Qantas to unveil new check-in at Perth

Qantas Airways Ltd has ramped up its offering to the top end of the travel market
with a series of initiatives designed to minimise queueing at the airport for
domestic flights.
The national flag carrier has invited about 100,000 of its premium frequent flyers
to take part in what the airline calls a "Next Generation check-in experience",
using a new frequent flyer card fitted with a smart chip.
Starting next week at Perth Airport, these passengers can check in simply by tapping
the card against a scanning point, with details such as seat number, departure gate
and boarding time delivered via a text message.
Later in 2010, premium frequent flyers will receive a personalised electronic Q Bag
Tag that eliminates the need for printed baggage tags for checked luggage, in what
Qantas claims is world-first technology.
Qantas executive manager for customer experience Alison Webster said the changes
would benefit all passengers but especially the airline's premium frequent flyers
and those travelling on business.
"Now we are creating a process at the airport for our premium customers that will
make check-in so smooth and easy it basically disappears," Ms Webster said during a
media briefing on Tuesday.
She said Qantas research showed passengers found queues were a "real point of pain"
and contributed to making travel a more stressful experience.
Qantas dominates the corporate travel market in Australia.
But new Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd chief executive John Borghetti has signalled his
intention to grab a bigger slice of these high-yielding travellers.
Mr Borghetti, himself a former senior Qantas executive, hoped to lift Virgin Blue's
share of the corporate market from the current 10 per cent to 15 per cent over the
next two years, reports have said.
An email from Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce to those chosen to participate has
started to arrive in selected frequent flyer member inboxes.
Mr Joyce says the changes involved world-leading technology.
"But at the same time, it will deliver more personalised customer care - our
friendly Qantas representatives will be on hand to assist you at all stages of your
journey," Mr Joyce says in the email.
Other changes being launched in Perth next week include automated bag drop, where a
passenger prints their own baggage tags and loads their bag onto a check-in belt,
where the machine checks it meets size and weight requirements.
Ms Webster said the changes would not result in any staff cuts.
Following the launch in Perth, the check-in facilities will be expanded to Sydney
before the end of 2010, with Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra expected to
follow in 2011.
The Q Bag Tag won't be part of the initial Perth trial.
The initiatives involved a multi-million dollar investment, two years of development
and the co-ordination of about 15 third-party vendors.
Qantas shares were up 11 cents, or 4.85 per cent, at $2.38 on Tuesday.