Check-in Etiquette

[muppet]

If I remember correctly Finnair has a check-in counter only for OW Emerald this is a way to exclude the casual business traveller (I'm not trying to sound like a DYKWIA, I just like TOTAL efficiency during check-in!) Plus the seasoned traveller knows that many requests can be handled in the lounge and not necessarily at check-in.

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It's not always the traveller - we presume it is because they have kids and shopping bags and the kitchen sink - but often it's the checkin staff going on about things. I often feel like saying - ya I got it sorted thanks, just tag the bag. NGCI is a saviour (unless you can't use it - then back in the queues with the plebs).

 

[samh004]

While that sounds attractive, I'm not sure how the airline would police it. What's to stop anyone from just saying "oh I'm a professional traveller en-route to Disneyland with my husband/ wife/ significant other plus kids in tow"?

Perhaps they could consider imposing a guest limit like they do to lounges.

Apply for the privilege and someone will observe you and report back as to whether you are given the status or not. If you are, it only applies to you and not other family members, they all have to get it themselves, etc. If found to be slowing down checkin, security queues (yes I think it should be there too) and other spots of importance, the status is removed and you go back to where you were before.

 

[docjames]

Plus the seasoned traveller knows that many requests can be handled in the lounge and not necessarily at check-in.

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The seasoned traveller also knows to ask at checkin because if they say no you get another chance to ask at the lounge (and that 10-15min difference may be enough to grant/refuse your request.....)

 

[MrJetset]

Even when traveling in a group, on the same flight, but separate bookings, I only check in my husband and myself at the First check in counter. I think it's disrespectful to other pax who have earned their status to delay their check in by non status mates. Same for priority boarding etc.

 

[harvyk]

My personal view is that only couple 1 should use the SG counter. If I was legitimately allowed to use these counters and was stuck behind a queue of non-status pax I would be quietly upset. There is a reason for these counters and IMHO letting non-status adult family and friends delay me isn't appropriate.

The question could also be asked, how often do you really have to wait for a larger group to check-in, and how often do one or more of those people actually have status? If in the above scenario, SG+NB and PS had checked in, and then NB+NB + Single NB turned up at the airport after the first lot had checked in, then they should use the normal queues (and no, SG should not be able to fast track them in that instance). But if everyone is there and ready to go, I don't see a problem. You probably wouldn't even know whilst standing in line who actually did and did not have status in that group, so I doubt you'd be sitting there quietly upset.

 

[EmilyHoward]

I don't think I would even have the nerve to try and check in that many with low status. LOL

(Mind you I'm not a brave and adventurous type!)

EH

 

[tyrolean]

I usually use the Checkin Desk even with my family (2 kids + wife).

Firstly I would look if the "Plebs" queue is significantly longer. If not I would take it and ask if I could use - even as WP/SG.
I would have no problem to take 3 mates with me to premium checkin. The cutoff would be around 4 to 5.

I had to travel with quite a large group (about 15 students plus a colleague).
In one occasion we arrived a bit earlier. So I used the premium checkin with my colleague and then helped the group.

 

[amaroo]

I usually use the Checkin Desk even with my family (2 kids + wife).

+ 1

We always use the F check-in throughout the OW network.....family of 4 sometimes 5 when the MIL tags along.

 

[ozmille]

+ 1

We always use the F check-in throughout the OW network.....family of 4 sometimes 5 when the MIL tags along.

You are often flying F though ;-)

 

[amaroo]

You are often flying F though ;-)

I wish......a few flights doesn't make a lifestyle