New Australian airport security rules restrict travelling with powder
By Chris C., June 22 2018
Passengers departing from Australian international airports will soon be subjected to new security screening rules, restricting powdered items in carry-on baggage on all flights from June 30.
Under the new policy, all powders must be presented separately for inspection at the international security checkpoint. This includes everything from cosmetics – such as powdered foundation, blush and other similar items – through to baby formula, ground or powdered coffee, sugar, spices and more.
Further restrictions apply to ‘inorganic powders’, which the Australian Government defines as “a powder not consisting of, or derived from, living matter”, like salt, sand, talcum powder, powdered deodorant, foot powder, detergents and cleaning products.
These inorganic powered items will only be permitted through the checkpoint from June 30 if carried in a container no larger than 350 millilitres or 350 grams.
The total volume of inorganic powder each passenger can carry is also capped at 350 millilitres or 350 grams, so while there’s no restriction on the number of containers of inorganic powder per person, the total volume of all the containers must be 350ml/g or less.
Advice from the Australian Government is that “passengers cannot tip (inorganic) powders out to fall under the 350ml threshold, as the restriction is calculated on total container volume”, not how much inorganic powder is inside each container.
Passengers carrying inorganic powders in excess of this limit are advised to place them in their checked bag, as these restrictions only apply to cabin baggage.
The new ‘350ml/g rule’ will also not apply to organic powders – such as cosmetics, food, baby formula, coffee, protein powder, flour, spices and sugar. You’ll still need to present these items separately at the checkpoint, but that’s it.
Unlike liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) which are also subject to restrictions on international flights – and this remains so – powders do not need to be carried in a clear resealable plastic bag: just place the containers directly onto the X-ray tray, just as you’d do with your laptop and ‘LAG bag’.
These rules all come into play on June 30, affecting all passengers departing from all Australian international airports, bound for any destination with any airline.
Passengers travelling on domestic legs of international flights – such as QF9 from Melbourne to Perth – are also subject to the new powder rules, as are passengers transiting Australia internationally, such as with China Airlines from Taipei to Auckland via Brisbane, when clearing transit security in Australia.
Security screening requirements on Australian domestic flights departing from domestic terminals remain unchanged, with no restrictions on the types or volumes of powder that travellers can bring with them.
The United States is also adopting powder restrictions at its own TSA security screening points from June 30 – affecting both domestic and international flights from the US, including international flights to Australia – with passengers permitted up to 12 ounces (340g/354ml) of powder per person in carry-on baggage.
For more information, visit the Australian Government's TravelSECURE website.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
24 Feb 2017
Total posts 14
I think they are already onto it. I got pulled up (international - not US) with a tub of Gatorade on my hand luggage a couple of weeks ago and through for a second round of screening. Come to think of it, the same thing happened a few months earlier.
04 Dec 2013
Total posts 156
Looks like I picked the wrong week to start trafficking cocaine...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jul 2012
Total posts 118
That’s organic powder, so you are all clear.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
26 Jun 2011
Total posts 76
HAHAHA @ dimi! You're clear to go @ Rufus1!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
Careful Rufus.....the TSA and other agencies have a wide reach and don't share a sense of humour like most normal folk do....LOL
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Ooh boy. Security screening is going to get even more fun now.
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
16 Oct 2017
Total posts 157
Now wait for the updated advice: "you should check in 8 hours prior to your flight..."
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
16 Oct 2017
Total posts 157
Why do we have the liquids, powders and removing laptops farce on trans-Tasman flights?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
26 Jun 2011
Total posts 76
Because we haven't conquered New Zealand yet! The "All Blacks" are too strong!
29 Jan 2015
Total posts 41
Because NZ is not yet a colony of Australia?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Aug 2016
Total posts 64
Damn, lucky I am leaving BNE on 28 June and dodge another bullet...sorry that should read personal screening
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Apr 2017
Total posts 32
So the practice of many/most airlines only opening flights for AP check-in 3 hours before take off.... might need a review?
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 6
Who comes up with this stuff?
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1029
Stupid people come up with this nonsense. It's just fear mongering and baseless paranoia.
These bans and limits they come up with for carry on baggage do absolutely nothing for security, have no basis in science and does nothing more then give the appearance of "security", while in reality, it is only a distraction which takes time and resources away from looking for things that do matter (like WEI).
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
Totally on the ball Himeno. These schemes are dreamt up by bureaucrats and probably lobbyists, the latter expert at getting in ill-infomed Ministers' ears. Security companies benefit, but I don't know of one that is listed on ASX so can't recommend purchasing shares in one.
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 31
"We seem powerless against...."
