Qantas check-in times will be tightened for some passengers August 5, The change affects customers checking in for Australian Domestic and Regional flights..
For most travellers, general check in will now close off at 30 minutes prior to the flight departure. This includes all passengers travelling with luggage, and for most passengers travelling without.
There will be an extra ten minute grace period for premium travellers (Qantas Club members, Gold and Platinum and Platinum One Qantas Frequent Flyers and customers travelling in Business) when travelling without check-in luggage. These passengers will be able to check-in at an airport lounge or Premium Service Desks up to 20 minutes prior to departure.
The main effect of this change will be to those hand luggage only premium passengers, who until this change were able to complete check in up until 15 minutes prior to departure. Passengers with luggage are not affected by this time change.
The change comes as Qantas tries to improve the turnaround time on aircraft, while ensuring on time departures. Previously announced changes include the dual door boarding on 737 aircraft, which forms most of the domestic fleet.
The aim of this change is to allow Qantas crews the ability to undertake the necessary flight preparations earlier, which will help Qantas get customers to their destination on time.
This does still leave open the issue of people checking in luggage and then failing to board, which seems to cause more delays.
Over the last few years, Qantas has introduced new ways to check-in, which should provide most passengers with the opportunity to have checked in anyway. These check in options now available include
- Using your Qantas app or mobile check-in
- Online check-in at qantas.com
- Auto check-in via SMS
- At the kiosks, Q Card Readers or check-in desks when you arrive at the airport