Australia's most loathed airport security rule is about to come to an end
New technology is speeding up the whole process.
Passing through airport security is about to get faster for Australian passengers as major airports upgrade their systems to meet a federal government deadline.
Sydney Airport is the latest cab off the rank with new CT scanner technology meaning passengers no longer have to take their laptops, liquids and aerosols out of their bags when going through security.
These items can now be left in carry-on bags which will be scanned with the items inside.
This is set to speed up security screening and make it easier for passengers.
At Sydney Airport, eleven of 15 new high-tech security lanes are now operational in the T1 international terminal, with the remainder to be open in the first week of November.
Though 15 lanes will be two fewer than the previous 17 lanes, each of the new lanes will process more passengers per hour than the older lanes.
The newer lanes, each measuring 21 metres, are reportedly doubling passenger throughput compared to the previous lanes, however the long-term increase is expected to 30 per cent, boosting passengers from 4500 to 5850 per hour.
Over in the domestic Terminal 2, two of seven new lanes featuring CT scanner technology are now operational, with the remaining scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Construction began in May on a $200 million upgrade to the T2 departures hall.
A Sydney Airport spokesperson said the next-generation security technology and state-of-the-art scanners will "allow passengers to leave laptops and aerosols in their hand luggage and almost double the capacity of each security lane from 235 to 500 passengers an hour."
Sydney Airport says new self-service check-in kiosks and bag drop systems are also in the works, which will fast-track the journey from kerb to gate to as little as 15 minutes when flying domestically.
These upgrades will meet a government mandate for airports to upgrade their security screening equipment across Australia.
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said the final implementation of equipment was due December 31, 2025.
New screening technology has also been implemented at Melbourne Airport, Hobart Airport and Brisbane Airport.
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
Travel's Top Picks
Travel's Most Viewed
The ingenious 'double-dip' trick Aussies are using to guarantee their Europe flights
My first motorhome holiday - what I did right and what every beginner should know
Qatar Airways named world's best airline for 2026: see the full rankings
Is the era of the Middle Eastern stopover over?
A new business class to Asia delivers wow-factor comfort without the high cost
