The system is being trialled in Perth and is expected to be implemented at Terminal 3 Sydney Airport by the end of the year. The smart card, referred to as “intelligent Q” is designed to reduce boarding time for business class passengers at domestic airports.

 

The smart cards will be available for use for Qantas frequent flyers and can be used for check-in, baggage handling and as a boarding pass. The passes are expected to cut queuing time in half, eventually removing the need for check-in at all.

 

Although the process aims to eliminate the check-in process altogether, Qantas executives deny that baggage handling and check in staff should be worried about job cutting. The new check-in and baggage system is set to be a world first and is expected to offer savings of $1.5 billion over a three year period.

 

In addition to the new cards, Qantas is planning to introduce a smart chip enabled Q Bag Tag which removes the need for paper bag tags.

 

As the Next Generation Check-in trial in Perth progresses, all customers will still be able to check-in for their domestic flight using current check-in options, such as online check-in, mobile check-in or by using a Kiosk at the domestic terminal.

 

To find out more about Qantas next generation check in visit the Qantas website.