Shorter queues for SpiceJet fliers as self-check-in booths are introduced

The service — earlier available on just two domestic Air India routes since April — will be available on all AI and SpiceJet flights out of Mumbai.

SpiceJet officials said on Thursday that passengers of the budget airline can now collect boarding cards and baggage tags from self-check-in booths at the Mumbai airport themselves, skipping the long wait at check-in queues.

Fliers can now head directly to a self-bag-drop counter, where an airline staffer will verify the tag and complete the check-in process faster, said airport officials. (HT File Photo)

Automated kiosks are also known as Common-Use Self-Service (CUSS) booths. Fliers can now head directly to a self-bag-drop counter, where an airline staffer will verify the tag and complete the check-in process faster, said airport officials.

Read: No more queues: Jet Airways, AI to automate check-in process

“Customer convenience tops our priority list. This service will be useful for frequent fliers as it is designed in such a way that it can be completed with just a few clicks,” said Glory Nelson, senior vice president, IT services with SpiceJet.

The service — earlier available on just two domestic Air India routes since April — will be available on all AI and SpiceJet flights out of Mumbai. Together, the two airlines cater to about one-third of the domestic air travelers in India.

While self-check-in kiosks were introduced at Indian airports almost a decade ago, the addition of baggage tags to them could significantly cut down wait time inside terminals, said frequent fliers.

“The service will offer an alternative to travellers who reach the airport late. It is a huge boon, particularly during the peak hours,” said Ramesh Yadav, a Mulund-based frequent flier.

According to airport sources, another budget carrier has started trials of the same service. The Jet Airways spokesperson told HT that was the airline was keen to introduce self-check-in booths.

“We are talking to international airlines to ask them to adopt the facility,” said a Mumbai international airport limited spokesperson.