'Major step forward': Aussie airline announces overhaul of airport check in process
Major changes are on the horizon for Virgin Australia.
The airline announced an overhaul of its airport experience, which they say could reduce check-in waiting times by up to 50 per cent.
This includes a one-step bag check process, a first for any Australian airline.
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The new process aims to cut down on queue length. Neil Hall/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Automatic bag recognition technology means that passengers can check in online, print their bag tag at the airport and drop off their luggage – removing the need to line up again and re-scan their boarding pass.
The upgrades will roll out progressively across major Australian airports, aiming to have most airports upgraded before the end of the year.
Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Mackay, and the Sunshine Coast will be first to see the changes, beginning this week. Melbourne, Adelaide, Launceston and Gold Coast airports are on the cards for the coming months.
Virgin Australia General Manager, Digital, Alex Plummer, says the upgrade is a "major step forward in our mission to be Australia's most-loved airline".
He says that customers will be able to "move through the airport in a way that's never been done before by an Australian airline".
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Virgin Australia is changing the bag drop process. Supplied
The airline is also making major changes to its app and digital experience.
In a first for Aussie airlines, Velocity members will be able to request a change to an earlier same-day flight via the Virgin Australia app without an extra charge.
Platinum Plus members can also request to change to a later same-day domestic flight via the app.
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Changes are also coming to the app. Supplied
Nearly 8 in 10 Virgin Australia guests use the airline's mobile app or online functionality to manage their bookings. In fact, VA was the first airline to launch online check-in in Australia back in 2000.
Passengers will also be able to bid for upgrades and extra legroom seats in the app for the first time.
These new changes come after a slew of firsts for Virgin Australia in the past half-decade.
The airline was the first to introduce flights that allow pets in cabins on select routes, and have pioneered bag tracking and rewards for sitting in the middle seat.
