pressure may cause items to leak, create fumes or catch fire.
Items that are forbidden on aircraft or have carriage restrictions include lithium batteries, other battery types, camping stoves, fuels, oils, compressed gases, aerosols, household cleaners, matches, lighters, paints, explosives (including flares, fireworks, sparklers and bonbons), emergency position-indicating radio beacons, radioactive material, biological and infectious substances and fuel-powered equipment. This list is not exhaustive so please carefully consider what items you pack for your next flight.
If you’re unsure about an item in your baggage, ask a member of our friendly cabin crew.
For further information, go to qantas.com or email dg@qantas.com.au.
Travel advice
Qantas is a partner in the Australian government’s Charter for Safe Travel. Travellers may obtain the latest travel advice for their destination by visiting smartraveller.gov.au.
Automated immigration clearance
Several countries are introducing automated immigration clearance procedures to cope with growing air-travel numbers. The goal is to provide a faster, smoother immigration experience to eligible passengers without compromising border security. Please note that some automated clearance options may not be available due to COVID. Countries providing facilities across our network:
Australia SmartGate: e-passport holders of Australia, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and US
China e-Channel: citizens of China
Hong Kong e-Channel Residents: citizens and residents of Hong Kong
Hong Kong e-Channel Visitors: frequent visitors that are visa-exempt, including Australians
Indonesia Autogate passport gates: citizens of Indonesia
Japan Speedy Immigration: citizens and foreign nationals with re-entry and special re-entry permits
New Zealand SmartGate Plus: e-passport holders of Australia, New Zealand, UK and US
Singapore enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS): citizens, permanent residents, work permit holders and APEC cardholders
UAE eGate: UAE citizens and residents
UK ePassport gates: e-passport holders of UK, Switzerland and European Economic Area (EEA)
USA Global Entry system: US citizens and permanent residents, Dutch citizens, South Korean citizens and Mexican nationals. Canadian citizens and residents with NEXUS membership
USA Automated Passport Control: for US, Canadian and Visa Waiver Program passport holders
Fee applies Pre-enrolment required