*powderless
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 74
This new "super-ministry" of Home Affairs is totally out of control.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 74
Wonder who friend of a friend in Canberra will get the contract for millions of dollars for a mini laboratory at each security point in the country to test powders and determine if they are organic or inorganic while large numbers of passengers miss their flight due to this stupidity.
25 Feb 2017
Total posts 25
Politicians and Senior Government Officials who are of course exempt from standing in Line like the Majority of Frequent Flyers has nobody in Australia considered the USA Style Known Traveller System.
Air Canada - Aeroplan
28 Feb 2015
Total posts 115
You overrate the Known Traveller System. I have a Nexus card (I'm resident in Canada; card is issued by the US Government) but it does *not* exempt one from security checks and the rules remain the same for everyone. In my home city it only means that I'll never be randomly sent to the line for a super-thorough check (aka get taken apart); and the line is shorter only when the Nexus line is actually open, which isn't all that often. Even at LAX I've found the Nexus / Trusted Traveller line closed (early evening). As a trusted traveller you may get lucky and be approved for TSA Pre-Check, and that really is much faster - but that's only outbound from the US, never inbound.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 May 2013
Total posts 144
Can passengers book themselves for MEL-PER and not travel to LHR, if so, how would these apply on the domestic legs of international flights @ securtiy?
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1029
If you fly on QF9/10 between MEL and PER, you go through the international screening. The only difference is that you aren't subject to the normal international customs and immigration rules.
Domestic sectors of international flights are treated the same as any other international flight regaruding security.
12 Aug 2017
Total posts 75
Good idea. Keeps us as safe as possible. Annoying but accept
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1029
"As safe as possile" How?
26 Sep 2017
Total posts 38
Safe as possible?....you can take a cigarette lighter aboard...and a lighter can bring an airliner down...you can't take scissors on board...and there's no chance scissors would bring an airliner down!!!....don't be silly!!
21 Dec 2012
Total posts 44
don't forget the humble roll of electrical tape. I've had that one confiscated because it could be used to restrain people... I was flattered the security guy thought I had the ninja skills to creep through the plane wrapping everyone's wrists to the armrests without being detected (and displaying incredible rationing of one tape roll for a whole A330) ;)
Air Canada - Aeroplan
28 Feb 2015
Total posts 115
At a supplementary gate check (SYD to YVR) I had a plastic knife (taken from an aircraft) confiscated, even though I was travelling in J where the knives are metal. They also took a 35ml plastic container of moisturiser because it didn't have a label, and when I said I needed it for a long flight the officer said I could put some on my face before he confiscated the rest (which I did). Oh yes, and a paperclip - admittedly a large one - which is a pointed object when bent out. When I raged about this to the flight attendant on board, she said, "That's nothing. Last week one of our pilots had his razor confiscated. Security was unmoved by the fact that he was actually flying the plane, and furthermore, had a machete in the cockpit. So, he can have a machete but not a razor".
QF
21 Jul 2016
Total posts 32
Hang on, the araticle in one place says organic compounds are included, then say they are excluded. Which is it?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 May 2016
Total posts 7
How will they know a substance is organic or non-organic. For example sugar -vs- salt
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Jul 2015
Total posts 1
You ask who comes up with these ideas
17 Jan 2018
Total posts 83
Way over the top. Makes you want to avoid Australian airports whenever possible and transit in more user friendly locations. The inconsistency of these rules always amazes me from one country to another. Like the rediculous rule that liquid duty free has to be picked up at gate for OZ bound flights.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Nov 2017
Total posts 8
I was pulled aside 2 weeks ago to unpack a ~150ml bottle of psyllium husk (sprinkled on breakfast muesli) which looks like dessicated coconut. Was told powders like this display the same as liquid on their x-ray screens. Which is a bit surprising considering the totally different characteristics.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1029
Japan has had liquid scanners for years and has made them available to the US and others still insisting on these silly nonsensical liquid bans.
The US doesn't want them because they aren't US designed and made.
05 Oct 2017
Total posts 526
"Not USA designed and made". Now come on, you know as well as me they would be made in China anyway. The USA barely manufactures anything anymore, other than aircraft and military hardware.
05 Oct 2017
Total posts 526
Forget about any distinctions between organic and inorganic. The poorly educated and poorly trained personnel at airport screening checkpoints won't and can't be expected to know the differences. Basically ALL powders are going to be a problem now and the solution is to pack ALL of them into your checked luggage. Or do without them altogether. If all you're carrying is talcum powder, consider buying some once you get to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong etc. as they are probably cheaper over there anyway.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
While I don't carry it. Metamucil is sold in as large as 673g containers, so one wonders how many will be 'caught short' by this. It is an 'organic powder' but will security staff obsess over it and think it's subject to the 350ml/g maximum new rule?
