CASA Media Release - Friday, 21 December 2001
Top tips for safe air travel
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued its 'top tips' for Christmas-New Year air travellers.
Following these tips will make air travel easier and safer over the busy holiday period:
- Arrive at the airport early. Extra security measures means it takes longer to check-in. You need to allow even more time if you are travelling with babies, young children or people with disabilities. Ask your airline if in doubt about how soon to arrive at the airport.
- Do not leave your car unattended outside an airport. Security staff may tow away any car left close to an airport.
- Do not try to carry dangerous items on your person or in your hand luggage. All knives, scissors, razors, corkscrews, metal files and other sharp or stabbing items must be stowed in your check-in baggage. These items will not be allowed through the security scanners.
- Check to ensure you are not carrying any dangerous goods. Flammable liquids and solids, fireworks, cleaners and solvents, wet-cell batteries, pressure containers, poisons and many other items are dangerous in an aircraft.
- Watch your bags at all times and do not accept packages from strangers. You must know who packed your bags and what is in them.
- Never joke about carrying a bomb or firearm. Security staff take their job very seriously, so never talk about terrorism or explosions. If you do, you may be detained for questioning.
- Listen carefully to the safety briefing when on-board your aircraft. There's vital information on seat belts, emergency exits and life jackets that could save your life.
- Keep your seat belt fastened at all times when seated. Turbulence can hit at any point in the flight and cause severe injuries to unrestrained passengers.
CASA wishes all Australians safe and enjoyable air travel during the holiday season and throughout 2002.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0155