Security screening
Our focus is to provide efficient screening processes that show respect for all passengers, while at the same time assuring the highest level of security standards are maintained.
Australian Government regulations specify that everyone, including passengers, aircrew and airport workers, undergo security screening at Hobart Airport before boarding a flight or moving into secure areas of terminals. Additional screening requirements apply to travellers flying internationally direct from Hobart.
While you have the right to decline any screening process, please be aware that without undergoing this screening, you will not be permitted to proceed to the boarding gate or board your flight.
What to expect at security screening
Follow these simple steps to help you get through security screening quickly and easily.
- Prepare for screening by removing all items from your pockets (including non-metallic items like tissues) and place them in your bag.
- Leave all laptops, tablets, electronic devices and toiletries in your bag/s.
- Once at the front of the queue, collect the next available tray.
- Place your bag/s in the tray.
- Remove any remaining items from your pockets and place them in the tray.
- Remove your outer bulky items (e.g. coats, steel-capped boots, belts, scarves and hats) and place in the tray.
- Walk through the security scanner. If prompted, stand squarely with your feet on the shoe markings and hold your arms slightly away from your body.
- Follow the instructions of the security screening officers: If no alarm sounds, you may then collect your belongings. If an alarm sounds, you may be required to undertake secondary screening.
Body scanners
Body scanner screening is mandatory for all travellers entering the secure areas of Hobart Airport.
Body scanners are designed to detect all items worn or carried on a person, not just metallic items. They are the most advanced means of detecting items worn or carried by people including prohibited items.
Body scanners used for aviation security screening in Australia do not emit ionising radiation like that of X-rays or pose any known health risks to passengers or operators. This technology emits less non-ionising radiation than a mobile phone.
Secondary screening
If body scanner alarms go off during screening, passengers will be subject to further screening before being cleared for travel. This may include the removal of outer garments, including headwear or footwear.
For more information about how body scanners work, go to Australian Government TravelSECURE website.
Passengers with special circumstances
Passengers or visitors with accessibility needs or requiring assistance may require other screening methods, where appropriate. This may take more time and should be factored into planning ahead of your flight. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with one of our screening staff.
Special circumstances may include:
- Medicines, medical devices/equipment, mobility aids, prosthetics
- Travellers who are blind or have low vision
- Assistance animals
- Cultural or religious requirements
For more information go to Australian Government TravelSECURE website.
Baggage
You are responsible for keeping track of your own possessions when you pass through the screening point. We suggest that you put your valuables, such as wallet, passport, jewellery and camera, in your bag before arriving at the screening point.
Learn more about what you carry via the Australian Government TravelSECURE website.
Unattended baggage
Baggage must never be left unattended in and around the terminal. All such baggage will be treated as suspicious. All belongings should be clearly tagged with your contact details and your destination displayed on the outside. Airlines supply luggage tags for this purpose and are available at the check-in counters. Ensure that you pack your own bags and never take items on board an aircraft for other people.
Dangerous goods
Some items cannot be taken onboard an aircraft as they have the potential to be used to harm other passengers and crew.
Please ensure you do not carry any flammable liquids, gases or other dangerous goods with you or in your luggage.
These items are not permitted on the aircraft as they are capable of posing a significant risk to health and safety when transported by air. Such items will be removed by security staff when detected.
Items prohibited in hand luggage
Bladed implements such as knives and tools, household flammable goods, and items that could be used as a weapon or to restrain someone are prohibited in hand luggage. For an up-to-date list of prohibited items please follow the link below.
If these items are not surrendered at the screening points the passenger is in breach of Australian Government regulations and the airline will not allow the passenger to travel. Please ensure no items are in your hand luggage before reaching the screening point otherwise detection of these items at screening points will require you to surrender these.
Helpful information
Explosive Trace Detection
Explosive Trace Detection machines are in use at Hobart Airport. Passengers and baggage may be tested at screening points.
Security related threats
Passengers and airport visitors are warned that all threats and comments made about the carrying of weapons or explosives – whether intended as a joke or not – will be taken seriously and may result in refusal of carriage on flights and prosecution by law enforcement.
Passenger drop-off
Australian Government security requirements dictate that vehicles dropping off passengers at the front of the terminal must be attended at all times. The driver of the vehicle must remain with their vehicle.
Any vehicle left unattended will be subject to an immediate fine and may be towed away.
Visitors to the Airport are encouraged to use the car parking options available if they wish to enter the terminal to greet or farewell passengers. Our Long Term and Saver Car Parks also have a 15-minute free period if you wish to take advantage of this option.
Closed Circuit Television Monitoring (CCTV)
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) operates at Hobart Airport. CCTV significantly increases the ability to monitor areas of the airport and immediately act on any unlawful activity. This increases the safety of passengers, visitors to the airport and employees.
Frequently asked questions
How do body scanners work?
Body scanners are used at many Australian domestic and international airports. They are:
- designed to detect all items that might be concealed on a person, not just metallic items, including prostheses and medical devices or equipment such as an insulin pump or ostomy bag the most advanced means of detecting items worn or carried by people including:
- explosives
- weapons
- other prohibited items.
What imagery in shown on body scanners
The scanners create a three-dimensional image by collecting radio waves emitted by or reflected from the body. This image is in a generic format that:
- protects people’s privacy
- shows no human anatomy
- does not collect or store any personal information.
I have a medical device, will the body scanner affect it?
Body scanners in Australia use non-ionising millimetre wave technology, similar to a mobile phone, not X-ray technology. Body scanners in Australia do not pose any known health risks to people, and there are no known safety concerns to people with active implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers or continuous glucose monitoring devices.
It may streamline the screening process if you have a letter or medical identification card from your legal medical practitioner that describes your medicines, medical device or equipment.
We recommend you talk with your legal medical practitioner or check the manufacturer instructions for guidance on whether your medical device or equipment is suitable for screening by:
- A body scanner which is used to screen people (millimetre wave technology)
- X-ray technology which is used to screen baggage and personal effects
If your device or equipment is not suitable for screening by body scanner, walk-through metal detector or X-ray, make the screening officer aware of any restrictions before beginning the screening process.
Have your medication, medical device or equipment, and supporting evidence, such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, ready for inspection and present them to the screening officer at the beginning of the security screening process.
Can I choose to be screened with an alternative method?
Body scanner security screening is mandatory for all travellers entering the secure areas of Hobart Airport.
While you have the right to decline any screening process, please be aware that without undergoing the required screening, you will not be permitted to proceed to the boarding gate or board your flight.
Hobart Airport adheres strictly to the guidelines set by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. For more information please see: People with special circumstances.
What are the security screening requirements if I’m travelling internationally?
When flying direct from Hobart to an international destination, you will pass through an additional screening point for international travellers.
There are restrictions in Australia of the quantity of liquids, aerosols, gels and certain powders you can carry on board international flights. If you are unsure if an item will pass screening, pack it in your checked baggage.
Find more information on the Australian Government’s TravelSECURE website.
Is there a dedicated accessibility or assistance lane?
Yes, there is a dedicated assistance area at the screening point. Our friendly staff can accommodate accessibility needs wherever possible.
Additionally, if you have a mobility aid, such as a cane, crutches or wheelchair, and cannot hold the required poses for the body scanner equipment, the screening officer may carry out screening using other methods.
How are children and infants screened?
The screening method used will depend on:
- whether the child can walk without help through the security screening point
- the height of the child.
Infants carried in a child carrier must be removed from the carrier before undergoing security screening.
Child carriers, including strollers and prams, must be screened along with other carry-on baggage. Many airlines have limitations on what items can be brought on board an aircraft due to space and stowage constraints. If you are unsure, check with your airline before you travel.
What is an Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) test?
Staff may test you and your baggage for traces of explosives. If you’re selected for an ETD test, whether randomly or as a part of your security screening, and you decline to undergo testing, you will not be permitted past the security screening point to board your aircraft.
Visit the TravelSECURE website for further information about ETD screening.
Why does carry-on baggage need to be screened?
Baggage screening is an important measure to improve your security when flying to and from Australia. If you refuse to allow the security screening officer to screen your carry-on bags, you will not be permitted to pass through the security point to board your aircraft.
Some items cannot be taken onboard an aircraft as they have the potential to be used to harm other passengers and crew. A full list of these items can be found on the TravelSECURE website.