No more digging through your baggage! Australian airports to add game-changing security upgrades

Remember the last time you travelled and had to juggle removing your laptop, fishing out tiny bottles, and getting everything back in your bag while people queued behind you? Those days are numbered, with Sydney Airport leading a nationwide revolution that's making air travel far less stressful, especially for seasoned travellers.

The end of security checkpoint chaos

Sydney Airport has become the first to fully implement cutting-edge CT (computed tomography) scanning technology as part of a $2 billion national upgrade that's transforming how we pass through airport security.

Think of it like getting a medical CT scan, but for your luggage—the technology creates detailed 3D images from hundreds of different angles, allowing security operators to inspect baggage from every direction.

The results are already impressive. Sydney Airport has reported a 50 per cent reduction in screening times, and 99.1 per cent of passengers now clear security in under 10 minutes.

Compared to the old system, where you might spend 20-30 minutes shuffling through the queue.

What this means for your next trip

The biggest change? You can keep your laptop, tablets, and small bottles of liquids right in your carry-on bag.

No more unpacking, no more trying to remember which pocket you put your charger in, and no more fumbling to repack everything while managing your belt and shoes.

The new scanners eliminate the need for passengers to remove items such as laptops, tablets and aerosols from their bags.

However, you'll still need to empty your pockets and remove your belt for the body scanner.

The technology behind the transformation

Melbourne Airport has also introduced state-of-the-art body scanners and CT x-ray technology lanes across all terminals, aligning with Australia's latest aviation security legislation. This security upgrade brings Adelaide Airport in line with other major Australian airports, with all security lanes being brought up to the same high standard for consistency.

Which airports are embracing this change

Sydney is leading the charge, with 11 of 15 new CT lanes operational in the international terminal (T1), and the remaining four due to open by 7 November. The domestic terminal (T2) upgrades are following close behind.

Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Hobart have completed their security upgrades, while Brisbane is racing to meet the end-of-year deadline.

Brisbane's new Qantas security screening point opens with five high-tech lanes, plus ten new lanes at the central screening point of the domestic terminal, ready for Christmas.

Internationally, airports like Amsterdam Schiphol, Helsinki, and several in the US already have CT baggage scanners.

European, Middle Eastern, and Asian airports are leading the way in testing AI-powered security systems, which are expected to be in place by 2025.

However, there's one area where Australia remains more restrictive: the Australian Government has no plans to scrap or increase the current 100ml limit on liquids, alcohols and gels on international flights.

The reality for senior travellers

For travellers over 60, these improvements address several common pain points.

There's less bending and reaching to unpack bags, fewer items to keep track of, and significantly shorter queues.

Travellers can expect shorter queues, quicker screenings, and fewer hassles while maintaining the highest levels of safety.

The physical demands of travel can be challenging, and anything that reduces the need to unpack, repack, and rush through security is a genuine improvement to the travel experience.

Looking ahead

Sydney Airport's arrivals processing has also improved dramatically, with new smart gates increasing queue speeds so that nine out of 10 passengers clear immigration in less than 35 minutes - a 17 per cent improvement despite a 6.5 per cent increase in passenger numbers.

The investment is paying dividends beyond just security. As Sydney Airport's chief executive noted, 'the investments we are making in screening technology, terminal upgrades, and digital services are improving the travel experience across all terminals'.

If you're planning to travel in the coming months, it's time to check which airports on your route have completed their upgrades.

For those flying through Sydney, Melbourne, or other completed airports, you can pack with confidence knowing your tech gear and toiletries can stay put in your bag.

For airports still completing their upgrades, it's worth checking their websites before you travel—the rollout is happening quickly, and you might be pleasantly surprised to find the new systems in place even if they weren't when you booked.

Have you experienced the new security systems at any Australian airports yet? We'd love to hear about your experience and whether the promised improvements met your expectations. Share your airport stories in the comments below!