WEST SUSSEX, United Kingdom — Virgin Atlantic launched its DIY Check In the introduction of self-service kiosks at Heathrow Terminal 3 and online check-in via the Virgin Atlantic Web site. According to a press release, Virgin Atlantic predicts that 50 percent of its passengers, more than two million, will be using its self-service check in some form by 2006.
Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic said, ""Virgin Atlantic has pioneered a self-service check in method that allows any passenger to check-in online inside 24 hours of departure and allows groups of up to 9 people check in at a kiosk at any one time. This is an important step for Virgin Atlantic towards further developments in customer self-service for long haul travel."
Virgin Atlantic will be introducing kiosks across its operation in two phases. Eight Virgin Atlantic kiosks have been installed at Heathrow Terminal 3. The second phase will be completed during 2005 when further Virgin Atlantic kiosks will be installed at Gatwick Airport, Los Angeles and JFK.
Passengers check in at the kiosk on the day of departure using a machine-readable passport, credit card, frequent flyer card or Virgin Atlantic booking reference for identification. Boarding cards are printed at the kiosk, and passengers are then directed to take their hold luggage to the allocated bag drop, where they will be security profiled. The kiosk can read all notes in the booking such as upgrades and can print lounge invitations for Upper Class passengers.
