Australian Embassy
Indonesia

Aviation Security Rules – Taking Liquids, Aerosols and Gels on to International Flights

Media Release

28 March 2007

Aviation Security Rules – Taking Liquids, Aerosols and Gels on to International Flights

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, has reminded any international travellers to Australia to be aware of new rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on to international flights in and out of Australia which take effect from 31 March.

"The new rules are needed to protect airline passengers from the threat of a terrorist attack using liquid explosives. I urge passengers who are flying to Australia from 31 March to find out about the new rules by talking to their airline or travel agent, or visiting www.dotars.gov.au,” Mr Farmer said.

"The Government is printing 14 million brochures about the new rules in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indonesian and distributing them to airports, 4,500 travel agents and 340 duty free and tax shops. To see these brochures in the language of your choice, visit http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/LAG/lang.aspx,” said Mr Farmer.

"Under the new rules, which apply to all international flights in and out of Australia but not domestic Australian flights:

  • Every container of liquids, aerosols or gels in carry-on baggage must be 100 millilitres or less. All of the containers must be sealed in a transparent one-litre plastic bag.
  • Travellers can still carry prescription medicines on board. Baby products and non-prescription medicines that are needed for the flight are also allowed.
    Travellers can still put larger items like perfume and other cosmetics into their check-in baggage.
  • "My advice to travellers to Australia is to organise your plastic bag before you get to the airport, so you have time to pack any containers that are too big into your check-in baggage.

"The Australian Government understands that these new rules may cause some inconvenience. We are working closely with the industry to make sure they work as smoothly as possible, but our highest priority must always be to protect travellers from the threat of a terrorist attack," Mr Farmer said.

Further information:
Steven Barraclough (Australian Embassy) mob. 0811 993328
Email [email protected]