Qantas is joining forces with the government to trial a digital alternative.
In 2024, the only thing worse than painstakingly filling out the onerous Incoming Passenger Card on an arriving international flight might be having to ask to borrow a pen from the crew or a fellow passenger.
Now, Qantas is finally bringing the future to the present, embarking on a trial of a digital equivalent in a trial with The Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Beginning later this year, eligible passengers on selected Qantas flights between New Zealand and Australia will be invited to complete their Australia Travel Declaration through the Qantas app up to 72 hours prior to departure.
Once completed, passengers will receive a digital pass through the Qantas app, which will include a QR code that can be shown to ABF officers on arrival.
For years, calls from travellers to do away with the paper version have grown louder, with many advocating for a streamlined process that both improves data quality and a more streamlined travel experience.
The ABF has also flagged the expansion of the trial to other airlines if the program with Qantas is successful.
Aussies will be able to access the trial thanks to the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group, a body which was the prime mover in bringing leaders and experts from across government and industry to launch the pilot.
“We are excited by the possibilities this pilot program can open up for the future traveller experience – both in and out of Australia – especially as Australia prepares to welcome travellers from around the world when Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032,” said ABF Commissioner Michael Outram.
Published on: https://travelbulletin.com.au by Matt Lennon