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Apr 2016
Total posts 21
Can we take in Air or do the lungs have to be empty.
25 Oct 2010
Total posts 24
Here is the proper test for whether or not a security test is legit/needed. Do they do is in TLV? I have just flown into and out of Ben Gurion. The Israelis have the best and toughest security. Yet they do not require powder to be separately screened. Means this is bogus. Who's the winner with this policy? Duty free powder sales will go up.
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Dec 2016
Total posts 5
Slightly off topic but worthy of note. I just flew SYD/SFO and after checking into Hotel and opening suitcase, saw a note inside from TSA saying they had opened my bag for checking. No problem with that however on further unpacking noticed they had removed two sealed Panadol Osteo 96 tabs boxes. I don’t understand why they removed these unless there is a poor TSA person with arthritis! I had slight revenge on return journey when they broke lock on spare bag I had added to luggage and it was full of accumulated dirty laundry! I have had medical supplies taken by them on a previous trip.
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
16 Oct 2017
Total posts 157
I think each of these tabs has about 650mg paracetamol? The largest one allowed in the U.S. without prescription is 500mg - they call that "extra strength". If you could get a prescription before your next USA trip they'll most likely let it through. If you had a prescription and if that was attached to the Panadol Osteo they were wrong to take it. Either way, having it in your carry on next time will give you the chance to explain.
17 Jan 2018
Total posts 83
The logic of extreme security measures for outgoing international and transit passengers also makes no sense! Whos security/interests are we putting first? Surely focus should be on inbound (but only if justified). And restrictions on domestic flights much lower. A big hole/blind spot in the whole process.
07 Jun 2016
Total posts 29
Surely you’re not saying that protecting the lives of your fellow countrymen and those of other countries by protecting them from their plane being blown up mid-air is only important in one direction but not the other?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 May 2018
Total posts 74
Yep RSD.. the TSA managed to inspect my used grotty socks/jocks etc a couple years ago ex Dallas.. hope they had fun.
There was a great cartoon a couple years back (I think that it was a Bill Leak one), when full body scanners were introduced..with the travellers having to be nude and one guy being told that he would get his false teeth back at his destination. Personally I don't take anything other than a days pills and a hand sanitiser in cabin baggage on an international flight. The comments re confiscating medication out of checked baggage are a worry.
22 Dec 2017
Total posts 26
I wonder if the mass spectrometer they use for explosives detection will have capability added to to distinguish organic from inorganic power - or if they'll just buy another new expensive machine - or just not bother.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Nov 2017
Total posts 8
Very doubtful considering their current scanners can't distinguish between a low density organic powder & liquid. This deficiency probably initiated the new regs.
21 Dec 2012
Total posts 44
So, umm... wouldn't potential trouble makers just act like a Captain Planet and "with their powders combined" have a greater amount than 350ml? Now, I've never done that counter-terrorism course that was being advertised all over facebook for a while, but it just seems to make sense.
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 92
All medication should be carried in hand luggage with proper documentation, which includes copies of prescriptions and a signed doctors letter saying the carrier needs this medication. If you don't do this, not only can some medications be confiscated, but in some countries, our local Australian dispensed medications can be illegal to carry.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 May 2015
Total posts 30
Can we have security Express lanes marked "5 items or less" please?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Apr 2018
Total posts 11
Pointless. Far better use of resources would to do a quick TSA style ID-check prior to entering security. I find it a bit strange in this day and age that ID is not required to book, check in or board a flight. These sub-contracted security guards wouldn't have a clue which passengers are actually a threat or not.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1029
You think ID checks are needed, yet give a reason they are pointless in the same comment.
There is no security need what so ever for ID checks. The ONLY reason for ID checks in aviation is revenue protection.
11 Oct 2017
Total posts 2
The problem I have with all the airport security operations is that yesterday the personnel were warehouse security guards and today they are now managing airport security including explosive searchers. Go through Adelaide domestic and you have to take an umbrella out of your carry on....when asked why it occurs only in Adelaide I was told its their rules. I was under the impression, mistakenly obviously, that Australian airports were a federal facility as evidenced by AFP being on duty and that uniform federal laws should be applied.....ahhh the glamour of travel!!
11 Oct 2017
Total posts 9
Can anyone please explain exactly what is the supposed problem with powders.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 May 2018
Total posts 74
Hi NB
it goes to a current court case in NSW.. regarding the attempt to blow up a plane Etihad going Sydney to the middle east a year or so ago.
30 Aug 2018
Total posts 1
I have some vitamin tablets that was confiscated at the checkpoint for failing the powder rule, because the powder is ‘compressed’. Looking through the officia TSA/home affairs guideline no where did it mention that tablets are not permitted. I think this the intention is good but getting abit excessive
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