Introducing: Next Generation Check-in

[simongr]

There are at least two schools of thought on Pilot programs. My concern about the PER pilot is that it will not be testing the loads of a busy airport - and as such it is no guarantee that if it works in PER that it will actually work in SYD/MEL/BNE.

 

[v8Statesman]

There are at least two schools of thought on Pilot programs. My concern about the PER pilot is that it will not be testing the loads of a busy airport - and as such it is no guarantee that if it works in PER that it will actually work in SYD/MEL/BNE.

PER is a busy airport!! The two Atari 2600's networked with via a tin can phone are flat out during check in!!!

 

[straitman]

PER is a busy airport!! The two Atari 2600's networked with via a tin can phone are flat out during check in!!!

Good to see they ahve updated their hardware and software since I was there last. :shock:

 

[Groundfeeder]

Plus the stamp on your hand!!

 

[Stealth]

PER is actually a suprisingly logical choice. They experience a broad and diverse customer/flight sector and have a very high percentage of QFF. The only issue is that there is probably a higher than average intelligence quotient prevailing, which may indicate potential problems at other ports in the future.

 

[anat0l]

The June QFF newsletter links to an updated page on Next Gen Check-in

Next Generation Check-in from Qantas

It seems all QFF status members might be getting new cards with special chips in them. Either that or all new cards (the non-embossed type) already have it.

On entering the terminal, one touch of your card at a Q Card Reader will recognise you and your booking, automatically checking you in for your flight. A confirmation SMS will then be sent to your registered mobile device.

I'd like to see that work for one of my typical itineraries

It'll be interesting to see how this rolls out. It doesn't seem to do much more than what you can do with OLCI, which is what everyone will be doing if you are savvy. Only advantage is that unlike a kiosk now you can supposedly swipe and collect and that's it - no more tapping away at the screen. Not that many of us here do that anyway.

Also, if a confirmation SMS is sent us then what's going on here......

Everyone will benefit from new, easy to use kiosks which will allow you to check-in and tag your check-in baggage in an instant. Using our new Bag Drop, your checked baggage will also be on its way much faster. If you need assistance our Customer Service Agents will be by your side, ensuring your journey starts smoothly, and continues effortlessly.

a la NZ domestic flights have the same system. It is a good system, mind you. Some people (old types) might be miffed by the further disconnect from human contact.

I'd like to see how priority tagging works (will it be imprinted on the bag tag, just like NZ does). It's going to mean a bit more complication for domestic->international itineraries.

I'd also like to see how intelligent Australians really are with the new system! Not sure how the NZ travelling populace took the fully self serve check in system in NZ domestic, but I have little faith in most of the AU travelling public, even frequent flyers! Cue a NoNews article about QF cutting staff, costs and customer service by making Aussies do the hard work at check-in...

 

[markis10]

PER is actually a suprisingly logical choice. They experience a broad and diverse customer

Dayglo Orange or Green customers .

 

[serfty]

Hmmm ... trialling in "Perth this winter, with other Qantas domestic terminals following later in the year and beyond.".

I guess it would soon be be in all new elite cards being issued.

No mention of it for QP members ... maybe as a group they don't typically fly enough to warrant the chip.

 

[burrco]

Can anyone with experience with similar systems maybe explain what time savings are involved with the new luggage check in system.

If you have to line up at a machine to print your tags, don't you still have to line up to bag drop? Or will the check in area be totally redesigned with a huge row of tagging machines lined up against one long conveyor belt?

I can see the benefit for Qantas but just don't see the time saving for passengers? Even now if I do OLCI, if I have bags, I recheckin at the J line as it is quicker than joining the bag drop line.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

The theory is there won't be a line for bag drop, as the bag will already be tagged. Just dump and go.
Also no mention yet of RFID member bag tags for FF members which is also in the wind, which means you don't even have to print the tags.

 

[markis10]

The theory is there won't be a line for bag drop, as the bag will already be tagged. Just dump and go.
Also no mention yet of RFID member bag tags for FF members which is also in the wind, which means you don't even have to print the tags.

Tags will have to be printed for airports that are not setup for the QF system, should be fine for locations that are 100% QF operated, but most international airports wont be able to handle RFID until ICAO/IATA set standards.

 

[serfty]

AirNZ have used a similar system since last year.

You access the Quick-Check style machine (there's plenty of these) and advise how many bags you have. Bag-tags then get spat out along with your BP's.

You tag you bags and head over to a conveyor around 15 metres long (AKL) and place you bags on it. Wave them goodbye and then you head off through security.

 

[ejb]

AirNZ have used a similar system since last year.

You access the Quick-Check style machine (there's plenty of these) and advise how many bags you have. Bag-tags then get spat out along with your BP's.

You tag you bags and head over to a conveyor around 15 metres long (AKL) and place you bags on it. Wave them goodbye and then you head off through security.

sertfy,

How does this system weigh the bags? If they are over do you get auto-billed or is the bag rejected at a point and you are called?

Just wondering...

ejb

 

[serfty]

One or two staff members located nearby the conveyor watch and help the process. They assist further if they deem it necessary.

 

[anat0l]

sertfy,

How does this system weigh the bags? If they are over do you get auto-billed or is the bag rejected at a point and you are called?

Just wondering...

ejb

I think there might be a weighing process at the back, behind the scenes. Not sure if it applies to every bag, or random.

If your bag is too heavy then you are PA'ed to go back to check-in. It happened to me that way, anyway.

 

[MrHyde]

I think I remember seeing weigh machines next to the kiosks on which you had to place the bags when checking in. I may be completely off target here as I've only used those kiosks once about an year ago.

 

[anat0l]

I think I remember seeing weigh machines next to the kiosks on which you had to place the bags when checking in. I may be completely off target here as I've only used those kiosks once about an year ago.

There are weighing machines provided for the NZ self check-in kiosks as well, but they are really only for convenience.

Even if they were used to "check" the weight of bags, it is very easily fooled. (For example, just take out some weight from the bag, reweigh it, get the green light from the scales, repack, tag and drop).

 

[burrco]

Really sounds like a system with a lot of positives, hopefully QANTAS implements it well.

 

[Groundfeeder]

Even if they were used to "check" the weight of bags, it is very easily fooled. (For example, just take out some weight from the bag, reweigh it, get the green light from the scales, repack, tag and drop).

Ssshhh!! Keep this solely for QFF'ers.

There's bound to be a large man (or woman) standing nearby to put their hand on your shoulder if this occurs

 

[MatF]

Hi guys,

Our travel coordinator at work circulated this PDF from Qantas (QF is our preferred carrier) which has quite a bit more info re: "next Generation Check-in":

http://www.psychogoat.com/linked/NextGenCheck-in.pdf

Apologies if it's already been posted (a quick scan didn't spot it)
(psychogoat is my personal website - I promise it's not as dodgy as it sounds )


Cheers,
Mat.