I've just returned from a family trip OS and was given express passes before both flights. I have a child under 10 so on the way back in the pass was very helpful as a means of bypassing the queue.
However, on the way out (from Melbourne) I was looking for where to use the pass and was directed with my child to queue up and use the automated gates.
Questions I have are:
1. Was it right that a child under 10 used the automated gate when exiting the country, given this is not allowed when re-entering
And
2. Does the express pass on exit have any value these days (based on our being directed to join the normal queues)?
As they introduce more gate/pax automation the express cards are diminishing in value - if you're inbound into Brisbane for example, they are meaningless as the inbound pax process is so broken its beyond pathetic.
The other issue you'll face is that as CBPS and AQUIS are retreating back to the last few meters and leaving the grunt work to min-wage contractors - many of whom view their new job as an Emperor type role of thumbs up or thumbs down...you'll end up arguing with an idiot, which as you know is meaningless as he/she will simply argue you down to their level of stupidity...
You can't reason with these minions, nor can you get around them.
Have a search around the AusBT site - you'll find quite a few stories of issues with express entry/exit cards...
Outwards processing is different from inwards processing, in regards to Aust Immi.
Anyone can use auto outwards immi process, they don't even have to hold an e passport.
The system just registers that the person has left Aust.
In fact if you look at it indepth, they now couldn't really care less if you put the OPC into the clear lidded box, if you "forget" to do it, no one chases you to put it into the box.
Incoming, yes, you do still have to fill in the IPC.
If you read the www.border.gov.au website about Smartgate, you will see it mentions that nearly (except babies maybe) anyone with a passport can use outgoing Smartgate.
Outwards processing is different from inwards processing, in regards to Aust Immi.
Anyone can use auto outwards immi process, they don't even have to hold an e passport.
The system just registers that the person has left Aust.
In fact if you look at it indepth, they now couldn't really care less if you put the OPC into the clear lidded box, if you "forget" to do it, no one chases you to put it into the box.
Incoming, yes, you do still have to fill in the IPC.
If you read the www.border.gov.au website about Smartgate, you will see it mentions that nearly (except babies maybe) anyone with a passport can use outgoing Smartgate.
Thanks Andrew!
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Outward express cards
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Hi All
markpk
markpk
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 29 Nov 2013
Total posts 459
As they introduce more gate/pax automation the express cards are diminishing in value - if you're inbound into Brisbane for example, they are meaningless as the inbound pax process is so broken its beyond pathetic.
Andrew Barkery
Andrew Barkery
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 21 Mar 2011
Total posts 433
Outwards processing is different from inwards processing, in regards to Aust Immi.
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Outwards processing is different from inwards processing, in regards to Aust Immi.