Qantas to deploy faster check-in technology

Qantas says it is aiming to halve check-in times for customers at CityFlyer ports with new technology to be rolled out across Australia, starting in Perth.

Chief executive Alan Joyce says the initiative will begin next year with the introduction of next generation check-in.

"Qantas Frequent Flyers' cards will be embedded with an intelligent chip, transforming them into personal boarding passes linked to permanent bag tags," Mr Joyce said in a statement on Wednesday. "This will enable Qantas passengers to swipe their Frequent Flyer card on a reader and head to a simplified baggage drop, or straight through the security process to their departure gate, or Qantas lounge."

He said the first stage of the plan would help eliminate queues for customers. The deployment will commence in Perth in mid-2010 and will be followed by Sydneytowards the end of next year, Melbourne in early-2011 and remaining CityFlyer ports through the year.

The service will be available for all Qantas Frequent Flyers from Silver through to Platinum and all Qantas Club Members. Bronze Frequent Flyers and non-frequent flyers will also see significant upgrades to their check-in arrangements, with hosted kiosks and rapid bag drop.

"While the process will be simple, the technology behind it will ensure the full range of security checks remain solidly in place," Mr Joyce said.

The new approach was expected to halve check-in time, he said.