Qantas has clarified its policy on issuing express path cards to Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers. It comes after reports that frequent flyers were not being issued with express cards despite being entitled to them.
The good news is that those express path cards, which help travellers to speed through airport customs and immigration, are here to stay. A Qantas spokesperson told Australian Frequent Flyer that in addition to all First and Business passengers, Express Path cards are offered to Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers travelling in Economy or Premium Economy on international flights. There are, however, some airport-specific exceptions. For example, Bangkok International Airport only allows Business and First Class passengers to use its immigration express lane.
Numerous Platinum frequent flyers have reported that they were not offered – or even denied when requested – express path cards on Qantas in recent months.
As I returned to Australia this morning in Y, I asked the CSM for an immigration express card… 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.
No Express Cards were provided to me (WP) on QF2 SIN-SYD 2 Feb travelling in W.
To avoid further confusion in the future, Qantas is issuing a reminder to staff about express card entitlements for frequent flyers.
The departure express path cards are generally given out at check-in, while arrivals cards are normally handed out during the flight.
Express paths are offered at most major Australian airports, as well as many overseas ports. They allow passengers to access fast-track queues at immigration and customs checkpoints. This can be particularly helpful when travelling through busy airports during peak periods. Though, on arrival in Australia, access is available only to passengers that do not have anything to declare.
Access to express immigration queues at selected airports is a published benefit of Oneworld Emerald status, which is equivalent to Qantas Platinum.
Virgin Australia also offers express cards to its Business class passengers, as well as Platinum frequent flyers travelling in any cabin class – as do many other airlines that fly to Australia.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: No more express cards for WP pax in Y?
