One wonders why QF does not install Australian Passport chip readers for boarding pass printing. If you google a bit, those smart ICT types came up with a $100 reader, and the key was the text in the passport. Easy to read, quite a bit harder to change the photo, but this was done too.
RFIDIOt.org - RFID IO tools
Electronic, smart card must be better. So gos the assumption.
Failed NSW T-Card and MYki (Vic) and totally cracked Oyster (UK) are telling.
Fine print means these smart cards that cost $2 to make, are on sold for $20 or more. So yes, if QF did decide this way it will cost. As for the SMS it is because someone does not 'trust' the chip and wants 2 factor. Hello - why are we buying this junk.
Mag Cards are cheap and work. Less well known is that there are security features that make them impossible to copy, as it reads their flaws as well,
and you can use an existing card (any).
It all boils down to cutting staff. No reason why bags cannot be checked in remotely at a hotel or train station(like KUL) off expensive airport real-estate.
I say self-service is 'No service', and whatever bull**** they spin, there is no substitute for real checkin, and telling customers without their stuff at the ready to rejoin another line.