Qantas Next Generation Check-in

Qantas says it has worked closely with Australian designer Marc Newson in the design of its new Next Generation Check-in experience, which will launch in
Perth next week.

It will feature product elements including a new Qantas Frequent Flyer Card, Q Card Reader and Bag Drop facility. The Q Bag Tag, a world first, was designed exclusively for Qantas by Newson.

The new Qantas Frequent Flyer Card features an “intelligent Q” smart chip and will act as a permanent boarding pass, replacing eligible customers’ existing Frequent Flyer cards. The card will be used at various points throughout the experience, including at check-in, at bag drop, and to board the aircraft. Customers arriving at the airport who have not yet checked in online or via their mobile device, will be able to simply touch their card at an all-new Q Card Reader located throughout the check-in hall. The simple and clean design of the Q Card Reader will provide both visual and audible recognition of successful check-in.

All customers travelling with bags will be able to use the new Bag Drop service at Next Generation Check-in airports. The Bag Drop injector has been designed to ensure the Bag Drop process is simple and quick for all customers and will eliminate queuing for those travelling with bags.

Throughout the Perth trial of Next Generation Check-in, construction and training will continue in Sydney, which will be ready to launch later in 2010, followed by
Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra in 2011. The program is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2011.