Manchester speeds up check-in

A new self-service electronic check-in system has been launched at Manchester Aiport.

The Common Use Self Service kiosks (CUSS) have been put in place by Monarch airlines with the hope of giving passengers a smoother and speedier check-in.

By simply swiping their passports through the machine the new service enables passengers to check-in, select their seating and print off their boarding cards.

There is also a 'fast bag drop' for passengers travelling with larger luggage which needs to be checked, where bags are tagged and loaded onto the aircraft as usual.

Managing director of Monarch’s scheduled division, Tim Jeans, commented: "A third of our loyalty programme members, Vantage Club, fly regularly from Manchester and we consistently try to improve the levels of service we provide for both them and the rest of our passengers.

"The launch of the new CUSS kiosks will help us to do this, by streamlining the check-in process and shortening queues."

The CUSS kiosks are the first of their kind to be launched by a low-cost airline.

Manchester Airport also recently piloted a scheme to introduce wireless flight information access to all of its customer service staff, as well as offering Wi-Fi access for the general public.

• Less than a week until Esta launch
• 'Spectacular events' in Italy
• Europe 'to remain popular for skiing holidays'
• US connecting flights proving popular at Bristol Airport
• Record year for London City Airport
• Virgin Atlantic to celebrate 25th year
• Long haul trips 'offer best value this year'
• Budget travellers offered holiday guide
• Record passenger growth for Etihad in 2008
• Spain top for Scots in 2009