British Airways have launched more check-in kiosks for customers at Newcastle International Airport (NIA), supporting IATA’s call for more electronic check-in kiosks to be implemented globally.
Following the success of the existing kiosks, three more have been added due to unprecedented customer demand. NIA currently boasts the highest customer uptake of the machines in the UK. So far in May, more than 41% of BA passengers departing from Newcastle have used self-service check-in kiosks.

Set to cut queues dramatically, the self-service machines allow passengers to check-in in under one minute, compared to the traditional queues which can take up to 12 minutes.

A departure from the traditional check-in desks, staff take to the floor and are on-hand to help passengers use the six kiosks, as required. Ideal for business travellers and holiday customers alike, the kiosks also allow passengers to take full control of their travel, even down to which seat they choose on the flight and can even check themselves in for return flights.

The kiosks are complimented by ‘Fast Baggage Drop’ desks nearby, to speed up the process even further for passengers with luggage.

Angela Cook, BA Station Manger at NIA commented: “If we help our passengers check-in quicker, it makes their journey even more enjoyable and far more relaxing. The machines are simple to use and very efficient, although we shall still have staff available to guide our passengers through every step.

“The kiosks will put an end to tiresome queues and waiting time, in fact we envisage that 100% of our customers will eventually check-in this way. There has already been a significant decrease in the use of traditional check-in desks by 38%.”

Nicola Boulter, Head of Commercial at NIA, welcomes the new BA kiosks, “This cutting edge technology is a welcome addition to the Check-In Hall. Even at this early stage we have been hugely impressed by the speed at which passengers are able to check-in and move through to departures.

“It is also testament to the high levels of BA’s customer service, since their staff remains on the ‘shop floor’ helping every passenger individually.”

The BA personnel have also had an update, with a brand new uniform designed by Julien McDonald launched earlier this year. Paying homage to traditional airline uniforms but with a contemporary twist, McDonald has created tailored jackets, stylish hats with badges, crisp white shirts and pencil skirts with side pleats - with all pieces using the BA palette of navy, white and red.

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