The AFP, with airports and airlines, is today releasing key tips on how holiday-makers can travel safely and without incident this holiday season.
The AFP will undertake highly-visible patrols across the designated airports during the festive season and will reinforce three key messages:
- The AFP has zero tolerance for bad behaviour at airports;
- Bad behaviour can delay flights, lead to bans on travelling and lead to criminal charges; and
- Sometimes travel does not go to plan, but being prepared, patient and polite will help ensure the journey of passengers is a more enjoyable one.
The AFP has worked with key partners to provide tips and advice that may help the tens of thousands of airline passengers expected to travel over the coming weeks. These tips and advice include:
- If available, save time by checking in online or via an airline's app;
- When possible, use apps to check traffic conditions on your normal route to the airport to give yourself enough time to arrive and check in luggage;
- If parking at an airport car park, consider pre-booking, or if travelling by public transport/ride share or taxi, also consider pre-booking;
- Before you pack your check-in luggage, be aware of weight conditions without further cost and be aware of any potential restrictions, i.e. lithium batteries and other dangerous goods);
- If travelling with children, consider packing extra food or activities to entertain them, given busy times could mean longer times waiting in lines;
- Each airport may have different processes when going through security screening. Please be patient and follow directions.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Alison Wegg said 179 alleged offenders had been charged with 248 offences at nine designated airports (Canberra, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth) during the current financial year*.
"We are seeing an increased frustration by passengers at airports. Some of that is due to bad behaviour from intoxication, passengers who are not being patient or tolerant, and some is attributable to some travellers who are stressed because they are running late or ill-prepared,'' Assistant Commissioner Wegg said.
"While holidays can be exciting, they can also be stressful.
"Bad behaviour can let down the ones we love, including families and children. So this festive season - be prepared, patient and polite at airports."
She said the AFP wished all members of the public a safe and happy holiday.
"This is a special time of the year, and the AFP is at designated airports to help keep passengers safe,'' she said.
"For this reason, we are asking the public to be patient, be mindful of their alcohol intake and to understand airports are much busier at this time of year."
The AFP is also reminding the public to report all suspicious activity or unusual behaviour at airports. Call 131 237 (131 AFP).
"Don't think that someone else will report it - it is everyone's responsibility to report suspicious behaviour at airports,'' Assistant Commissioner Wegg said.
"Follow your instincts - if something doesn't seem right, report it. When reporting: provide the date, time, location and a description of what you saw, in your own words."
Australian Airports Association chief executive officer James Goodwin said the holiday season would be a busy one, but it was important travellers did the right thing and respected airport staff and each other.
"Airports will continue to engage with travellers to promote considerate and responsible behaviour, including the responsible service of alcohol within the airport precinct," Mr Goodwin said.
"We are working hard to get you on your holiday and to your destination safely and urge people not to take out any frustrations on staff or each other as unruly or disrespectful behaviour won't be tolerated."
A spokeswoman from Airlines for Australia & New Zealand (A4ANZ) said many Australians would be travelling for holiday or to see family in friends over the next two months.
"While the vast majority of people treat each other and airline team members with respect and kindness, unfortunately there are a small number who behave badly,'' she said.
"The safety of customers and staff will always be our number one priority, and we continue to have zero tolerance for any type of unruly behaviour - referring cases to the AFP where appropriate."
CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence said, "As we navigate the busiest time of the year, CASA wholeheartedly supports the Australian Federal Police's holiday season travel tips initiative".
"Travellers engaging in offensive or disorderly behaviour at an airport or on board an aircraft won't be tolerated. It not only jeopardises the safety of fellow travellers but also places ground and flight crew at risk.
"Our aim is to guarantee that everyone, from passengers to crew members, can travel during this festive season in an environment that is safe and secure. CASA remains committed to ensuring the well-being of everyone involved in air travel over these Christmas holidays."
*Figures from 1 July to 14 December, 2023.
