THE USE OF E-PASSPORTS FOR INBOUND AIRPORT BORDER SECURITY SCREENING: THE PASSENGER PERSPECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the use of machine readable passport systems for inbound airport border security screening, from the perspective of the travelling public. Traditional stamped passports are increasingly being replaced by electronic documents, or e-passports, and associated screening technology. This reality has been examined from the users' point-of-view. To investigate the use of e-passports, a survey was conducted on inbound international passengers arriving at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. Use in terms of usage rate, usability, ease of use, time, and satisfaction were investigated. In terms of gender, there was no difference in the five categories. For age, there was a statistical significant difference in terms of usage rate and clearance times, between younger (16 to 44 year olds) and older (45+) passengers. That is, 16 to 44 year olds were more likely to use the technology, and as a result, took less time to clear customs. The direct relationship between these is apparent, the fact that more 45+ passengers did not use the system resulted in their longer clearance times. More interesting is the fact that those 45+ passengers that utilised the system reported it was as easy to use as 16 to 44 year olds, and were equally satisfied when using the system.