Express path at MEL - flying NZ in Y as VA Platinum

[Jack_OC]

Hi all, I'm a Velocity Platinum, and will shortly be flying trans-Tasman in Y from MEL on NZ metal and an NZ ticket. Do I get Express Path access when departing? If so, can I get it even if I check in online, or do I have to visit a check in desk to collect a card? I'll be travelling with hand luggage only, so I'm not planning to visit a desk if I don't have to.

Follow-up question - I have loads of old Express Path cards issued by other airlines, e.g. QF and EY. If I flash one of those on the way through will it work, or do they cross reference against BP?

 

[Hvr]

Any old pass will get you through. Never had it checked on the rare occasions I've needed to surrender one.

 

[dajop]

Of course depending on time of day express path could be meaningless.

The last time I've taken late afternoon (~6pm) flights (albeit to SIN, , but flights are at ~ same time as NZ AKL &WLG flights) the non-express lane has been quicker, especially as they direct the regular queue to express queue .. although both queues, both times, well under 10 mins.

 

[Jack_OC]

Any old pass will get you through. Never had it checked on the rare occasions I've needed to surrender one.

Good to know, thanks! I've never had to surrender one since the automated passport gates came in, but usually I hold out my BP and Express Path card on the way into security, so I have no prior experience of showing the card only.

Of course depending on time of day express path could be meaningless.

The last time I've taken late afternoon (~6pm) flights (albeit to SIN, , but flights are at ~ same time as NZ AKL &WLG flights) the non-express lane has been quicker, especially as they direct the regular queue to express queue .. although both queues, both times, well under 10 mins.

Yeah, I've had very mixed experiences. I'm flying in the morning though, and I have found it can be busy going through security then.

 

[Austman]

At MEL there are now only express lanes for security. They ditched the passport control ones some time ago.

 

[dajop]

GYeah, I've had very mixed experiences. I'm flying in the morning though, and I have found it can be busy going through security then.

Yes, many more flights in the morning/early afternoon. Late afternoon it is much quieter, especially after 5pm.

 

[Jack_OC]

At MEL there are now only express lanes for security. They ditched the passport control ones some time ago.

Yes, I'm referring to security. They used to take the Express Path cards off you at passport control, but that doesn't happen anymore since the automated gates have come in.

It seems nobody has twigged that if the cards aren't required at passport control, they should in theory be surrendered at security - hence I have come to have so many of them in my possession!

 

[TomVexille]

IIRC NZ has been printing express path on their BPs for a while now

 

[Jack_OC]

IIRC NZ has been printing express path on their BPs for a while now

You're absolutely right - as I have now discovered. Even if you use OLCI the Express Path symbol appears on the BP.