Express path in BNE departures?

[clarmich]

We are travelling as a group of nine on Monday from BNE to DPS (a quick switch from our scheduled TT flight ADL-DPS) flying on Freedom Economy fares at 10:15am.

We are 2 x Velocity Platinums, 3 x Velocity Golds and 4 x Velocity Reds in our group all on the one PNR.

Not having flown out of BNE internationally before, is there an Express Path and if yes, does status afford us access?

Do we call by the VA check-in desks to get them?

Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Denali]

When you check in at Adelaide, ask for passes but if they dont have them, swing past a BNE Int check in desk when you arrive and ask for them. Even when I get them at Syd, I still swing past and get extra in Brissy (go to the business class check in line).

The last few times Ive gone via Brissy, its either been so crowded because of school hols that everyone (anyone) was being pushed through express pass and last time it was closed. I found the electronic kiosk pretty fast and they still had a few staff for larger groups.

 

[VulpesVulpes]

That's even if they decide to have express path open. BNE Boarder force have have been too lazy to open it the last few times I've been departing BNE INTL, even though it was peak times.

Thankfully the kiosks are pretty good, so check to see what's quicker at the time

But yes, it does have express path and if you have that many status pax you should get a pass for all, and even if you don't.... Wing it

 

[ChrisFlyer]

A little tip: if the rope is across the Express lane at the first entry (once you go down the escalator and there are 4 channels to choose from), just flash your express card to the security guard standing in front and they'll usually open the barrier for you.

After security though, you just go through the same automated SmartGate things as everybody else (at least, that's what I've always done - always very quick so I've never gone hunting for a different Express lane there).

 

[Marty_]

Where do you guys get the passes?

Having recently flown out of BNE and SYD to LAX in J with VA as a WP I did not get a pass on either occasion. I flashed my platinum AMEX to go through instead.

 

[Denali]

Where do you guys get the passes?

Having recently flown out of BNE and SYD to LAX in J with VA as a WP I did not get a pass on either occasion. I flashed my platinum AMEX to go through instead.

Check in counter.

I got passes in Sydney when we checked in and then I swung by the BNE Int check in for a couple more. Flashed our boarding pass and no problem.

 

[NZflygirl]

I've found it variable as to whether it's been open and if it's not generally it's because the line is short. They're doing the random selection for the body scanner (asking you to tap the button thing to see if it's red or green) and to tell you the truth I've noticed those people go through faster so I've been tempted to volunteer!!

Since smart gate has been in action there is not point in any express path through that part.

 

[Muppet501st]

Download the BNE airport app, and you can fill in your departure card beforehand, which generates a QR code which you scan at the airport.it prints out and you just have to sign it. Saves a little time.

 

[NZflygirl]

Download the BNE airport app, and you can fill in your departure card beforehand, which generates a QR code which you scan at the airport.it prints out and you just have to sign it. Saves a little time.

Might just be me but I found the machine a little bit slow to print out, so I tend to grab the departure card and start filling out at the desk or writing on it as I'm walking or in line at security.

 

[Marty_]

Check in counter.

Why don't the check-in staff just give me one? Let me see - priority check-in... platinum... business class... ??

On both occasions I forgot about it until I was heading through customs, hence the need to whip out the AMEX.

 

[Muppet501st]

Might just be me but I found the machine a little bit slow to print out, so I tend to grab the departure card and start filling out at the desk or writing on it as I'm walking or in line at security.

if you're travelling by yourself, just as quick to fill out the paper form. Definately saves time when there's 5 in your family .
Can't what till they're done away with all together.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Why don't the check-in staff just give me one? Let me see - priority check-in... platinum... business class... ??

On both occasions I forgot about it until I was heading through customs, hence the need to whip out the AMEX.

F checkin with EK 3 weeks ago and they did not give us Express cards, and the nice security lady guarding the gate said 'no pass, no access. I don't care who or what you are flying. No card, no express.".

Note this now only applies to screening. Passport control is now almost only by machine.

 

[grubbidok]

I've never found the Express Path made a difference in SYD 95% of the time so generally keep the outgoing and ingoing passes for later, so keep them and now have a pile of about a dozen in my desk drawer (funnily enough, I remember trying to bypass it once, security saw the EP card pokling out of my passport and told me *I had to* go through the Express Path, whether I wanted to or not).

BNE is an airport where they definitely *do* make a difference though (and it's the one my family usually goes through, so I usually send them my surplus as required). I never had a problem getting them in Brisbane, or on previous domestic legs. Sometimes you have to ask - if they haven't given them to you it's often because they forgot or assumed you already have them, nothing else.

 

[clarmich]

And just to clarify, are Y passengers with Platinum and Gold status eligible for Express Passes?

 

[grubbidok]

And just to clarify, are Y passengers with Platinum and Gold status eligible for Express Passes?

I always travel Y and I always get an Express Pass. VA crew usually come up and give me an incoming one during the return flight too

 

[clarmich]

Thanks all for your advice. Much appreciated.

 

[puppysparkes]

Might just be me but I found the machine a little bit slow to print out, so I tend to grab the departure card and start filling out at the desk or writing on it as I'm walking or in line at security.

Agreed, I still use it though because my writing is pretty awful.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Agreed, I still use it though because my writing is pretty awful.

Before BA provided the machines, we used to keep a stack of departure cards at home and laser print them (from a template in publisher) then just sign them. Much easier now though. On occasions we've used the machines just before screening down the escalator only to find they would not read the app data. Most annoying to have to then complete a card manually.

 

[NZflygirl]

Although the holiday season is officially over there's still lots of people travelling. If I had a choice between an express card out and an express card into BNE I'd choose arrivals right now! Guess it depends on how many other planes arriving with you as always.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Although the holiday season is officially over there's still lots of people travelling. If I had a choice between an express card out and an express card into BNE I'd choose arrivals right now! Guess it depends on how many other planes arriving with you as always.

There are no express arrivals now. All electronic passport machines then queues for photo clearance. It's sensible to use the first machines you come to rather than wait till passport control where machines are much more in use.