Not cheap, just poor

[david870mdg]

Excess baggage charges = BIG $$$ for LCCs

 

[boomy]

sounds like you might as well just wait at the back until your flight is called then go straight to the front of the line!

It reminds me back in the DJ days they used to have special priority queue just for pax who need to board their flight within 15 minutes or so. An agent used to shout the flights that are about to start boarding and people just left the general queue and joined the "priority" queue. That was so wrong, pax just arrived to the airport in the last minute knowing they won't risk missing their flight.

 

[cavemanzk]

Whilst it doesn't solve the JQd bag drop problem, MEL have installed self-check bag drop kiosks in the international terminal. They were ready to be commissioned last time I was there a few weeks ago. Hopefully JQi will take advantage of them.

Self-service check-in kiosks cleared for landing in Melbourne

While I've used the bag drop machines NZ has got in MEL, they still are pretty UN-friendly compared to the system NZ uses in AKL/WLG/CHC. The best system has to the domestic one that NZ uses, we're you simply walk up to the moving belt and drop your bag, no machine etc.

 

[TomVexille]

While I've used the bag drop machines NZ has got in MEL, they still are pretty UN-friendly compared to the system NZ uses in AKL/WLG/CHC. The best system has to the domestic one that NZ uses, we're you simply walk up to the moving belt and drop your bag, no machine etc.

Aren't the machines at MEL owned by the airport? Hence don't probably have the same interface as the ones in NZ.

I actually haven't used the ones at MEL since I go check in with an agent.

 

[JessicaTam]

Aren't the machines at MEL owned by the airport? Hence don't probably have the same interface as the ones in NZ.

I actually haven't used the ones at MEL since I go check in with an agent.

And I haven't used them either as I struggle with the concept of luggage!

 

[clazman]

And I haven't used them either as I struggle with the concept of luggage!

Am i reading this correct, you don't have 28 pairs of shoes, 45 changes of clothes for the weekend away?

 

[QFBOY]

When JQ move into T4 in MEL later this year some things will improve.

Improvements:
It'll be self checkin and bag drop machine as the norm.
Less people in security Q and in line to check in T1 (hope they don't cut back on security staff)

Downside:
No lounge in T4 and a long hike from T1
Pax picking up bags in T1 and schlepping down to T4 and visa versa

JQ was very busy over the time frame in question due mainly leisure routes over Christmas/New Year period.

The self check machines in T2 weren't operational as of last time I was there. I have heard 4 Airlines want the technology and have paid MEL APT handsomely for the set up.

 

[JessicaTam]

Am i reading this correct, you don't have 28 pairs of shoes, 45 changes of clothes for the weekend away?

Negative*

*long word for 'no'.

 

[TomVexille]

And I haven't used them either as I struggle with the concept of luggage!

What's luggage?

But in seriousness, checking in with NZ at MEL, you want to use the premium desk so that they give you an express pass.

 

[JohnK]

And I haven't used them either as I struggle with the concept of luggage!

Only because you don't play golf.

 

[melbkate]

I hear you - flew MEL to MCY mid December using QFF points. What a shocker! Go there just over an hour before. MASSIVE queues to drop bags! Had completed online check in and obtined bag tags which made no difference. Staff were arguing with each other about roles and lack of staff. All staff were extremely stressed. No wonder they get tetchy with customers.

We were in so called 'fast' queue for flights leaving sooner. People in all queues also stressed and confused. Am I in right queue? My planes leaving soon! Etc. When we finally got through, had to practically sprint to gate at far end of airport for Final Call. Then hoof it over tarmac and choose between 2 planes - no staff member to guide us. We got on right plane. Husband who had detoured to toilet got on wrong plane! Even sat in seat. Until he could not see my son and I and asked - it was a Perth flight! He got off and onto correct plane!

Our friend, who got to Mel Airport 2 hours prior to hang in Q Club (we were meant to meet her there) spent 1.5 hours in queue as she wasn't in 'fast queue'. She only boarded plane about 10 mins before us!

We have all sworn never again. Until we want to fly somewhere using points and Qantas do not fly to location! Maddening! Definitely if we do again, no check in bags! Flight was fine, left on time etc. It's just the bag drop hell! Of course flying home from MCY a breeze as lovely regional airport. Oh Jetstar, why do you treat people so?

 

[cavemanzk]

Aren't the machines at MEL owned by the airport? Hence don't probably have the same interface as the ones in NZ.

I actually haven't used the ones at MEL since I go check in with an agent.

While they are owned by MEL (same as BNE/SYD), they have NZ's own software loaded on the machines. So they still feature the same Interface as all of NZ's kiosks back at the home bases. NZ still uses there own reservation system, so build all of there own software etc

 

[cavemanzk]

What's luggage?

But in seriousness, checking in with NZ at MEL, you want to use the premium desk so that they give you an express pass.

They have an person standing before the bag drop, checking you passport and give your express pass.

Always amazes me that I can check-in 90seconds with bags on an Tasman Flight, yet on an Aussie domestic flight that it takes 20-40minutes to drop an bag and not to mention the lack of kiosks.

 

[JohnK]

We have all sworn never again. Until we want to fly somewhere using points and Qantas do not fly to location! Maddening!

Interesting point you raise.

Unless it was a matter of life and death I would seriously not fly to a destination if JQ were the only airline to service that destination.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Always amazes me that I can check-in 90seconds with bags on an Tasman Flight, yet on an Aussie domestic flight that it takes 20-40minutes to drop an bag and not to mention the lack of kiosks.

It's also 90 seconds with bags on an international flight with Jetstar Asia from SIN. The self service kiosks and auto bag-drop are now operational and working the way it should be.