While travelling by air, there are many things to take into consideration. Among the most important is to get that check-in out of the way so you can skip those long queues. Especially frequent flyers, who find the check-in process tedious have a reason to smile. To make life easier for passengers as well as to popularise their service, the BMTC in collaboration with the Kempegowda International Airport Limited have installed automated check-in kiosks in Vayu Vajra buses, which has seen about 160 people using the service so far. Frequent flyers are a happy lot, and we think, so are the airlines!
Making technology work for them is what this generation craves for, and if the kiosks have numerous features that can be utilised by passengers, then there is nothing like it. Senior engineer and frequent flyer Aishwat Singh says, “The initiative is certainly better than the one already present as it focuses more on technology. The kiosk screen should be integrated with more features like paying for tickets, ordering meals in-flight and other special requirements too. I also think that features can be added where passengers can pay via cards, paytm etc. The only cons for this initiative will be the cost of installing such a technology and maintaining it.”
People who fly frequently tend to become picky over time, and to be able to select a seat they prefer is a life saver. Software engineer Kumar Saheb is a frequent flyer, who says, “It is a great relief for people who are rushing for flights. The whole process of going to the airport, standing in a long queue to get checked-in is avoided, entirely. Certain frequent flyers have particular seat preferences, and this kiosk helps them avoid having to select a seat they don’t like. I also think that the check-in process at the kiosk should be easy and not take up a lot of time.”
Connecting to the Internet sometimes can prove to be a hassle in places with low connectivity, and when pushed for time, the automated kiosk definitely eases tension. City-based consultant Sonali Verghese says, “Although, I have never used the bus to travel, this move will certainly be useful for people who do not have access to the Internet and those who are pushed for time. This kiosk makes life much easier for frequent flyers so having more features is surely welcome. I also feel that the more features the kiosk offers, the more convenient it will be.”
We are advised to be efficient in whatever we do, so while travelling to the airport, why not use that time to check-in and then go directly to drop your baggage, and move towards the security check? Abhishek Yadav, who works for an investment firm adds, “I travel every quarter, and for a frequent flyer it is a really great move to check in while travelling that two hour journey from the office to the airport. I think instead of just one, the bus needs to have two kiosks so that more number of people are able to check in. It will also be great if passengers are able to order meals or snacks etc during the check-in process.”
