Qantas and British Airways passengers at Heathrow Terminal 3 can now use self-service bag drop.
The self-service bag drop process enables passengers to drop their bags themselves at an automated self-service bag drop by following 2 simple steps:
1) Check in at a kiosk and attach their bag tag.
2) Drop their bag at a self-service bag drop.
All Australian, New Zealand and British passport holders travelling to Australia as their final destination and who have not checked-in online, can use the self-service bag drop.
During the trial a member of staff will be there to support passengers throughout their check-in and bag drop process while Qantas will continue to provide alternative check in options.
Self-service bag drop has been in use at some airports for several years but is now a fast growing trend at airports worldwide. Qantas has 80 units installed at 6 Australian airports.
There are two techniques in use, called one-step and two-step. Using one-step, passengers tag and drop the bag at one location. Using two-step, the passengers tag the bag first and then take the bag to a self-service bag drop.
The solution used depends on a combination of airport, airline and technology provider. Here are some examples:
- The Australian airports used by Qantas use the two-step technique. Technology is from ICM Airport Technics.
- Amsterdam uses the one-step technique for KLM passengers. Technology is from the Dutch company Type22.
- Brisbane use the two-step technique for Jetstar. Technology is from New Zealand company BCS and SITA.
- Paris Orly uses the two-step approach. Technology is from French company Alstef.
NB: Image credit Qantas.com
