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Qantas Turns to Smart Cards for Check-In

Qantas Turns to Smart Cards for Check-In

27 Nov 2009

Qantas is increasing its technology profile by employing the use of smart cards to reduce customer waiting time during check-in.

City Flyer domestic check-in points across Australia will undergo a technology overhaul to allow the airline’s top-tier frequent flyers to use Qantas smart cards embedded with an intelligent chip, that will also act as personal boarding passes. The cards will be linked to a permanent luggage tag supplied by Qantas.

Passengers will be able to swipe their frequent flyer card on a reader to check-in, before heading to a simplified bag drop and passing through security. Any bag that is overweight will be flagged and the system will call for a customer service agent.

It is estimated that the IBM-developed system will halve check-in time, while the need for baggage tags or weigh-ins at airport desks will be eliminated.

The new cards will only be issued to frequent flyers on silver to platinum levels, as well as Qantas Club members. Qantas is also committing to an increased number of online kiosks and improved baggage drop for bronze members which make up 60 per cent of the carrier’s 6 million frequent flyers.

“While the process will be simple, the technology behind it will ensure the full range of security checks remain solidly in place,” said Qantas chief executive, Alan Joyce.

The new smart card system will shortly be debuted in Perth before Sydney airport will gain functionality by the end of next year. The new system will be deployed in Melbourne in 2011 before it reaches Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra.

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