Mobile check in for international flights

People flying overseas can now check in for their flights using a mobile phone, in a bid to cut wait times at Australian airports.

From Monday, airlines will be able to issue electronic boarding passes for international flights departing Australia.

It means travellers won't need to visit check-in counters to show their passport and collecting a paper boarding pass.

"Australia is a world leader in seamless travel and this move will allow travellers to move across our border smoothly," Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge said in a statement.

More than 21 million people passed through the border at international airports on their way out of Australia last financial year, but that figure is tipped to rise.

Nearly three-in-four travellers were screened through the country's automatic SmartGates, helping speed up the process.

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

The change follows several successful trials of mobile boarding passes for international flights.

Qantas has welcomed the news, with a spokesperson telling nine.com.au: "“Using digital boarding passes has already been popular with our customers who have used their mobile devices to help make their travel experience more seamless.

“Qantas started offering customers access to digital boarding passes between Australia and New Zealand as a trial with the Border Force over 12 months ago.

“We’re now extending this to other international destinations, with the exception of US departures, which we expect to roll out in October.”

Brisbane Airport said the technology is "proven" in domestic travel and has been trialled at Brisbane International.

:It is part of the ongoing technology improvements delivering a more  seamless and improved passenger experience through airport terminals. Automatic Bag Drops and Biometrics are all part of the future travel experience which will be easier, faster and safer for travellers," a spokesperson told nine.com.au.