Fly Smart

On 31 March 2007, additional security measures are being introduced.  These measures will apply to the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels taken on board aircraft in carry-on baggage.  These measures will be applied on all international flights leaving New Zealand.  The measures will result in additional security checks at New Zealand’s international airports.

Any liquids, aerosols and gels that passengers want to take in their carry-on baggage will have to comply with the following requirements: 

• all liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100mls or less
• passengers must carry their 100ml containers in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag of 1 litre volume (this is a re-sealable sandwich bag like those available at your local supermarket) 
• each passenger, including children, will be allowed to carry on one, 1 litre transparent plastic bag
• the plastic bag must be re-sealable and presented separately from all other carry-on baggage at the screening point

There are exemptions for personal medications, baby products and dietary supplements in liquid, aerosol or gel form.  Full details of the measures, including exemptions, are contained in the questions and answers below.

Some other countries have already introduced similar measures, including the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

It is important to remember that some aspects of the new standards may vary from country to country and may change over time. It is important that you check this site just before you travel to ensure that you have the correct information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the measures?

The measures are:

• Any liquids, aerosols and gels that passengers want to take in an aircraft cabin in their carry-on baggage must be in containers of 100ml volume or less
• Containers larger than 100ml will not be permitted in carry-on baggage, even if there is only 100ml of liquid/gel in the larger container
• Passengers may carry as many 100ml containers as will fit comfortably in a single re-sealable transparent plastic bag of 1 litre volume (approximately 20cm by 20cm, or 8 inches by 8 inches)
• Each passenger, including children, will be allowed one transparent re-sealable plastic bag;
• The plastic bag will need to be presented separately from all other carry-on luggage at the screening points at airports;.

Will domestic flights be affected by the new measures?

The measures only apply to international flights. 

However, if your international trip begins with a domestic flight, then you will still need to be prepared ahead of time.  Because your bags will be checked through to your final international destination when you check in for your domestic flight, you should ensure that the only liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on baggage are in 100ml containers in a one litre re-sealable plastic bag. 

Once you have checked in for your domestic flight, you will not have access to your bags until you reach your final destination, and you won’t be able to repack any items from your carry-on baggage before going through security screening at the international airport.

When will the additional measures come into effect?

The additional measures will come into effect on 31 March 2007.  Travellers on all international flights departing New Zealand, including flights that transit (that is, travel through) New Zealand, will have to comply with the measures from this date.

Why have these new measures been put in place?

Last August, UK authorities arrested a number of people they believed were planning to board aircraft with liquid explosives disguised as water bottles.  These liquid explosives could have been used to construct an explosive device onboard the aircraft, which could have destroyed the plane mid-flight.

Since these events the United States, Canada and the European Union have introduced restrictions on the amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be carried on board international flights.

Why are the measures being introduced in New Zealand now?

On 1 December 2006 the International Civil Aviation Organization recommended that all countries introduce security measures to limit the quantity of liquids, gels and aerosols that can be carried onboard international flights.  It recommended that countries implement the measures by 1 March 2007.

Australia recently decided to implement the measures for all departing and arriving international flights from 31 March 2007.  New Zealand has decided to apply the guidelines to all departing international flights from the same date.

The aim of these new measures is to protect the safety of all flights and passengers departing and arriving in New Zealand. 

How long will these measures be in place?

Screening for liquids, aerosols and gels is becoming a permanent feature of international air travel.  However, the actual screening procedures may change over time as technology is developed to detect liquid explosives. 

Liquids, aerosols and gels

What type of liquids, aerosols and gels do these measures cover?

These measures apply to any items that are liquid, gel or aerosol spray in nature.  This will include, but are not limited, to:

• water and other drinks, soups, syrups, jams, stews, sauces and pastes
• foods in sauces or containing a high liquid content
• creams - including face creams, foundation, sunblock, insect repellent
• perfumes
• roll-on deodorants
• sprays - including antiperspirant and hair sprays
• gels - including hair, shaving and shower gels
• contents of pressurised containers - including shaving foam
• pastes - including toothpastes
• waxy substances - including hair wax
• liquid solid mixtures - including lipsticks, face compacts and blushers
• mascara and liquid eyeliner
• lip gloss and lip balm and
• anything else that you can pour, spray or smear

These or similar items will only be able to be taken in carry-on baggage on-board aircraft in containers of 100mls or smaller, with all containers fitting into the single 1 litre plastic bag.  This bag will then be presented separately at the passenger screening point.

Passengers will still be able to pack as many of these items as they like, in any quantity, in their hold baggage.  The usual restrictions relating to dangerous goods still apply.  See http://www.caa.govt.nz/  for further information or contact your airline.

If you are only travelling with carry-on baggage, you will still have to comply with these measures.

Why do the additional measures apply to all of these items?

The measures apply to a wide variety of items as there are so many different types of liquids, aerosols and gels that could be used as explosives. 

