Qantas Tests New RFID Check In Technology

QANTAS has indicated that it will stiffen its excess baggage policy with the introduction of the futuristic contemporary domestic check-in facilities.

The new facilities are specially designed to cut down the time wasted in the airport queues.

The airline is also devising strategies to furnish upper-tier frequent flyers, an innovative personal electronic RFID bag tag which will automatically store details of up to four flights and which is meant to replace the traditional paper bar code.

A testing of a few new technologies will commence in Perth when the flying kangaroo brings out new frequent flyer smart cards for a selected group of its premium flyers.

The new technology includes electronic baggage scales and automated excess baggage payment. Its inception arrives when the airlines all across the globe are finding the baggage charges as major revenue field.

Qantas officials revealed that the airline will remain flexible on excess baggage during trials but added that a new baggage policy will be formed towards the end of the year.

When enquired whether the present system is meant to lessen the excessive baggages, Qantas customer experience executive manager Alison Webster said: "We'll be making sure we're offering a fair system and our customers are clear on what that system of charges is."

Ms Webster added that the Qantas possessed an online capacity that permitted the travelers to pre-purchase excess baggage at a substantial discount to airport charges and would be publicizing this with the baggage policy changes.

The new smart cards contain chip technology that will permit the travelers who have not already checked in online or by mobile phone to tap an airport card reader and accomplish the process within five seconds.

Passengers will eventually be able to combine the smart card, which can also be used as a boarding pass, with RFID bag tags to check their bags at an automated bag drop in seconds.

The tag will be distributed free to chairman's lounge members, platinum, gold and silver level frequent travelers and is anticipated to be launched when the new system is unveiled in Sydney at the end of November.