Incoming passenger card for Australian arrivals goes digital in new trial

Passengers on select Australian flights are among the first to experience a new arrival process, eliminating the need to fill out the cumbersome Incoming Passenger Card. This initiative marks a significant step by Australia in streamlining passenger arrival procedures, with the aim of enhancing the overall travel experience.

Travelers flying from New Zealand to Australia are experiencing a "fast-track arrival process" through the use of the new Digital Passenger Declaration (ATD) system. This is a collaborative initiative launched by the Australian government in partnership with airlines, designed to simplify passenger entry procedures and improve efficiency.

Qantas is piloting the program, with the first group of passengers to experience it being those on QF126 from Auckland to Brisbane. The program will be extended to passengers flying to Brisbane from other New Zealand cities in the future. Qantas has indicated that other Australian cities and some international destinations will also be included in the program "in the coming months."

Passengers can complete the digital travel declaration form via the Qantas app up to 72 hours before their flight departs, and will then receive a QR code to present to Australian Border Force officials upon arrival, replacing the traditional paper-based arrival card. Of course, if passengers prefer to use the existing paper Incoming Passenger Card, they still have that option available to them.

Qantas Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Catriona Larritt, stated that this will make travel more seamless. "Going paperless means less to think about en route by removing the need to hunt for a pen and onboard information," she said. "Customers will have three days to complete the digital form at a time and place that suits them." This initiative aims to provide passengers with a more flexible and convenient arrival experience.