Express Path Card

[OccasionalFlyer]

Hi All,

I am heading to the USA later this year via Sydney. I managed to get a good deal with a Business Sale fare (return) which makes me fairly happy. I wanted to check whether I will get an outbound Express Path card for customs and immigration when connecting through Sydney? It would be handy since the connection is a bit shorter than I am normally used to.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Mal]

You may not receive one at Check-in (depends on the airport you came from). But seeing you're connecting in SYD, generally what I do is ask at the "International Connections" gate (ie where your boarding pass is scanned before boarding the Terminal Transfer bus) for an Express Pass.

They fish into a draw, and one comes out!

 

[OccasionalFlyer]

Great tip Mal I would never have thought to ask at the Transfer desk. To confirm, because I am flying business (even though the most heavily, deeply discounted form of business class!) I am still entitled to an Express Path card outbound and inbound?

 

[Mal]

Great tip Mal I would never have thought to ask at the Transfer desk. To confirm, because I am flying business (even though the most heavily, deeply discounted form of business class!) I am still entitled to an Express Path card outbound and inbound?

Yep, they tend to have plenty of cards there. I normally have to ask for one as my home port doesn't generally offer them.

Express immigration is a perk of the class you're flying in (Business), so I can't see there being any reason why you shouldn't be entitled to a card.

 

[OccasionalFlyer]

Thanks Mal

 

[dk4]

For those who haven't seen what is being discussed, here's a montage -
(showing various examples of outbound, inward & combination versions: from local AU/NZ airlines)

 

[pshepvic]

Great tip Mal I would never have thought to ask at the Transfer desk. To confirm, because I am flying business (even though the most heavily, deeply discounted form of business class!) I am still entitled to an Express Path card outbound and inbound?

Yes definitely entitled - doesn't matter if you're on a full fare, discount fare, or "free" fare on points. They just scan the BP at the transfer desk anyway, they don't actually look up to see how you paid for the flight. QF BPs don't show the fare paid (or even booking class code I don't think? just Bus/Econ etc, rather than J, D, I, U etc) so the agent at the transfer desk wouldn't know either way.

 

[Voyages]

And don't hand it over when you go through Immigration unless you're asked to do so Keep it and maybe give it to your loved ones who don't have such pass.

 

[OccasionalFlyer]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your comments. I have never been privileged enough to use an Express Pass before so it's all new to me. I assume when entering the customs area outbound in Sydney there will be signage directing through to the Express Path (I have not looked for this when going through customs previously!).

One step further, is there any way I can get through LAX customs/immigration quicker? I have heard stories about waiting for hours to get through, which wouldn't be great since I only have around 2.5 hours to make an AA connection. Also, any tips for the best way to approach LAX and connections would be appreciated - I have never been to LAX before (usually I fly direct to SFO, but with QF no longer flying that route I need to connect through LAX).

Thanks again!

 

[pshepvic]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your comments. I have never been privileged enough to use an Express Pass before so it's all new to me. I assume when entering the customs area outbound in Sydney there will be signage directing through to the Express Path (I have not looked for this when going through customs previously!).

One step further, is there any way I can get through LAX customs/immigration quicker? I have heard stories about waiting for hours to get through, which wouldn't be great since I only have around 2.5 hours to make an AA connection. Also, any tips for the best way to approach LAX and connections would be appreciated - I have never been to LAX before (usually I fly direct to SFO, but with QF no longer flying that route I need to connect through LAX).

Thanks again!

There is actually a separate entrance to customs/immigration when departing Sydney with an express card - it's a small door near check in so be careful to look out for it

If you're flying in J, should be fine at LAX. You'll be off the plane first, and the longest I've waited even when traveling in Y is maybe 10-15min. Possibly depends on arrival time - QF flights I've been on always arrive fairly early so not too many other flights at that time. 2.5 hour connection is plenty - it's getting through security for the next flight that will take longer.

 

[OccasionalFlyer]

Thanks everyone!