Qantas introduces “simple” three click SMS check-in

Qantas has begun rolling out new check-in functionality where passengers are sent a text message to their mobile device inviting them to check-in online.

“It means for the millions of smartphone users flying with Qantas, just by opening a text message or an email link, they’re only a few clicks away from completing check-in and receiving their boarding pass,” Qantas Domestic head of customer strategy Philip Capps said of the new auto check-in functionality.

“We know our customers value choice and flexibility so we have also designed auto check-in to include seat and flight change options, ensuring customers can tailor their journey and are effectively ‘ready to fly’ before leaving home or work,” Capps said.

Auto check-in launched on Wednesday for Sydney-Darwin, Sydney-Adelaide and Sydney-Perth flights, and will roll out in phases across the rest of the Qantas domestic network through into early 2015.

Qantas says passengers will still have the option to check-in at the airport using kiosks or customer service desks, as well as via the Qantas website and app.

How ‘auto check-in’ works:

Step 1: When booking a flight, customers will need to provide a mobile phone number. If not supplied, the email address attached to the booking will be used.

Step 2: On the day of travel or the night before, the customer will receive an SMS/email asking if they’re still planning to take the flight.

Step 3: After confirming they are not travelling with dangerous goods, customers will receive their boarding pass on their phone. All other customers will be referred to a customer service agent at the airport to complete their check-in.

Customers wishing to check bags can simply scan their mobile boarding pass at the bag drop.

Source: Qantas