smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Travellers should be aware that 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).
![[top]](/zwiki/images/page_top.gif)
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.
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.
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 is a continuing potential terrorist target around the world.
The terrorism threat level for all domestic and international flights in the United States is "Code Orange", signifying a "high" risk of terrorist attacks.
Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attempted bombing of an airliner as it landed in the United States on Christmas Day, 2009. Airport security procedures have since been strengthened in a number of countries. The United States Department of Homeland Security issued a statement indicating that new security measures are designed to be unpredictable and passengers should not expect to see the same processes on each flight.
Security measures and procedures were also changed following a foiled terrorist plot in August 2006 against flights from the United Kingdom to the United States. Aviation security authorities around the world enhanced security procedures at airports and limited what passengers can carry in their hand luggage.
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.
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.
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.
TravelSECURE is the Australian Government’s travel security website. It provides domestic and international travellers with information about security measures and procedures at Australian airports and hints for safe, trouble-free air travel.
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:
Australians can obtain emergency consular assistance by telephoning the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 300 555 135 (if calling from within Australia) or (61 2) 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).
We encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or overseas in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency; whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
