New campaign promotes safe holiday air travel

It comes at the start of school holidays in some states and when airline travel is expected to peak over the Easter and Anzac Day holiday period.

The new Pack Right. Safe Flight campaign aims to help airline passengers understand what they can and can’t pack, and whether to pack items in carry-on or checked luggage.

CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence said it was important passengers planned and followed airline guidance when packing their bags.

‘The average passenger now travels with at least 4 lithium battery devices,’ Ms Spence said.

‘Sometimes power banks and spare batteries can short circuit and catch fire. Carrying them with you in the cabin means that trained aircrew can handle any issue quickly and safely.’

‘We’re working with industry partners to look at opportunities to promote the importance of packing right at all stages of the travelling experience – from booking to boarding.’

Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) Chief Executive Officer, Emma Wilson, said that airlines welcomed the new resources and information to help air travellers do the right thing.

‘Many passengers aren’t aware that common household items, like power banks, vapes and aerosols, are dangerous goods and that there may be restrictions on how they are packed and carried on board,’ Ms Wilson said. ‘Airlines are pleased to get behind this initiative and support its roll out.’

Passengers can check the packing rules for specific items by visiting the Pack Right website. The website also includes guidance to help you figure out what is and isn’t allowed, and how to pack items safely.

‘We also encourage you to respect your crew and listen to their instructions at all time – they are there to keep you safe,’ Ms Spence said.

‘Travelling can be stressful in peak periods but this is no excuse for disruptive or unruly behaviour and we urge everyone to treat their fellow passengers with courtesy.’

CASA will be conducting checks, inspections and audits of airlines and other aviation operations over the holiday period to ensure high safety standards are being maintained.

There are penalties for travellers who break the air safety rules, which can include fines of more than $15,000 and in serious cases imprisonment.