No more express cards for WP pax in Y?

[Hvr]

As I returned to Australia this morning in Y, I asked the CSM for an immigration express card.

This is a listed OneWorld benefit for Emerald (i.e. Qantas Platinum) passengers.

Welcome to the fast lane.
Green means go. If you are a oneworld Emerald frequent flyer, enjoy ‘Fast Track’ or ‘Priority Lane’ access at select airports worldwide.

It is also listed on the Qantas site:

• Express Immigration
  Access express immigration on departure and arrival where available

I was advised that this is now only for J pax (no F on my flight). She said that staff had complained but to no avail. She did slip me a card.

Have other AFFers been affected by this or even heard being mentioned by flight crew?

In the end I didn't need said card but if this is a new Qantas policy it will be an enhancement of the worst kind.

 

[RooFlyer]

A big thanks fpr the explanation of the express card isssue at BKK

And welcome to AFF, HDD.

 

[Le Clair]

Arrived SYD yesterday morning. Traveling in J and given a fast pass. ALL passengers were directed through the express lane regardless of holding a fast pass or not, so another one saved.

 

[Borisdog]

I’m actually in Auckland J Lounge right now, on the way home. My BP has the express lane invite printed on it, first time I’ve ever seen that. Mind you I don’t often do the paper BP thing.

 

[HTG2016]

I’m actually in Auckland J Lounge right now, on the way home. My BP has the express lane invite printed on it, first time I’ve ever seen that. Mind you I don’t often do the paper BP thing.

If you departing SYD International Qantas Self Check In machine will print out BP with Express Invited printed on it however team at First Check-in Section will print out normal BP with separate paper invitation .

 

[CorvettePete]

I can confirm that you need to be in J or F to use the express pass in BKK. Some of our group were refused service when they got to the front of the express queue as they had economy tickets even though they had express passes. At BKK I also saw a person who did not have their boarding pass refused service in the general queue until they called their wife (who had already gone through) and got her to bring his boarding pass. Another person who tried to jump the queue to be with other people from his group was forcefully directed to the back of the queue.

 

[Hvr]

I flew Y on 22 Feb and used my Express Pass with no issues. I flew out on 27 Feb and also used an Express Pass with no issues.

I visit Bangkok 2-3 times per year and have never shown my BP when using the fast track lanes. As long as they get a current Express Pass they've been happy.

Nor have I seen anybody refused entry or service unless they don't have an Express Pass.

Sounds like changes may be underway.

 

[kermatu]

Been so long since I've seen the need or value in having an express card on arrival to Australia. Haven't seen an operational express path customs queue anywhere. Usually am told either there is no line or the 'nothing to declare' line is the express lane.

 

[justinbrett]

Where's the express path for US customs? (particularly LAX) . That's what I want to see.

Bring on the Global Entry for Aussies like they've been talking about.

 

[HTG2016]

Usually am told either there is no line or the 'nothing to declare' line is the express lane.

This also have been my exp for last couple times . custom officer at nothing to declare line only take incoming card and leave you with BP and Express Card

 

[Ewing]

Been so long since I've seen the need or value in having an express card on arrival to Australia. Haven't seen an operational express path customs queue anywhere. Usually am told either there is no line or the 'nothing to declare' line is the express lane.

I don't know about immigration as I always use smartgate, but I haven't seen express used in SYD for customs in ages. Then again I haven't felt like I needed one either - I haven't waited more than a minute or two to get out in a long time.

In fact, coming in a few weeks ago with the express path card in hand the customs officer spotted it and said "you can throw that away. We don't use those anymore". So if it's not completely gone yet I'd say it's about to be.

Outbound is a different story

Also not sure when it happened but I noticed they're appearing on electronic boarding passes now. Could have been a while ago though as I usually only get a paper BP for international.

 

[Mattg]

I can confirm that you need to be in J or F to use the express pass in BKK. Some of our group were refused service when they got to the front of the express queue as they had economy tickets even though they had express passes. At BKK I also saw a person who did not have their boarding pass refused service in the general queue until they called their wife (who had already gone through) and got her to bring his boarding pass. Another person who tried to jump the queue to be with other people from his group was forcefully directed to the back of the queue.

As somebody that hates queue-jumpers, I appreciate when the airport staff do this!

 

[snabbu]

If this is true I agree with the others and it could be the start of the paper reduction strategy.
Express cards offered to me on both QF8 a couple of weeks ago and QF128 last week.

 

[JessicaTam]

[mod hat]
A number of off topic posts have been moved.
[/mod hat]

 

[Beano]

I support the members who say there is no express lane in Sydney at customs, and I still haven't found the express lane in Brisbane. I usually arrive in the late afternoon so perhaps it is not there then.

Melbourne does have an express customs lane, and it can be very useful.

 

[onemore]

I was told by a CSO that the express lane no longer exists at Sydney airport, so they do not issue them anymore.
On a side note, at Manila airport they have a seniors lane for both departing and incoming pax, wouldn’t that be a good initiative at Australian airports.

 

[Danger]

. . . On a side note, at Manila airport they have a seniors lane for both departing and incoming pax, wouldn’t that be a good initiative at Australian airports.

American's flight attendants would be happy: If the crew lane was busy, they could legitimately use that one.

 

[sudoer]

I'm travelling with a group of 4 friends (they're all NB, I'm WP) in Y next month. Most of my international travel is either in premium cabins and/or with partner (also WP) so not sure what to expect - would Qantas usually provide Express Path passes for my whole travel party, or just myself?

 

[Hvr]

just myself

Just yourself.

 

[sudoer]

That's a shame, but thanks for clarifying.

 

[kookaburra75]

I support the members who say there is no express lane in Sydney at customs, and I still haven't found the express lane in Brisbane. I usually arrive in the late afternoon so perhaps it is not there then.

The Express Lane was open on early Tues morning at Brissie. It allowed us to bypass the rest and get to the front of the queue for the eGates.