Smart Gate - how popular is it?

[MadFairlane]

Never used it, as the wifes passport isnt a new one... So I always do the gentlemanly thing and wait in the line with her...

 

[Hvr]

Never used it, as the wifes passport isnt a new one... So I always do the gentlemanly thing and wait in the line with her...

Maybe you should go ahead and take the luggage through customs so she can just walk straight through when she clears immigration?

 

[MadFairlane]

Maybe you should go ahead and take the luggage through customs so she can just walk straight through when she clears immigration?

A good idea... but you havent met my wife lol

 

[Hvr]

A good idea... but you havent met my wife lol

So many inappropriate lines come to mind here.

As always you know best how to keep her happy.

 

[MadFairlane]

So many inappropriate lines come to mind here.

As always you know best how to keep her happy.

Its not all that bad, I quite like people watching too...

 

[jujay]

Don't they tell you to take off glasses? It's an easy enough mistake to make, though, I guess. Last passport photo I had done, I needed a friendly reminder from the photographer.

She was wearing glasses at the Smart Gate, not in the passport pic.

I have a high-tech way to get around this: I take off my glasses when using SmartGate .

Obviously! She wasn't to know that was the problem though..

 

[Fruitcake]

Obviously! She wasn't to know that was the problem though..

...and admittedly I only know this because I used SmartGate for the first time in its early days when there were still lots of staff hovering around. It was their suggestion to remove my glasses, and I've had a 100% success rate since. The only problem is that I'm sufficiently blind that once the glasses are off I can't read the monitor to know when the scanning is finished!

 

[Deleted member]

I used it he other day in BNE. Faster than the express lane

 

[Formal Hall]

I see they now advertise on the digital direction sign smartgate being available for US Global Entry, though I've never noticed a yank at the machines. Can't wait till we have reciprocal rights to use GE to enter the US.

Even for US citizens Global Entry requires a $100 application fee and an in-person interview at a US airport. I doubt reciprocal rights will ever be available without a visit to a US consulate and a large fee.

Australians set for SmartGate-style US Customs fast track - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

 

[ajw373]

Never used it, as the wifes passport isnt a new one... So I always do the gentlemanly thing and wait in the line with her...

When you say it isn't new how old is it? All passports issued since late 2005, which is basically any passport that starts with the letter M or N (which is the current series) is compatible.

 

[Major]

My wife's passport was issued in Apr 04 and starts with M. It is not compatible. On a positive note her passport will be from later this year (6 months currency)

 

[Fantic125]

When you say it isn't new how old is it? All passports issued since late 2005, which is basically any passport that starts with the letter M or N (which is the current series) is compatible.

Also include "E" now;

my previous one from 2008 started with "M", but my new one just issued in Jan starts with "E".

 

[Cynicor]

The smart gate only has a message to remove 'sunglasses' in Perth, which I would have thought would be obvious. The prescription glasses are more iffy but it doesn't work for me regardless of having them on or off, ducking to a lower camera or anything...
Also, could the biometrics match height based on reported height on the application and which camera was triggered? That would be interesting, but I don't think you put your height on the application currently...

 

[ajw373]

The smart gate only has a message to remove 'sunglasses' in Perth, which I would have thought would be obvious. The prescription glasses are more iffy but it doesn't work for me regardless of having them on or off, ducking to a lower camera or anything...
Also, could the biometrics match height based on reported height on the application and which camera was triggered? That would be interesting, but I don't think you put your height on the application currently...

Correct your height is not asked for nor is it required. Having your passport physically with you and matching the details in that is all that is required without complicating it even more.

 

[jetlagger]

Also include "E" now;

my previous one from 2008 started with "M", but my new one just issued in Jan starts with "E".

Funny that.. My last passport was issued in Feb. 2004 & starts with 'E"

 

[ajw373]

Funny that.. My last passport was issued in Feb. 2004 & starts with 'E"

Really? They were using L before the M series.

Sure your not confusing the series with the generic term E passport? The series is the letter in front of the passport number. M and N are E-passports. Though it seems from the post above there are now E series passports that are also in fact E passports.

 

[jetlagger]

Really? They were using L before the M series.

Sure your not confusing the series with the generic term E passport? The series is the letter in front of the passport number. M and N are E-passports but not series N. Though it seems from the post above there are now E series passports that are also in fact E passports.

I'm talking the passport # : E100..../

 

[MadFairlane]

It must be one of the last, non-smart gate ones they created.
Its up for renewal early next year

 

[elbarto]

I'm talking the passport # : E100..../

Is it just a normal passport? I know Official Passports issued for Government travel begin with F

 

[Mitchimus]

Love smartgate, much quicker and easier and no need to do the dash for immigration queses.