In view of the current heightened terrorist alert, I question the policy of zero ID checking on domestic flights boarded at the main airports.

In view of the current heightened terrorist alert, I question the policy of zero ID checking on domestic flights boarded at the main airports. This is in stark contrast to the US where every passenger is ID checked? How is this justified?

I agree with you, GregXl. Having lived in the US for several years, I've also found it strange that you can travel domestically anonymously. I was on a Qantas domestic flight from Syd to Mel a couple of days ago and the flight deck door was open, mid flight for several minutes. I shared a few glances with other disconcerted passengers.

I agree 100%. I am American and have lived in Australia for the past four years. I have done hundreds of domestic flights all over Australia and I have NEVER ONCE been asked to show an ID at check in, baggage check, security, boarding, onboard, or baggage claim. And most of my travel has been on Virgin Australia with a solid chunk on Qantas and a few on Jetstar. Security at domestic airports in Australia is an absolute joke compared to the United States. Anyone can go all the way up to the gate with no boarding pass. I could easily take someone else's flight for them because no one ever bothers to check. I know its the norm to not ask for ID but I think this 'convenience' should change. Airport terminals would be much more secure and comfortable if people were checked for identification at check in and have boarding passes to go through security.

because I always feel 'secure' and 'comfortable' when passing through the security theatre of TSA. Its not like there would be a security risk if you were taking someone else's flight for them, you still have to go through security. I'd much prefer our current system as long as security screening is being done properly than the paranoia and drama that the TSA exhibit.

Ill leave it to the experts rather than 'your opinion'. Comparing us to the USA is just stupid

Not forgetting that years ago, when there was even just a murmur of an Australia identity card, it blew up in their faces, a resounding no.

Also, we pay a security levy, I do wonder, if there was going to be people checking id of all flyers, will it then mean the security levy, ie, ticket fares have to rise to cover the wages of that extra security check?

Look at NZ, they don't even have full body scans for international passengers departing NZ, not even on flights to the US.  Just a secondary passport check at the gate, when they block off the whole gate prior to US bound flight boarding.

If you lot are happy to pay more for your flights, then its your right to have extra id checks.

BUT, who knows, there could be covert means of tracking movements of us on Australian domestic flights that we are not aware of.