Existing technology for testing for liquid explosives is not developed enough to enable every liquid, aerosol and gel carried by passengers to be quickly screened at the airport.  Because it will be too slow to test every item, the new measures will apply to all liquids except for those in quantities too small to make explosive devices.

Why do I need to put my liquids, aerosols and gels in a re-sealable plastic bag?

The measures require passengers to pack any liquids, aerosols and gels that they wish to take in their carry-on baggage in a transparent and re-sealable plastic bag. 

There are several reasons for this:

• the bag needs to be re-sealable for practical purposes
• a re-sealable transparent bag will allow Aviation Security Officers at the security point to easily inspect and open bags to check the contents and
• to assist Aviation Security Officers to process passengers efficiently and to minimise delays

You can minimise the time it will take you to clear security by presenting at the screening point the correctly packed liquids, gels and aerosols that you wish to take in your carry-on baggage.

Why 100ml or smaller containers?

The additional security measures will limit the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be carried onboard an aircraft in carry-on baggage.  By experiment experts have found that it is not possible to make explosives that could destroy an aircraft with small quantities of liquids, aerosols and gels.  Therefore, the limit of 100mls per container is a security measure based on their advice.

Can I choose my own plastic bag?

Passengers can choose the type of bag that they wish to use as long as it meets the requirements of the new screening standards.  The bag must be transparent, re-sealable and of a capacity not exceeding 1 litre.

Bags of this type, such as re-sealable sandwich bags, are readily available at most local supermarkets.

• presenting a re-sealable transparent bag of the correct size will minimise the time that it takes you to clear security
• remember, the bag needs to be presented separately from your other carry-on baggage at the screening point

What if my bag has a logo or design on it?

Your bag must be free of large logos or motifs (where a bag does have a logo the reverse side must be clear).  This is because they have the potential to obscure items in the bag.  If Aviation Security Officers cannot quickly check the contents of the bag, you and other passengers will be delayed while your bag is opened and checked.

Can I still take liquids, aerosols and gels in my hold baggage?

Yes, liquids, aerosols and gels in containers too large to be taken into the cabin as part of your carry-on baggage should be carefully packed in your hold baggage.

If in doubt the best advice to follow is to pack all non-essential items, that is, items that you will not require for the duration of your trip, in your hold baggage (the luggage you ‘check in’ and do not have access to during the flight).

What will happen if I don’t comply with the measures?

You will not be able to board your flight if you have any liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on luggage, unless these items are in containers of no more than 100mls and are in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.  

Exceptions for medicines, baby products and dietary requirements:

What about personal medications?

If you require prescription or non-prescription medicine in the form of a liquid, aerosol or gel, you can take these items onboard with you in quantities over 100ml.  It is important to remember, however, that these items should be taken in quantities that are reasonable for the length of your flight(s) as well as possible delays and flight diversions. 

Aviation Security Officers will use their discretion when assessing what quantities of medications would be considered necessary for use in a flight. 

Any essential medications taken on board aircraft in carry-on baggage will be subject to additional checks at the security screening point.

What sorts of medications are exempt from the measures?

Medicines exempt may include the following:

• essential prescribed medicines - including angina spray;
• essential non-prescribed medicines - such as cough syrup and throat and nasal spray;
• children’s medicines;
• insulin;
• clotting factor (for haemophiliacs);
• contact lens solution and;
• inhaler (with spare canisters to be packed in checked baggage).

Other medical items, such as blood products, gel-filled external breast prostheses, colostomy bags, and personal supplemental oxygen are also exempt.

Will I need to bring documentation from my doctor with me?

Aviation Security Officers may ask to see some proof that the medications you are carrying are yours and are necessary for your condition.  For example, Aviation Security Officers may ask to check that the label on your prescription medication corresponds with the name on your boarding pass or passport.

It would be a good idea to keep any proof relating to your medication in an easily accessible place in your carry-on baggage in case it is requested by Aviation Security Officers.  Following this advice will help to ease your smooth transition through the screening point. 

More guidelines are being developed to help you know what kind of documentation you may be asked for at the screening point.  Please check this website before you travel to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.

What about non-prescription medication?

Where the medication is non-prescription, a determination on reasonable quantities will also be made by Aviation Security Officers.  As with prescription medications, a reasonable quantity will be considered to include what is required for the length of the flight, as well as possible delays and flight diversions.

Will baby products be allowed in carry-on baggage?

Exceptions from the liquids, aerosols and gels restrictions will be made for baby food, formula and other essential baby products.

Baby products include:

• baby milk/formula
• sterilised water
• juice
• baby food in liquid or paste form
• Vaseline or creams
• wet wipes

Will there be restrictions on the quantity of baby products I can take on board in my carry-on baggage?

Yes.  Aviation Security Officers will use their discretion when assessing what volumes of certain products would be considered necessary for use in a flight.  Obviously, the age of the child and the duration of the trip will be taken into account when determining this.

If I have special dietary requirements, how will the restrictions affect what foods/drinks I can bring on board the plane?

