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Qantas to use contactless smart cards for check-in
16 Nov 2009

Contactless smart card technology will be introduced by Australian airline Qantas to make it easier for frequent flyers to check in.

Alan Joyce, the company's chief executive, told delegates at the National Aviation Press Club yesterday (November 11th) that the firm's so-called Airport of the Future initiative will be rolled out next year.

Passengers using Qantas' CityFlyer ports throughout Australia will be able to place their frequent flyer cards against a reader and head to a "simplified baggage drop", according to Mr Joyce.

He added that the cards will be "embedded with an intelligent chip, transforming them into personal boarding passes linked to permanent bag tags". 

It has been predicted that check-in time will be halved, while other benefits include no more baggage stickers or weigh-ins at airport desks. 

"While the process will be simple, the technology behind it will ensure the full range of security checks remain solidly in place," Mr Joyce added.

Qantas has regular routes to many of the world's major capital cities such as London, Madrid and Washington DC.