What's the point of checkin

[harvyk]

Originally I thought the purpose of check-in was to effectively announce your arrival at the airport to the airline, at which point the airline would allocate you a seat on the aircraft.

But these days with check-in now been able to be done on-line up to 24 hours prior to the flight (so no way your already at the airport) do they even need a check-in, and considering certain airlines now offer automatic check-in with boarding passes emailed across to you, is there really a point to it?

 

[Mal]

Well RyanAir doesn't have check-in desks, just bag drop desks.

There will always be a requirement for some people to check in at the airport. But certainly the trend has been going to more automated systems (eg Heathrow T5 where you are *expected* to check in online or via an automated booth, and only see staff if your booking has issues/your visa or passport needs to be checked/you need to drop off bags. )

Qantas of course is wanting to go down a similar, although not exactly the same path, and I believe Air New Zealand also does something similar in Auckland airport.

 

[harvyk]

Well RyanAir doesn't have check-in desks, just bag drop desks.

Take RyanAir for example, why do they even need a check-in (online or otherwise?) it's not like they have allocated seating, why can't it simply be a case of your ticket doubles as your boarding pass?

 

[UP4014]

Take RyanAir for example, why do they even need a check-in (online or otherwise?) it's not like they have allocated seating, why can't it simply be a case of your ticket doubles as your boarding pass?

Perhaps they could even get the passengers to walk to the plan via the bottom of the conveyor taking luggage to hold and toss their bag on.

 

[harvyk]

Perhaps they could even get the passengers to walk to the plan via the bottom of the conveyor taking luggage to hold and toss their bag on.

Don't give them idea's... , then again, they really are only providing a flying bus service...

 

[samh004]

I guess check-in these days is really just a bag drop, at least in really developed countries. However as has been mentioned, sometimes staff need to check your passport, visa or even CC, so there’s always going to be a need for some desks.

 

[Mal]

Take RyanAir for example, why do they even need a check-in (online or otherwise?) it's not like they have allocated seating, why can't it simply be a case of your ticket doubles as your boarding pass?

It could, but I presume they are using the tact that they want a better idea of who is going to be on the plane closer to the date. Esp since Ryanair fares are often thrown away by customers because they are so cheap. Or perhaps they want better control over schedule changes, or even (but not really sure on this) the EU directive on flights could cause legal problems if someone is 'checked in' yet their flight is moved/cancelled etc.

Air NZ does similar, where it allows you to print your boarding pass and check-in when booking your ticket... Jetstar of course has it's auto-checkin etc.

So airlines are going to a hybrid system where check-in can occur in many different places.

 

[simongr]

Domestic flights - I never checkin at the airport now - especially if going overnight or less.

Int'l - always checkin - even if only with hand luggage

 

[coco50]

What about the scenario where a person checks in 24 hours before departure and is a no show? Or construct a scenario where OLCI has occurred and the pax loses or has stolen BP and credit card for example. Imagine the potential for identity theft!

 

[harvyk]

What about the scenario where a person checks in 24 hours before departure and is a no show?

Two names - "Al Kyder" and "Terry Wrist"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy-S5DzmFy8

That was check in done at the airport, although no DJ person actually ever saw these two "pax"...

Or construct a scenario where OLCI has occurred and the pax loses or has stolen BP and credit card for example. Imagine the potential for identity theft!

When they got rid of paper tickets in favour of e-ticketing, one of the rules was the fact that you would still need to present ID at the airport when you checked in. These days however it's possible (flying Dom) to check in (you don't even have to be at the airport) and be on your way without anyone knowing who you really are.

 

[straitman]

In the last few days I have booked a flight from Napier to Auckland on the 13th December with Air NZ. I already have my seat allocation AND boarding pass :!: