There are a range of factors that can affect the safety of aircraft and airlines. These include the weather, terrain, aviation infrastructure and the ways in which a country regulates its aviation industry. Aviation safety and security standards in some countries may not be equal to standards in Australia or meet those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Airline Safety
Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. Maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are not always properly observed. Passengers should check whether they are covered by airline insurance.
If you have concerns about aviation safety standards, you may wish to research airlines, aircraft and government safety supervision. However, specific information on airlines and aviation safety standards in other countries is limited. Some information is provided by organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU.
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) oversees the safety-related aspects of airlines and aircraft which fly into and within Australia. CASA also oversees Australian-registered aircraft overseas and foreign aircraft that fly into Australian airspace, but may not necessarily land in Australia. CASA does not regulate foreign aircraft or airports outside Australia.
Code Sharing
You could travel on a different airline than you expected due to the common practice of code sharing. This happens when an airline places its ‘code’ or flight number on another airline’s flight and both airlines market the flight as their own. If you are concerned that you may fly with a different airline than you expected, you should check arrangements with your intended airline before booking.
Australian Officials
When staff at Australia’s overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be clearly stated in the travel advice for that destination.
Aviation Safety and Airport Security Procedures
Terrorism
Aviation is a continuing potential terrorist target around the world.
Individual countries or airlines may put in place additional passenger screening measures and restrictions at short notice, which could cause delays at airports. You should follow the directions of airport security staff and flight crews at all times.
In many countries, airline passengers who make flippant remarks or jokes about security or terrorism in the presence of airline or airport staff, both on the ground or in the air, may be arrested and charged.
For more information about terrorism please read our additional information about aviation safety and security.
Hand Luggage
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only permitted to carry a small amount of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in their hand luggage. Where possible, you should pack LAGs in your checked baggage. If you wish to take LAG products onboard an aircraft, you are limited to products in containers of a maximum 100ml capacity, which must be carried in a transparent resealable plastic bag where the four sides must add up to no more than 80 centimetres (e.g. 20x20cm, or 15x25cm).
At the security screening point of an airport, passengers may be asked to surrender duty-free alcohol, perfume and cosmetics and other items exceeding 100ml in their carry-on baggage, including items bought duty-free at other airports.
Airport Security Requirements
You can check with your airline for advice on security requirements. You should arrive at the airport with plenty of time to undergo necessary screening and security checks. You should abide by all instructions, including signs and announcements. Travellers should also consult the travel advice for destinations to which they intend to travel.
Airport security at Australian airports
TravelSECURE is a traveller-friendly website developed by the Australian Government to help you prepare for your trip and familiarise yourself with security measures in place at Australian airports. Its purpose is to help travellers prepare for their journey so they can clear the security checks at the airport quickly and easily.
The site provides information about prohibited items, passenger and baggage screening as well as liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) restrictions. Travellers will also find recommendations about travelling with children, laptops, medicines and sports equipment.
Key information from TravelSECURE have been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish to ensure greater accessibility.
Other Information Sources
The web links below provide additional information and advice on hand-luggage restrictions, security check procedures, duty free purchases and packing guidelines for the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union and Canada:
- UK Department for Transport provides information on security procedures in the UK, including details on restrictions on hand luggage.
- US Transportation Security Administration provides details of security requirements for flights bound for the United States and for US domestic flights.
- European Commission: Transport provides information on European aviation safety and security policy.
- Transport Canada provides information on new airport security measures and procedures.