Save time at check in
Many airlines are shifting from the standard face-to-face check-in system, to online and portable device systems.
With long queues and long wait times a result of face-to-face check-in procedures this could soon be a thing of the past, making way for more modern devices.
Flight Centre Limited general manager of marketing Colin Bowman said technology such as self service check-in kiosks was common in most major airports and new innovations were continually being introduced.
"Major changes have taken place in recent years to streamline the check-in process and there's no sign of any slowdown in the future," he said.
While some changes are designed to encourage travellers to do it themselves, others are geared towards improving service, eliminating queues and fast-tracking what can be a time consuming process."
Travellers can now avoid queues by checking in for flights at Caribbean resorts, Las Vegas casinos, via Facebook, through the use of a Smartphone or by swiping a Qantas card.
Flight Centre has identified 10 of the latest airport check-in innovations:
• With such an influx in the popularity of smart phones, airlines have picked up on this by allowing travellers to access boarding passes via Blackberries, iPhones and other similar devices.
• Some face-to-face check-in services now require an additional fee. Tiger Airways and Jetstar both require an additional paid airport check in fee for passengers wanting the traditional check-in method. Tiger Airways charges domestic passengers $12.50 for the pre-pay online service and $30.00 for the traditional method of face-to-face check in at a counter.
• This year, Malaysia Airlines launched its MHbuddy application where travellers can access the Malaysia Airlines Facebook page and check-in for a flight while sharing trip details with friends.
• Kerbside check-in is commonly used in the US where travellers can pull up to the airport, hand the ticket and bags to an airline check-in staff member at the front of the terminal. Passengers can then proceed to the check-in without having to carry bags. This process is also known as Skycaps and Delta Airlines have this at 100 US locations.
• Qantas has established a next generation check-in system that eliminates the need for printed documents. Platinum, Gold and Silver Frequent Flier members will soon be able to check in with a Qantas card embedded with a Q chip. The cards can be swiped at Q card readers for a faster check-in process.
• Etihad Airways allows passengers to check in in the city before heading to the airport. Check-in facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai enable passengers to check in, for Etihad flights, up to 24 hours before departure. Passengers leave their bags at the facilities for transfer to the airport. In Hong Kong, Kowloon and London's Paddington stations, passengers can check in before boarding the train to the airport.
• The 'off airport' system of Virgin Atlantic, in Las Vegas, allows passengers to check-in at six different locations including the Luxor, Venetian, MGM Grande and Palazzo. Virgin says the service is "Just like checking in for a flight at the airport, but without the airport."
• At some Caribbean resorts travellers can check-in to a Virgin Atlantic flight from their beachfront resort. After dropping their baggage and receiving a boarding pass, travellers are free to relax by the pool and then head to the airport closer to the flight departure time.
• Check-in lounges are being used by Malaysia Airlines. The Frontend Check-in Lounge, at KL International Airport, is available for first-class, business class passengers, frequent fliers and members of the Enrich Platinum loyalty program. It allows passengers and staff "to interact in a classier, friendlier and cosier atmosphere."
• The twilight check-in option is great for travellers boarding an early morning flight. Passengers travelling from London's Gatwick airport can now check in between noon and 9:00pm the day before departure, offering passengers speedier service for early morning flights.
