Catching a plane has changed from being carefree and glamorous into a minefield of rules and regulations. From June 30, there will be another new rule for travellers departing from Australian international airports. You’ll now be limited to carrying less than 350 grams of “inorganic powder’.
The government’s TravelSECURE website outlines the new rules. Organic powders such as baby formula and food aren’t restricted so you’ll be able keep feeding your baby or if you’re into meal replacement shakes you should be OK.
But inorganic powers, which are defined as “not consisting of, or derived from, living matter” will be subject to the 350 gram limit. That’s a total limit on the powders and won’t be calculated by weight if you’re caught out at the departure gate – it will be bad on the total container volume. If you have a half full 400 gram container then you’re likely to see the entire container dropped into a waste bin.
TravelSECURE provides some advice as to what san be considered inorganic powder.
- Salt
- Salt scrub
- Sand
- Some talcum powders
- Some powdered deodorant
- Certain foot powders
- Powdered detergent and cleaning products
Cosmetics are listed in their examples of organic powders which will be OK to carry. However, there’s also a warning.
These restrictions are strictly applied. Security screening officers have the final say if there is any doubt about what items can be carried onboard.
I assume that means the security staff will now be chemists who can tell the difference between organic and inorganic powders.
If you’re planning international travel after this weekend, it worth taking another look at the list on TravelSECURE. I was once caught with toothpaste as the tube I was carrying, although half-empty, exceeded the 100ml limit on liquids and gels because of the container size.
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