APEC Business Travel Card

[seanQLD]

As I wrote, I rarely use Sydney. Only (approx) 50% of my flights are Business Class (I'd have to check if that one was or not). That said, am not and never have been a fan of Sydney Airport at any time. Maybe I was just lucky in November

I fly out of Brisbane much more often, and can confirm that ABTC card in Brisbane always gets the priority line for outbound security screening. In fact, I have only ever been asked why I am in the priority line maybe 20% of the time, I reply "APEC Card" and that's it. They seem quite happy with that answer. I don't recall ever actually been asked to prove it, by showing them the card or app.

 

[Daver6]

Which airport are you talking about? Security is AFTER immigration at SYD international departures, and there is a separate check for priority security after immigration, regardless of which immigration lane you went through. Is this a different order in other airports (legitimate question).

Prior to Covid, APEC card holders could use the crew lane for security screening at SYD. On arrival you could use the fast track lane for customs.

 

[soliloguy]

Which airport are you talking about? Security is AFTER immigration at SYD international departures, and there is a separate check for priority security after immigration, regardless of which immigration lane you went through. Is this a different order in other airports (legitimate question).

Referring to Sydney - had to go through security before presenting to immigration at the priority lane?

 

[Daver6]

Referring to Sydney - had to go through security before presenting to immigration at the priority lane?

When was this?

 

[soliloguy]

Both in December and as recently as... 3 days ago?

 

[RealtimeY]

SYD is in the process of renovating the passport control and security screening area, and moving passport control to be after security. It's still half half at the moment depending on which side you enter from.

 

[marks]

I fly out of Brisbane much more often, and can confirm that ABTC card in Brisbane always gets the priority line for outbound security screening.

We all know Brisbane is a better city than Sydney....

The priority security lines in BNE have clearly marked APEC access. Perhaps that should be the solution. Will try and get a photo next time I go though. Unless someone beats me to it.

 

[soliloguy]

Found out that Australia is currently the APEC Business Mobility Group Chair. AKA the group that oversees the ABTC initiative. Decided to email the Chair to state how ridiculous the experience going through Australia's largest city/airport is.

Email is [email protected] / [email protected] for what it's worth.

 

[Haplo]

I applied for my APEC card just before Australia day and had it approved with 3 days, and have received 10 country clearance already.

 

[LDN via BNE]

First time flying into Brisbane with an APEC card.

Is there an express path at immigration and customs?

 

[Daver6]

First time flying into Brisbane with an APEC card.

Is there an express path at immigration and customs?

I can't comment specifically on BNE, but you're entitled to use the air crew lane for immigration on arrival into Australia.

As for customs, it varies by port. Eg, Sydney has nothing. Perth has an APEC lane and Melbourne recently there's a business class lane you can use (but not sign posted).

 

[marks]

We all know Brisbane is a better city than Sydney....

The priority security lines in BNE have clearly marked APEC access. Perhaps that should be the solution. Will try and get a photo next time I go though. Unless someone beats me to it.

This is the Brisbane departures apec line for security. But everyone was funnelled into one line today.

 

[albatross710]

First time flying into Brisbane with an APEC card.

Is there an express path at immigration and customs?

If your questions relates to an international arrival into Brisbane this has been my experience as recent as Dec 24.

The crew lane on the left is signed for ABTC but I've never found it faster. For immigration I take the newer automated passport lane that doesn't require the preprinted card to be inserted. This means you don't stop off to get this little card first. YMMV of course. The ABTC lane would suit a foreign passport holder whose passport may not work through the automated gates.

Same for baggage. I just go through the regular baggage lanes.

Of course, if on the day you arrive AC, EK A380 and 5x 777s all arrive together then take the ABTC lane.