Online check-in 'benefits everyone'

The increasing rollout of online check-in facilities represents good news for both passengers and airlines, an expert has said.

According to James Freemantle of the Air Transport Users Council, passengers could potentially benefit from lower fares as carriers save money by implementing internet check-in services.

In addition, travellers will be able to benefit from saving time at the airport by not having to queue for long periods of time, he said, going on to add that holidaymakers are more likely to fly with airlines that offer web-check-in.

"It's the same as e-tickets … passengers go towards the airlines that are making it easier for them," Mr Freemantle explained.

The comments came shortly after IT services firm SITA released research findings suggesting that 21 per cent of passengers now use online check-in facilities - a figure predicted to rise to 35 per cent over the next two years.

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