Airport Security Overview

The safety of those at Launceston Airport is of the utmost importance to us, which is why security is always a top priority.

We operate as per the stringent security standards set by the Federal Government.

To help you understand more about some of the security measures taken at Launceston Airport, we have explained them below.

Picking up and dropping off passengers at the airport.

If you are picking up or dropping off passengers in front of the terminal, you must not leave your vehicle unattended at any point. Unattended vehicles will be immediately fined and may be towed.

So long as they are attended, vehicles may remain in the pick up/drop off zone for 5 minutes. If you require longer, there is 30 minutes free parking in the terminal car park.

Threats or comments regarding carrying weapons or explosives.

Please be warned that any threats or comments made by airport visitors about carrying weapons or explosives will be taken seriously, regardless of intent.

Penalties include refusal of carriage onto your flight and prosecution.

What to expect at the passenger screening point.

Any person entering a secure zone of the terminal or boarding a flight will be subject to passenger screening. This includes passengers, people accompanying passengers to the boarding gate, aircrew and airport workers.

The security infrastructure has recently undergone significant advancements to bolster passenger safety and streamline the screening process. The state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced body scanners and cutting-edge CT x-ray technology, enhances the detection capabilities of potential threats and offers travellers an efficient screening experience.

Passenger screening process

• Place all personal items, wallets or purses in your carry-on baggage and place in a tray. Please note that laptops can now remain in your carry-on baggage.
• Place all items from your pockets in the tray.
• Remove bulky outer wear clothing (e.g. coats, jacket), belts, hats and jewellery, and place them in the tray.
• Inform the security team if you have any medical devices, aids or implants before being screened.
• At the direction of security screening staff please proceed through the body scanner or walkthrough metal detector.

You may be asked to go through the security screening process again until you are cleared if an issue is identified. This may include other screening methods (hand-held metal detector, frisk search).

You may also be randomly selected for explosive trace detection testing after proceeding through the initial screening process.

More information on the passenger screening process can be found on the Australian Government's TravelSECURE website.

What are body scanners?

All body scanners in Australia use non-ionising millimetre-wave technology. This means they do not emit ionising radiation like that of x-rays.

The low intensity waves and short duration of the scan means you are exposed to less energy than other common everyday devices such as mobile phones. The millimetre-waves are reflected off the surface of the skin and do not penetrate the body.

There are no known health risks from undergoing a scan so travellers who have a medical condition or are pregnant should not be concerned.

Privacy is something we take seriously at Launceston Airport. When screened, your privacy is protected as the body scanners display a generic stick figure with no identifying features. No individual scans or personal information can be stored or transmitted.

Visit the Travelsecure website for information about body scanners.

What is an Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) test?

Aviation Security Officers may test you and your baggage for traces of explosives. Officers must carry out ETD tests on a random and continuous basis to meet regulatory requirements. If you're selected for a random ETD test, and you decline to undergo testing, you will not be permitted past the security screening point to board your aircraft.

Visit the Australian Government’s TravelSecure website for further information about ETD screening.

Screening carry-on baggage.

Baggage screening is an important measure to improve your security when flying. 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 Australian Government’s TravelSECURE website.

Travellers requiring special assistance.

If you require special assistance when travelling through the airport, look out for our dedicated special assistance lanes at the security screening point. These lanes are staffed by security officers specifically trained to assist you and help make the security screening process smoother.

Security screening for children and infants

All travellers, including children, must pass through the security screening point. Children can be carried by an adult if they cannot walk on their own. Strollers and prams must be screened along with other carry-on baggage. Please note: Many airlines do not allow these items in the cabin due to space and stowage constraints.

If you're unsure, please check with your airline before you travel.