I'm sorry if this repeats a lot of comments made in another thread (I'm sure there was one when the system was introduced!), but I can't find said thread or comments...


We all know NZ has a self check-in service complete with BP issuance and bag drop at domestic operations at AKL, WLG and CHC.

Question is: do you like it? Has your perception changed (better or worse) since its introduction? And, generally, how have other people (particularly those off the forum) taken in the system?

I'm curious to find out because as you probably have heard, QF have rolled out Next Generation Check-in (NGCI) at PER, MEL and SYD T3 domestic operations. It mimics NZ's new check-in system in many ways, with subtle differences. Putting aside the actual practicality of such differences (and indeed the success or lack thereof of the NGCI system as a whole), I'm wondering what NZ passengers thought of the new system.

Like NZ probably proclaimed, QF bills their NGCI as cutting swathes of queues, enabling status pax to check-in much faster and having a cleaner design at the airport. The negative reactions to QF's NGCI are:

• A big one is the loss of "premium". That is, people pay more for QF fares than DJ, JQ or TT fares. So why should they have to check-in their own bags = service reduction. Other similar arguments:
  • Not enough people to help those who are having trouble using the system
  • Doesn't work well if international connections required (can't use Q Bag Tags, need passport check by staff, which cuts into time)
  • NGCI costs QF CSA jobs (not sure on this one, but to an extent probably true)
  • "I want to be able to talk to a human". Whilst Platinums, Gold and Business passengers can use the Premium Service desk to check-in the old way (either because they have to, e.g. Dom->Int interline connection, or they really want to), other passengers must wait for a (non-premium) attendant to help them, and often they are told to try self-check-in again (i.e. said passengers may know how to use the system or can work it out but just don't want to).
• There have been teething problems with the system itself, but the most prevailing one is priority baggage (hell, this is a problem even with the old system) and Q Bag Tags.

IMO I think the system is great (in principle) and I also enjoyed NZ's system for the times that I've used it. They say it's in the name of being faster, and I agree. I'm not uppity and hoity-toity like some who insist their dollar grants them the absolute right to be checked in by a human and their not having to lift a finger. I'm happy to drop my own bag on my accord if it means I won't have to wait. (Now of course this isn't fair on handicapped people but they have special circumstances anyway).


Anyway, enough rambling.....