Security screening

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We welcome and farewell thousands of travellers and visitors every day at Auckland Airport and have a variety of services and facilities available to make your trip a little easier.

The airlines operating from Auckland Airport offer wheelchair and mobility assistance to help guests with access needs. If you have limited mobility, other physical or hidden disabilities it is important that you inform your airline and speak to them about the kind of assistance, you need. Please do this when you book your flight or at least 48 hours before you start your journey. This will help ensure that your airline is able to provide you with the right support within the airport terminal and onboard the aircraft.

Concierge Service
You can book the services of your own personal Airport Concierge. Our Concierge can provide a helping hand by carrying your bags, providing strollers for little ones, and assisting with booking onward transport from the airport.

You can book in advance online. Our Concierge service is designed to work in conjunction with special assistance provided by your airline and is in no way intended to replace services.

Hidden Disabilities
Auckland Airport proudly participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme. This means that those with a hidden disability can wear a Sunflower Lanyard to let our team know that you may require some help while you’re at Auckland Airport.

Please get in touch to request a lanyard if this program is right for you at hiddendisability@aucklandairport.co.nz.

If you require assistance through Auckland Airport, we recommend you contact your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before travel to discuss your special requirements. You’ll find the contact phone numbers for all airlines: https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/flights/airlines-contacts or on your airline booking confirmation.

Arriving at the Airport

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At the Airport

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Further information

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Quick links

  • What do I need to do at security?
  • What should I do if I have Medical Implants?
  • What should I do if I have artificial limbs or prostheses?
  • What should I do if I have walking or visual aids?
  • What should I do if I use a wheelchair?

What do I need to do at security?

Security screening is to make sure that you do not have any items that are not allowed, such as knives, firearms, weapons or other dangerous goods in your hand luggage.

The screening process will also make sure you do not take more than the allowed quantity of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels onto the aircraft.

Be prepared for security screening:

  • Make sure you empty your pockets of all items and place into x-ray tray
  • Remove laptops and other large devices from your bag and place into x-ray tray;
  • Remove boots above the ankle, steel capped boots, working boots and footwear with a high metal content;
  • Remove outer clothing such as jackets and place into x-ray tray;
  • Remove any belts with large buckles that have a high metal content and place into x-ray tray.

For international flights you should also:

  • Large electronic devices, liquids, aerosols and gels with allowed volumes no longer need to be removed from carry on baggage, however 100ml limits still apply.
  • Present your prescription and non-prescription medicine in a separate plastic bag, and if required, supporting information from a registered medical practitioner.
  • Present any food or supplements for a medical diet and the supporting information from a registered medical practitioner in a separate plastic bag.

Many items are restricted for plane travel because they can, or have the potential to, cause harm to people and planes.

As this information can change frequently, to ensure you’re travelling safely and to prevent items being relinquished at security, please go to the AVSEC website.

What should I do if I have Medical Implants?

If you have medical implants such as pacemakers, insulin pumps or cochlear implants, please advise an AVSEC screening officer.

Travelling with Medical Devices

AVSEC have information available to support passengers travelling with medical items. Their website outlines all the conditions that are applicable to travelling with medication and medical devices https://www.aviation.govt.nz/passenger-information/travelling-with-medical-items/
If you are unsure you can email them with any queries at auckland.reception@avsec.govt.nz

What should I do if I have artificial limbs or prostheses?

If you have artificial limbs or prostheses, inform the AVSEC screening officer prior to accessing the screening lane.

What should I do if I have walking or visual aids?

Walking aids and visual aids such as long canes will be subject to security screening. You can ask an AVSEC screening officer for assistance if you need assistance walking through the screening process.

What should I do if I use a wheelchair?

If you use a wheelchair, you will be physically screened. If you can stand, but not walk, you will be cleared with a hand-held metal detector. If you are unable to stand, you will be screened by a pat-down search undertaken by an officer of the same gender. If you would prefer this to be done in a private room, just ask a AVSEC screening officer to arrange this.