AUSTRALIA-based low-cost carrier Jetstar will implement a 100 per cent self-service check-in system for travellers in Australia and New Zealand starting November 1. The traditional method of checking in at the airport counter will be charged accordingly.
From now till then, however, passengers flying across Jetstar’s 18-port domestic network will be afforded the option of checking-in via the web or self-service kiosks at the airport, and receiving a boarding pass via SMS or email 24 hours before a flight.
Travellers with luggage can scan their SMS boarding pass at the self-service kiosk, collect their boarding passes and bag tags, and drop their luggage at the bag drop before boarding the flight. Customers without bags can bypass the check-in area and head straight to their boarding gate.
Jetstar Group CEO, Bruce Buchanan, said: “The airport experience is rapidly changing, and in an era of more frequent, low-fare travel, our customers are seeking more speed, control and ease when flying. The full implementation of our self-service initiatives is anticipated to boost uptake of self-service options closer to 100 per cent across our network.”
“Delivering a 100 per cent self-service platform will enable more of our customer service team at airports to focus on the customer,” he added. “Our new SMS boarding passes, kiosks and automated check-in options are delivering practical and innovative solutions that will add greater control and save time at increasingly busy airports.”
There are currently no plans to introduce this service on international routes, as mandatory verification of passports and identification documents have to be factored in.
The cost of checking-in at the counter will be announced at a later date.
By Faith Chang
