‘Airlines should embrace new options’

Sudhakar Reddy, national president, Air Passenger Association of India (APAI) talks to HT about how web and tele check-in should be popularised in India.

Sudhakar Reddy, national president, Air Passenger Association of India (APAI) talks to HT about how web and tele check-in should be popularised in India.

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Mumbai airport is going to add 40 more self check-in booths this year. How does it help fliers?

It is a healthy move since the airport has limitations on augmenting terminal infrastructure. This will help reduce congestion in the terminal and streamline passenger traffic. Other airports should also follow this model.

Inadequate knowledge about using self check-in booths has been a challenge. How should the airport deal with it?

I think the onus of educating passengers lies with the airlines. Some have assigned staff to help new fliers get used to the service, but they should also publish instructions on their websites.

Budget airlines charge a nominal fee to passengers availing web check-in and telecheck-in facilities. Comment.

It is an unfair practice because fares are more or less the same across all carriers nowadays. On the contrary, budget airlines should promote alternative check-in options and save expenditure by cutting down on conventional check-in counters.