Adelaide Airport (finally) gets a priority security screening lane

At long last, passengers flying from Adelaide Airport in first class, business class or with the right frequent flyer card can zip through the airport’s security screening formalities, thanks to the introduction of a new priority line at the airport’s main security checkpoint.

Located on the far right-hand side as you approach security – nearest to the Qantas check-in desks – the line welcomes travellers departing on any domestic or international flight in business class and first class, along with "premium" (Gold and Platinum) frequent flyers booked on the same.

On domestic flights, that includes Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members, along with Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and The Club cardholders.

Eligible frequent flyers travelling internationally will instead receive an Express Path invitation from their airline, which can be presented for access to this queue.

As all domestic and international flights depart from a single terminal in Adelaide, every passenger goes through the same security checkpoint at the beginning of their journey, whether they’re jetting to Darwin or Dubai.

This can often result in lengthy queues during peak times, which are better-avoided if you're eligible for the fast lane.

An Express Path channel is also now provided at the airport's separate international security screening point – located within the airport's secure domestic departures area, before reaching the international gates – so although overseas-bound passengers have to clear a second security check, they'll again be whisked through the faster queue.

A spokesperson for Adelaide Airport confirmed to Australian Business Traveller that Express Path facilities are not available at passport control for departing passengers, or at passport control and Customs for arriving passengers, although most Aussie travellers can make use of SmartGate facilities here to save time.

International airlines serving Adelaide include Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines, while Australia's Jetstar also jets abroad from Adelaide.

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.