'It's just unacceptable': Aussie traveller reveals a shocking flaw in the new passport design
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Aussie travellers have already had their fair share of frustrations with the country’s newly redesigned passports, but it seems there’s yet another issue to contend with.
What started as excitement over a more secure passport design has quickly turned into a wave of complaints, with some pointing to a serious flaw that could leave many questioning the passport's value.
Australia’s new passport design, introduced in 2022, has drawn criticism for its poor durability, despite being the most expensive passport in the world.
A social media user shared her frustration this week, revealing that the stitching along the spine of the redesigned passport can pull loose.
She pointed out that despite taking great care of the passport, it showed signs of wear, including bending, twisting, and loose stitching.
'Our passports that we bought in May 2023 live in this passport wallet. We take excellent care of them because they are our ticket to travelling the world – and this is what they look like when they come out,' the woman said in her video.
'It's just unacceptable. They bend, they twist. The only safe place to keep them is between two gigantic encyclopedias.'
She further remarked that even the stitching was coming undone, calling it 'just awful'.
She added that their old, expired passports remained in perfect condition, highlighting the contrast in quality.
Another traveller echoed similar concerns, with many Australians joining the conversation online to complain about the passport’s durability.
'Double the price and half the quality,' one user remarked.
Others shared similar experiences, with one stating: Ours are the same, first time opening them and the pages started to separate from the spine.'
Many noted that the new passport’s thin design, which causes it to bend outwards, was a major flaw.
'Yes!!! I have been storing mine literally between books,' another commented.
Some even worried about the potential impact of the passport’s condition on international travel.
'An over-zealous border agent could reject those as they look tampered with,' one user said.
Natalie Vellozzi, 28, from Sydney, posted a video comparing her old and new passports, accusing the government of cutting corners.
'The quality definitely does not match the price of this passport,' she said.
When comparing the two side by side, the new passport’s warped cover was immediately apparent.
'This is my old passport I have had for 10 years. It is definitely better quality,' Ms Vellozzi said.
The new passport, which costs a staggering $398, has been criticised for its thinner and more fragile construction.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) had initially touted the R series as featuring advanced security measures to protect Australians’ identities.
However, many travellers felt that the high price tag should reflect better quality.
'This new one looks like it was literally printed at Officeworks. I've had it for one day and it is already warping, it's already bending,' Vellozzi commented, underlining the widespread dissatisfaction with the redesigned passport.
In a previous story, we delved into the staggering cost of Australia's passport, which has recently become the second most expensive in the world.
If you're wondering whether you're overpaying for this document, the truth might surprise you. To find out more about the shocking details behind the price tag, read the full article here.
Should Australians expect better quality for the price they’re paying? Have you noticed similar issues with your new passport? Share your thoughts in the comments.
What started as excitement over a more secure passport design has quickly turned into a wave of complaints, with some pointing to a serious flaw that could leave many questioning the passport's value.
Australia’s new passport design, introduced in 2022, has drawn criticism for its poor durability, despite being the most expensive passport in the world.
At $398 after a 15 per cent price increase in July, many Australians have expressed disappointment with the build quality.
Aussie passport flaw sparks outrage over quality concerns. Image source: @Prestigious_Trust474 on Reddit
A social media user shared her frustration this week, revealing that the stitching along the spine of the redesigned passport can pull loose.
She pointed out that despite taking great care of the passport, it showed signs of wear, including bending, twisting, and loose stitching.
'Our passports that we bought in May 2023 live in this passport wallet. We take excellent care of them because they are our ticket to travelling the world – and this is what they look like when they come out,' the woman said in her video.
'It's just unacceptable. They bend, they twist. The only safe place to keep them is between two gigantic encyclopedias.'
She further remarked that even the stitching was coming undone, calling it 'just awful'.
She added that their old, expired passports remained in perfect condition, highlighting the contrast in quality.
Another traveller echoed similar concerns, with many Australians joining the conversation online to complain about the passport’s durability.
'Double the price and half the quality,' one user remarked.
Others shared similar experiences, with one stating: Ours are the same, first time opening them and the pages started to separate from the spine.'
Many noted that the new passport’s thin design, which causes it to bend outwards, was a major flaw.
'Yes!!! I have been storing mine literally between books,' another commented.
Some even worried about the potential impact of the passport’s condition on international travel.
'An over-zealous border agent could reject those as they look tampered with,' one user said.
Natalie Vellozzi, 28, from Sydney, posted a video comparing her old and new passports, accusing the government of cutting corners.
'The quality definitely does not match the price of this passport,' she said.
When comparing the two side by side, the new passport’s warped cover was immediately apparent.
'This is my old passport I have had for 10 years. It is definitely better quality,' Ms Vellozzi said.
The new passport, which costs a staggering $398, has been criticised for its thinner and more fragile construction.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) had initially touted the R series as featuring advanced security measures to protect Australians’ identities.
However, many travellers felt that the high price tag should reflect better quality.
'This new one looks like it was literally printed at Officeworks. I've had it for one day and it is already warping, it's already bending,' Vellozzi commented, underlining the widespread dissatisfaction with the redesigned passport.
In a previous story, we delved into the staggering cost of Australia's passport, which has recently become the second most expensive in the world.
If you're wondering whether you're overpaying for this document, the truth might surprise you. To find out more about the shocking details behind the price tag, read the full article here.
Should Australians expect better quality for the price they’re paying? Have you noticed similar issues with your new passport? Share your thoughts in the comments.
