Benefits of OLCI

[texter]

If one has status (ie. able to preselect a seat and have "priority" check in) AND need to check in luggage, is there value in performing OLCI before getting to the airport?

 

[jimmylikesitwet]

Even with status you may not be able to select exit row seats (without a fee). Once OLCI opens then these seats generally become available if not already selected by others.

 

[Flying mermaid]

There have been indications that Qantas uses OLCI as a way of people reconfirming their flights, particularly for overseas flights. So if the flight is oversold and you check in at the airport, you could be the ones selected to be downgraded or offloaded.

 

[medhead]

I don't think there is any major benefit. OLCI would allow you to go straight to the bag chute for domestic flights.

 

[david1]

Sorry for the slightly off-topic tangent, butI really like getting a proper boarding pass. If you do OLCI, can you re-print a boarding pass from a kiosk at the airport? Once you choose to print your own, or use your phone, is there any way to get a printed boarding pass?

 

[RichardMEL]

Sorry for the slightly off-topic tangent, butI really like getting a proper boarding pass. If you do OLCI, can you re-print a boarding pass from a kiosk at the airport? Once you choose to print your own, or use your phone, is there any way to get a printed boarding pass?

Absolutely (cue "Shine")

Kiosk A-OK (you get an option to print BP, change seat, change FF# etc). Lounges (staff) etc can re-print too.

 

[Colster]

There have been indications that Qantas uses OLCI as a way of people reconfirming their flights, particularly for overseas flights. So if the flight is oversold and you check in at the airport, you could be the ones selected to be downgraded or offloaded.

Or upgraded ?

 

[Flying mermaid]

Or upgraded ?

A possible outcome. . However I was thinking of the two people who were downgraded from J to Y at Lax- I had never bothered doing online checkin overseas prior to that debate. However it came through quite strongly that if you didn't you were vulnerable to a downgrade/offload.

 

[BD1959]

However I was thinking of the two people who were downgraded from J to Y at Lax- I had never bothered doing online checkin overseas prior to that debate. However it came through quite strongly that if you didn't you were vulnerable to a downgrade/offload.

Quite.

From memory the couple were SGs and the whole episode left a very nasty taste in my mouth. Hardly QF's finest hour and a wake-up call that despite status it's first-come-first-served in the game called QF-Musical-Chairs.

From a Domestic viewpoint, I'll have preselected my seat - so OLCI plays no part - I usually use the SMS Check-In option once I'm on my way to the airport.

I have had the odd occasion when I've not checked-in prior to the 30mins cutoff: once I was on a call in the cab and arrived at MEL 5mins after cutoff. The floor walker made a quick call and I was Checked-In. The second time, at SYD, I completely forgot until the scanner went "ping" at the Gate. Again, promptly sorted at the Service Desk and even shown back to the front of the queue.

It's at times like that - when QF provide such great service - that you wonder how they can get it so terribly wrong at other times.

Regards,

BD

 

[RooFlyer]

There have been indications that Qantas uses OLCI as a way of people reconfirming their flights, particularly for overseas flights. So if the flight is oversold and you check in at the airport, you could be the ones selected to be downgraded or offloaded.

This is the only material benefit of OLCI that I am aware of. Do OLCI but then I go to regular (Priority) check in to drop bags, check everything has 'stuck' and get a proper BP.

 

[RichardMEL]

re domestic OLCI etc - where does this auto-check-in "feature" come into play? It seems to be rolling out through the nwtrok, though I don't know I've had it applied to me yet personally, but I've seen the blurbs about it. Seems to mitigate the "if you didn't check in you could be downgraded/booted off"(I do realise that stuff was international) thing.

Personally, while I pre-select my seats for domestic, OLCI can help (I usually do it via the app) in case a "better" seat has opened up on day of travel, or for whatever reason I decide to move.. it can be helpful to do that (I can then, of course, change again via the kiosk when I get to the airport, assuming it's a location with kiosks-which is most of the majors now).

Internationally.. I tend to not do it. I always felt what's the point when I need to show up and have my passport vetted/scanned anyway? I certainly take the point about the downgrades or potential offloading if you're not, but surely if you check in for your flight at say LAX or LHR ~90min-2hour prior is there really an argument that you could get offloaded if you didn't OLCI? I can think of thousands of passengers - many I know - who wouldn't even think to do this, or try it, or have the app or similar ability to do it.

