Qantas Begins Trial Of New Digital Travel Declaration On Flights Between Auckland And Brisbane

Qantas is the first airline to trial the Australia Digital Travel Declaration (ATD) pilot, a digital alternative to the traditional paper Incoming Passenger Card initially offered to travellers on flights from Auckland to Brisbane.

Flight QF126 will be the first to use the Australia Digital Travel Declaration (ATD), and in the coming days, the program will be expanded to additional flights from New Zealand to Brisbane. This initiative is part of Qantas’ broader effort to streamline international travel, and the technology will be introduced in more Australian cities early next year.

Qantas Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt highlighted that the new paperless system was designed to enhance travellers' convenience.

“We’re always working hard to make travel easier and smoother for our customers,” she said. “The paperless declaration means no more searching for a pen or flight details mid-flight.”

Eligible Qantas customers can complete the Australia Digital Travel Declaration (ATD) up to 72 hours before departure via the Qantas app. Upon arrival in Australia, they will receive a QR code for streamlined border clearance.

Currently, the pilot program is limited to adult passengers on single bookings, with plans to expand to include Qantas bookings with children and groups by mid-2025. The traditional paper declaration will remain available for those who prefer it.

This pilot builds on recent digital enhancements to the Qantas app, such as inbound flight trackers, baggage tracking, passport scanning, and a direct call feature. The initiative aligns well with the rise in convenient travel services across Australia, including the increasing popularity of furnished apartments in Brisbane, which offer travellers flexible, ready-to-live accommodations perfect for longer stays.

Qantas aims to expand the ATD program to additional international routes in the coming months.