Security
Security at Perth Airport
The Australian Government regulates the security requirements at Australian airports, including at Perth Airport. Being a security controlled airport, every passenger and visitor passing through to secure areas, and their bags, are screened for prohibited items and dangerous goods.
It’s important to know exactly what you can and can’t take through security screening at the airport before you arrive. A little pre-planning can save you a lot of hassle when you arrive and ensure you get through the security screening process as quickly as possible.
Domestic passengers
You will be subject to security screening if you are travelling domestically or if you are entering the departure lounge to see off or welcome a domestic passenger.
Security screening involves passing through a body scanner and your personal belongings being screened by an x-ray machine.
Security screening officers may test you and your baggage for traces of explosives, using Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment. Selection is made using an electronic randomiser and no profiling is used in selecting people for testing.
You may be required to undertake a secondary, pat-down search. This can be conducted in a private room, at your request.
If you are concerned about any aspect of the screening process, or you are unable to pass through the metal detector for any reason, please speak to a security screening officer at the screening point.
International passengers
International travellers will undergo the same security screening process as those travelling domestically. This involves passing through a body scanner and your personal belongings being screened by an x-ray machine.
Security screening officers may test you and your baggage for traces of explosives, using Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment. Selection is made using an electronic randomiser and no profiling is used in selecting people for testing.
You may be required to undertake a secondary, pat-down search. This can be conducted in a private room, at your request.
International travellers are subject to limits on the quantity of liquids, aerosols, gels and certain powders you can carry onboard an international flight. Liquid, aerosol or gel items must be in containers of 100ml / 100g or less. Inorganic powders (e.g. talc, sand) must not exceed 350g.
For more information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
If you are concerned about any aspect of the screening process, or you are unable to pass through the metal detector for any reason, please speak to a security screening officer at the screening point.
Meeting and greeting
Domestic terminals
Did you know you can maximise your time with friends and family by waiting for their flight with them in the domestic departure lounges?
All airport visitors are welcome to proceed through security screening to greet an arriving or departing domestic passenger in the domestic departure lounges, however you will be subject to normal security screening procedures.
Visitors are free to enjoy all the amenities available in the public departure lounge but will not be able to continue past the boarding gate.
Meeting and greeting
International terminals
Only travelling passengers can pass through passport control and security screening to our international departure lounges.
Please say your goodbyes before screening and know that you will only be able to meet arriving international passengers in the public arrivals hall on the ground floor, after they have completed the arrivals process.
Travellers with specific needs
All passengers and carry-on bags must be checked-in and screened prior to boarding to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff.
The Australian Government recognises that some passengers will have specific needs while passing through security screening points and you can find helpful information on the TravelSECURE website.
Passenger pick-up and drop-off
Australian Government security requirements dictate that vehicles collecting or dropping off passengers at the front of the terminals must be attended at all times.
Drivers must remain with their vehicle at all times and may only remain in the pick-up/drop-off area for a maximum of two (2) minutes. Any vehicle left unattended will be subject to an immediate fine and may be towed away.
A range of car parking options are available, including 1-hour free parking in Long term car parks, if drivers wish to enter the terminals to greet or farewell passengers.
Suspicious behaviour
Everyone shares the responsibility to help keep Perth Airport safe.
If you see or hear something that looks suspicious or doesn’t feel right at Perth Airport, please call the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00.
All threats and comments made about carrying weapons or explosives – whether intended as a joke or not – will be taken seriously and may result in travel being refused and prosecution by the Australian Federal Police.
Filming and photography
Video recording equipment and cameras may be carried within the terminals, however photos or footage of security screening equipment, security staff, Australian border agency processing staff or processes must not be taken at any time.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) operates at Perth Airport as part of an ongoing aviation security initiative, targeting crime and aviation security related issues. CCTV significantly increases the ability to monitor areas of the airport and act on any unlawful activity immediately, increasing the safety of passengers, visitors to the airport and employees.
Unattended baggage
Baggage must never be left unattended in public areas at Perth Airport. All unattended baggage will be treated as suspicious. Please clearly label your belongings with your contact details and destination. Airlines supply luggage tags that are available at check-in counters. Ensure you pack your own bags and never take items on board an aircraft for other people.