Express security for international arrivals only for Platinum and Platinum One holders when travelling on Qantas.

Express security for international arrivals only for Platinum and Platinum One holders when travelling on Qantas. Is this a new thing? When I've travelled on EK either directly or as a QF codeshare, I've been handed an express pass. When I was on QF2 on Sunday, I asked for one and was told it was no longer available for Gold, although the cabin supervisor gave me one out of goodwill. Is this a new thing?

It's not new – access to Express lanes when flying Qantas is only for Oneworld Emerald members (Platinum, Platinum One and Chairmans Lounge) and those in business class and first class (not sure about premium economy...).

On the other hand, Emirates also extends Express privileges to Gold and Platinum-grade frequent flyers of both Qantas and Emirates – no complaints there! :P

Ah thanks for the clarification. I often fall outside of the sweet spot, travelling economy as a gold QFF. Another reason to fly EK really. But I do undertsand Qantas reasoning, they have stacks of gold status people on each flight.

I really don't see the need for express cards these days. I've never had to queue behind more than one person at a SmartGate (and that is rare, normally it's straight through) and customs doesn't seem too bad either at Melbourne since they finished the upgrade of the arrivals hall. 

Priority bag tags is a far more useful feature (if baggage handlers actually pay attention to them) as the longest wait is always at the baggage carousel.

Depends on timing of your arrival really. Sydney has a peak hour just as the curfew opens. There's people everywhere. Melbourne, ans curfew, have the luxury of staggering arrivals, if only by 10 minutes, it breaks the bottle neck.

But agree, if I had to choose, priority bag tags would be my pick, in the odd event baggage handlers use them!

Whats an express pass line (We don't have that in Brisbane)

Just joking we do but its only ever used in busy times like school holidays etc

You'll find it's open throughout the year, but that the entrance (for departing passengers) is often roped off – you need to show your Express card to the security card standing at the baggage scales directly in front and they'll open it for you. ;)

Yeh its open but last friday they were using it for anyone and everyone

Upon arrival yesterday the express pass line was the general line