You will be able to take on board any essential dietary supplements/foods that you may require in a liquid form.  However, if items are not essential for the duration of your flight then you should pack these items into your checked in baggage.

As with medicines and baby foods it would be reasonable to expect that any items you do bring on board in your carry-on baggage will be subject to additional security checks.  Aviation Security Officers may ask for proof that the dietary supplements you are carrying are yours and necessary for your condition. 

As a safeguard, passengers may be required to demonstrate that the product is real medicine or special food, and not something less innocent.

More guidelines are being developed to help you know what kind of documentation you may be asked for at the screening point.  Please check this website before you travel to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.

Airport shopping:

Can I still buy liquids (including Duty Free) at the airport when I travel?

Yes.  You will still be able to buy liquids, aerosols and gels (including duty free) at New Zealand airports, once you have passed through security. There are no restrictions on buying or collecting duty free goods on arrival.

If you want to buy liquids (including duty free) and take them with you, the rules may vary depending on where you are travelling. 

Flying to Australia

The government is working with Australia to ensure that current arrangements will not change and you will continue to be able to buy liquids (including duty free) in New Zealand and travel to Australia with them.  More information will be on this website as it becomes available.  The government and industry is working with Australia to resolve this issue and will update this website as progress is made. For more information see www.dotars.gov.au

Flying to the United Kingdom/ Europe

You will continue to be able to buy liquids (including duty free) in New Zealand and take them with you on a flight to the United Kingdom/Europe (unless you are transiting through Australia or the US). 

If you have a connecting flight in the United Kingdom/Europe, then at this stage any liquids that do not fit in 100ml containers in a one litre bag will be taken from you.  For more information see www.dft.govt.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity. 

New Zealand is participating in international efforts that may allow transit passengers to carry duty free goods bought in New Zealand onto their connecting flights in Europe in the future.  We will update this website as progress is made.

Flying to Asia and the Pacific

There are currently no limitations on taking liquids (including duty free) purchased at the airport on international flights to Asia and the Pacific.  This will not change on 31 March 2007.

Many Asian countries are, however, considering introducing limiting the quantities of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken on international flights. 

This website will provide information on any changes, so please check before you travel.

Flying to the United States

You will need to ask the airport retailer to deliver your goods to you at the departure gate. 

If you are transiting through the United States, you will be re-screened and will have any liquids over 100 ml that do not fit in a one litre bag taken from you. New Zealand is participating in international efforts that may allow transit passengers to carry duty free goods bought in New Zealand onto their connecting flights in the USA in the future.  We will update this website as progress is made.  For more information see www.tsa.gov/311/

Flysmart: Plan your trip!

How can I avoid any delays and ensure a smooth transition through security screening?

The best way to ensure that you are not delayed is to be prepared.  Know the requirements and pack your items accordingly. 

Before you leave home, work out exactly what liquids, aerosols and gels you require for your flight, and pack these in the transparent re-sealable plastic bag, and place it in your carry-on baggage.  By making these simple plans you can save time at the airport, and lessen the chance of any delays at the screening point.

If you are unsure about any item then pack it in your hold baggage before you leave for the airport.

What will I be expected to do when I reach the screening point?

• have your transparent plastic bag with your essential liquids, aerosols and gels ready for visual inspection
• have any essential personal medications ready for inspection, including any supporting documentation (ID cards, letters from doctors) regarding your medication
• ensure that any baby products are accessible and ready for inspection
• ensure that any essential dietary supplements, in liquid or gel form, are ready for inspection, including any supporting documentation regarding your special dietary needs
• remove any electronic devices, such as laptop computers and mobile phones, so that they can be screened separately and
• remember that you will be required to remove any bulky outer garments, such as jackets or coats, so that they can be screened separately

By following these steps you will ensure that you, and other passengers, have a stress-free and quick transition through security screening. 

If I forget to pack my liquids, aerosols and gels in my hold luggage, will I get another chance?

No.  If passengers reach the screening point with liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on baggage that exceed the maximum quantities allowed, they will have to place them in a disposal bin if they want to board their flight.  These items cannot be returned to you.  Similarly, passengers face the same risk if they do not pack their items in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag.

Will the new requirement mean that there will be delays at airports?

If travellers pack well and arrive at the airport prepared, any potential delays will be reduced.  Some delays may be possible in the early stages of the implementation of the new measures.  Aviation Security Officers will endeavour to move passengers who have stuck to the rules through screening points as quickly and efficiency as possible. 

Passengers who have liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on baggage either incorrectly packed or in excess of the quantities allowed are likely to face a delay while their bags are searched and may have to relinquish their items. 

Overseas experience from the European Union and the United States suggests that once passengers are familiar with the new measures, delays are minimal.

Travel tips to make your screening experience hassle-free

• The secret to getting through security smoothly is to de-clutter your carry-on baggage and separate out your liquids, aerosols and gels.  This lets Aviation Security Officers get a clear, uncomplicated X-ray image of your carry-on baggage
• When possible, keep packing liquids in checked baggage.  You will get through security faster
• Limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight