When will Australia get modern entry procedures?

[drron]

Haven't been through Indian departure process for about 2-3 years. But is struck me as relatively easy and straightforward*.

* compared to what it was 10 years earlier. OMG that was something else, IIRC you had to show your boarding pass to about half a dozen people between check in and stepping onto the plane. And passport to at least 3 of those, maybe more. Last time I flew out it was only about three people.

I am leaving on a cruise ship. Wanted a departure card we hadn’t been told about. Then they decided it wasn’t a problem as they could print it out anyway.

 

[JustSlash]

The major delay at SYD and MEL is invariably very slow luggage arrival on the carousel, and a slow queue for customs.

This!! Couldn’t agree more. While I do think the physical card system could be improved (and ideally moved online), the biggest bottleneck is almost always baggage arrival. We were recently back from overseas and, despite clearing immigration with hundreds of people lining up for the green/yellow card (around a 30-minute wait), we got to the carousel to find not a single bag out yet. Ended up waiting close to 45mins before all luggage arrived and we could finally exit.

In contrast, on our trip through Singapore, we cleared immigration in about 15–20 minutes. By the time we reached the baggage carousel, unloading had already finished and our bags were neatly placed to the side with others, presumably cleared to make room for the next flight.

 

[serfty]

On a recent SQ inbound flight, paper arrival forms were not handed out. I had to ask, and was given one after a few minutes. Did this mean most on the aircraft had to find a paper form once they alighted, and then fill it out? I carry a pen, but I bet many passengers do not.

Singapore basically do not promote paper arrival forms. I am surprised one was available.

Those who have not completed theirs online generally get to use the tablets lined up in the arrivals hall before proceeding through the auto gates. There are plenty of staff to assist.