Qantas expands tech check-in network

Qantas is set to expand its Next Generation check-in facilities to regional Frequent Flyers, the airline announced today.

Qantas' Next Generation check-in
(Credit: Qantas)

Following success in its metropolitan airports including Sydney, Melbourne and the first deployment site, Perth, Qantas will deploy Next Generation check-in facilities in 21 regional airports, 16 of which are QantasLink terminals.

Albury, Rockhampton, Karratha, Broome, Coffs Harbour and Mackay are next in line to get access to Qantas' smart check-in systems, with Emerald, Hobart, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland and Port Macquarie being the next to benefit.

Gladstone, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Alice Springs, Newman, Wagga Wagga, Townsville, Launceston, Paraburdoo, Darwin and Cairns will also get access to Qantas' Q Card readers for fast frequent flyer check-in.

Qantas expects to complete the extended roll-out within four months.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) bag tagging will also appear within Qantas' regional network starting from May.

"Next Generation Check-in provides our customers with a smarter, faster check-in experience and we're excited to be delivering this technology for customers in our regional ports," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said in a statement.

The airline's deployment of the Next Generation check-in program started in mid-2010 with 100,000 of its Frequent Flyers. Qantas expects to complete the roll-out by late-2011 with the addition of Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra.