Overseas flights get online check-in

AUSTRALIANS jetting overseas will be able to check in to their flights with their mobile phones — just like on domestic flights — under changes to be made by the Turnbull Government.

From today, airlines will be able to issue electronic boarding passes for international flights with travellers able to show them on their mobile devices.

Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge will unveil the changes, aimed at making it faster for passengers to move from the processing gates to the plane.

Mr Tudge said the number of international travellers continued to rise and the move towards automation at the border would make the process easier.

“Last financial year more than 21.4 million travellers were cleared through the border departing Australian international airports,” Mr Tudge said.

“These increasing volumes mean we are always looking for ways to clear legitimate travellers efficiently and seek out those of interest to law enforcement.

“This change will cut out the need to visit the check-in desk to show your passport and collect your paper boarding pass.”

The move will not affect the ability of Australian Border Force officers to stop suspicious travellers including illegal migrants.

Airlines will make changes to their systems to allow passengers to check in on their mobile phones.

The changes will reduce costs to airlines as they no longer need to pay for paper and printing of boarding passes.

Qantas said its trial of digital boarding passes between Australia and NZ would be extended to other overseas flights.