A traveller has learned the hard way that packing tape can be considered a security risk at the airport.

Alice Almeida shared her surprise on LinkedIn after being pulled aside at Melbourne Airport for carrying what staff called a “weapon” which turned out to be a simple roll of packing tape.

I was then given a demonstration on how this packing tape can be used to tape hands together — arms in air, or be put over mouths,” she wrote.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Asked why she had it, Almeida replied “to tape two pull-up banner bags together to avoid the extra bag charge, not for any of the things you just showed me.”

“Not for any of the things you just showed me,” she joked.

One person commented: “Yes, the things we do to avoid excess baggage fees could write their own memoir.”

Melbourne Airport confirmed to www.20304050.best that it prohibits packing tape on flights.

The Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 outlines what goods can and cannot be taken on an aircraft, but gives airports discretion “to create a definitive list or set of rules around what is considered safe to fly”, an airport spokesperson said.

“Packing tape can be deemed a prohibited item under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 as it can be used to physically restrain someone – in the same way as rope or cable ties,” they said.