Alaska Airlines, a pioneer in the use of electronic tickets, is using the Internet to revolutionise its check-in process. The carrier has developed a new on-line check-in system for travellers who purchase electronic tickets for domestic travel from its web site; it now sells only paperless tickets on its site.
Passengers can use the new system on the day they fly, at least 1h before departure. The system asks them the same security questions about luggage they would be asked at an airport. After these are answered satisfactorily, a boarding pass can be printed. Photo identification before boarding is required.
Ed White, Alaska's vice-president of customer service, says Internet check-in will make Alaska's operation more effective. "We will be able to handle more passengers," he says. He insists the airline does not intend to replace staff with technology. "We want to grow intelligently. We want to use these benefits to get a competitive edge and to be more productive." For example, he says Internet check-in could free staff at airports where ticket counter space is limited.
The airline hopes to extend the facility to international travellers by the first quarter of next year.
Source: Airline Business