Of course, I note that when I've been lucky enough to be flying F ex-AU of course the hosts call you the day prior, and you're checked-in by them at that time, but that is obviously a special service.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

Internationally.. I tend to not do it. I always felt what's the point when I need to show up and have my passport vetted/scanned anyway? I certainly take the point about the downgrades or potential offloading if you're not, but surely if you check in for your flight at say LAX or LHR ~90min-2hour prior is there really an argument that you could get offloaded if you didn't OLCI? I can think of thousands of passengers - many I know - who wouldn't even think to do this, or try it, or have the app or similar ability to do it.
<snip>

Exactly - so those who are prudent enough to get 'set' early should take advantage of it. I don't think there's any formal stats or facts re probability of getting offloaded if you do or don't do OLCI, but doesn't it make sense? Some-one has to get booted. Is it more likely to be some-one already checked in, or not yet checked in, other things being equal?

 

[get me outta here]

I always do OLCI if possible as it makes it feel like I'm actually going to be on that flight. I have never been offloaded or downgraded, but that's probably coincidental.

 

[RichardMEL]

Exactly - so those who are prudent enough to get 'set' early should take advantage of it. I don't think there's any formal stats or facts re probability of getting offloaded if you do or don't do OLCI, but doesn't it make sense? Some-one has to get booted. Is it more likely to be some-one already checked in, or not yet checked in, other things being equal?

OTOH, as far as QF is concerned, if you have not checked-in, then you're not "there" to be offloaded. (downgrade is a different issue, I agree).

though seems to me most offloading is done due to either weight (known only really near to departure in most cases I would guess). poor behaviour (well OLCI won't help you there ) or an aircraft sub (now THIS is one reason i could think to OLCI).

I think also my own personal general reluctance to use OLCI for int is that seems when I show up at check-in to have my documents checked, BP issued, some staff have had a problem if I have done OLCI (I know, this makes no sense) but almost had the feeling that them generating a BP (say I haven't printed one) or something is difficult. I don't like to go to bag drop and stuff like that, i like to see a human (and I suspect for most int flights I stil need a human to vet documents etc).

Anyway, I think i will OLCI for int in future thanks, thread

 

[BD1959]

re domestic OLCI etc - where does this auto-check-in "feature" come into play? It seems to be rolling out through the nwtrok, though I don't know I've had it applied to me yet personally, but I've seen the blurbs about it. Seems to mitigate the "if you didn't check in you could be downgraded/booted off"(I do realise that stuff was international) thing.

"auto check-in" is a QF term as accurate as "enhancement" in my book!

If you haven't checked-in at T-12, you receive a SMS which then provides a link prompting you to check-in. Simpler (in the non-QF way!) sure ... but not automated beyond the reminder. I use it on MEL-ADL and MEL-SYD commutes.

Personally, while I pre-select my seats for domestic, OLCI can help (I usually do it via the app) in case a "better" seat has opened up on day of travel, or for whatever reason I decide to move.. it can be helpful to do that (I can then, of course, change again via the kiosk when I get to the airport, assuming it's a location with kiosks-which is most of the majors now).

Once you receive your BP you can still look around the cabin and change seats if you wish.

Regards,

BD

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

BP there days tend to fade though.
Unless you make paper copies or scan to app or computer memory usb.
Me? I love OLCI and my beloved QCC.
And am HLO only too.

 

[maroonone]

I always check in at the J/WP+/WP/SG? counter as the less people who do that the less it will be staffed and when you really need them (baggage issues and the like) they won't be there. At outposts (eg DRW) more and more are contractors who I have pleasure in educating in them in the vagaries of baggage allowances for J/WP/J Dom to F Int etc. I suppose this saves QF the trouble of having to hire and train competent staff themselves.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Just one thing from me on this OLCI, esp for travel where I have done OLCI, and printed a BP for an int flight, and I just need to show my passport to be dipped into the reader, it seems that some check in staff look at it with disdain, and they will as a rule of thumb, print out a "proper" BP and practically tear up your home printed BP.
Watch it the next time you show your home printed BP, and just need your passport dipped/or to ask for an Expresspath card.
Maybe the best thing is not to hand over the A4 sheet of paper!
While not with QF, this happened with (Air) NZ, J flight SYD - AKL, followed all the procedures, had completed all and sundry, printed BP (had it with me), all I needed was the passport dip, and the Expresspath card. The lady printed me out a proper BP for the temp lounge, maybe they needed that proper BP, then tore up and threw my torn to bits home printed paper BP into her covert bin.
Ouch.

 

[jimmylikesitwet]

Maybe the best thing is not to hand over the A4 sheet of paper!

I often OLCI for international flights and never bother to print the boarding pass as I know they generally reprint it so I'm saving a little bit of paper. You just let them know you checked in online and didn't print the boarding pass and it's all good.

The exception is when I'm travelling to NZ I will print the boarding pass as I generally only have carry on so don't need to see a counter agent. When I get to the lounge they scan my passport there so I feel it saves a small amount of time.

 

[Jleno]

A related question is, if you OLCI, does that reduce your chances of an upgrade?