JQ international check-in

[dosborn]

I live in hope that, as a WP, one day I might be able to use the MEL QF first class check in for a JQ flight? I know it hasn't been possible in the past, but was wondering if things have changed recently?

 

[TheInsider]

Doubt it will ever be possible.

Different check-in systems, and i imagine it would be to much of a hassle changing programs every time, continually signing in, changing stock and BP printers and then extra training costs.

 

[dk4]

Different check-in systems, and i imagine it would be to much of a hassle changing programs every time, continually signing in, changing stock and BP printers and then extra training costs.

They manage it in most domestic QPs - with some QPs printing JQ BPs directly onto QF stock. (There might be more room for a dedicated JQ terminal at QP reception desks though.)

 

[anat0l]

Doubt it will ever be possible.

Different check-in systems, and i imagine it would be to much of a hassle changing programs every time, continually signing in, changing stock and BP printers and then extra training costs.

You'd think that with all the Jetstar-isation going around that something like this would've been a good way to really establish the strength and connectivity of the supposed two airlines which form the workhorse of the Group.

But why do I live in such hope? That would be too sensible.


On a more pragmatic level, what measure of effort on the above required systems would you imagine makes the proposal infeasible? I've got two models of how something like this could work. dk4 alluded to one of them: a dedicated machine for JQ check-in:

• This machine would only be used for JQ check-ins. This avoids having to change programs (I assume between QF system and JQ system is the problem at hand). As for logging in continuously, wouldn't QF have the same thing (you need to login to the system to use it), so at least the JQ system can have the same thing (someone would log the computer in, or just like the QF systems you would need to do it every time you want to use it).
• The machine would have dedicated BP stock if so desired.
• Extra training costs: inevitable, but then how did those people in the QPs get trained up to use the JQ system so they could do check-ins for JQ there? There is a business case for the QPs but no business case for other check-in areas?

Perhaps that is trivialising the whole thing a bit - happy to be told more about the real costs of these kinds of changes or implementations - but I still think it's not as insurmountable as it is being postured.

The only thing I can see with this is whether it would make F check-in more crowded. Unfortunately, I wouldn't think many people have kept tabs on the numbers of WPs (let alone other elites) who fly on JQ (in any given class). But just take a stock on how many QF flights there are, then add in the JQ flights (international ones, of course). Now assuming a similar number of WPs on those flights as are estimated for QF metal flights of similar length and destination, would that make F check-in too busy, or would it simply mean that the staff will have to give up some of their gossiping/nail-filing time (last words said tongue in cheek)? I suppose - being serious - this is also one of the resistances from staff about this idea (no more workload, especially if infrastructure or additional human resources will not be provided).

The other model is relatively simple. Use the Star Class check-in or another dedicated check-in desk for eligible priority passengers (I guess ideally this should be limited to WP, CL and possibly interlining J, *C and F; SG perhaps; no to PS and QP). This time at least you don't need to train any additional QF staff on how to use the system, although it may require an additional JQ staff to be present at check-in (which, if it came to that, would probably not happen thanks to the bean counters). I presume part of the "extra training costs" resistance and thus barrier to implementation is that there are plenty of old-school QF staff (particularly those that work in F check-in / systems) who are opposed to taking on additional responsibilities, training and commitment which would include handling JQ bookings.

The second model is not as elegant as the first as WPs/CLs can't use the F check-in suites, but at least it offers a degree of priority which is significantly better than the present (which is none!). Of course, the second model puts the burden of change on JQ rather than QF. I can imagine that JQ with its relatively simpleton view will not look to be any more accommodating to QF elites than it has to (which at present is close to nothing, except for access rules to the two JQ network lounges).

 

[JohnPhelan]

Allowing WPs to use Star Class check-in would be fine and, I would think, not overly demanding in terms of numbers.

I wouldn't agree with JQ passengers - of whatever status - using the QF First check-in. QF First ckeck-in should be for QF pax travelling in First, full stop.

 

[Alanslegal]

Allowing WPs to use Star Class check-in would be fine and, I would think, not overly demanding in terms of numbers.

Totally agree, and this would be a huge benefit for me.

Earlier today I flew JQi HNL-SYD and I got to the airport and there were at least 30 in front of me. Because the line was meandering all over the place, a lady who was assisting with queue management asked us if we were "QPs or frequent flyers" and we said Platinum and were ushered to the Star Class queues. That easily saved 30 minutes, a great benefit.

 

[dk4]

Earlier today I flew JQi HNL-SYD and I got to the airport and there were at least 30 in front of me. Because the line was meandering all over the place, a lady who was assisting with queue management asked us if we were "QPs or frequent flyers" and we said Platinum and were ushered to the Star Class queues. That easily saved 30 minutes, a great benefit.

I have noticed that in HNL, ground staff handle a number of service elements for JQ as if it were QF, from check-in to priority boarding.

 

[bossreggie]

CL without checked luggage can use F Check in.

 

[pshepvic]

I have noticed that in HNL, ground staff handle a number of service elements for JQ as if it were QF, from check-in to priority boarding.

Possibly because they are the same staff that work for QF for their 3 flights a week. Prob doesn't make sense to have staff for the JQ flights and a separate set of staff for the 3 QF flights. And I guess if they are used to providing the QF service level, then they may as well do so for all flights, instead of changing it whether it is QF or JQ.

I've been to HNL twice with JQ and once with QF, and both times with JQ the checkin staff in HNL were in QF uniforms, and we were checked in at the QF queues. They had a check in line labelled for QF WP, SG and QP, and in one instance they even checked us in for our QF Syd-Mel flight (although it was pretty quiet there at the time - on the other occasion when it was busier they said they weren't able to).