[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]New rules and advances in technology will significantly change how families board international flights.
Here’s what you need to know:
Mobile check-in
Say goodbye to paper boarding passes. Australian passengers can now check in to international flights using their mobile phone.
Under the new rules, introduced this week, airlines can issue mobile boarding passes for international flights. Passengers will not have to show their passport at the check-in desk.
Expect to see shorter lines at the airport as new technology changes the way we travel. Picture: Shutterstock
The changes allow growing numbers of international travellers to smoothly travel through Australian airports.
“We are always looking for ways to clear legitimate travellers efficiently and seek out those of interest to law enforcement,” Australia’s Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said.
“This change will cut out the need to visit the check-in desk to show your passport and collect your paper boarding pass.”
Next step – facial recognition
Australia is rolling out facial recognition systems into airports. Facial recognition could allow you to check-in, check, bags, access the lounge and board a flight with just your face.
In a recent trial of the technology at Canberra airport, 94 per cent of people were matched using facial recognition.
Facial recognition software is coming to make airport flight boarding easier. Picture: Shutterstock
Sydney Airport is conducting a ‘couch-to-gate’ biometrics trial with select international Qantas passengers.
The government is aiming for 90 percent of international travellers to be processed by automated means by 2020.
Could this be the end of the passport? We will certainly miss the stamps!
Baby formula is OK
New laws from June 30 restrict the amount of powder that is allowed on to be taken on flights. The total amount must not be more than 350g. Many families will babies worried that included baby formula.
It doesn’t.
Baby formula is still fine on international flights. Picture: Shutterstock
The government has made a distinction between organic powders (coffee and baby formula) and inorganic powders (cleaning products).
Inorganic powders are the ones that have been banned. So you are fine to take baby formula onto international flights.
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Travel allows you to get outside your bubble. It makes you realise there are other ways to do things, and that’s OK. Plus, I am a huge fan of skiing and for the best powder – you need to head overseas.