It has traditionally been the first port of call for passengers jetting away on holiday but the airport check-in desk could soon be resigned to the history books.
From April 30th, the airline will ask travelers with checked luggage to use bag-drop only desks. Ryanair made a similar move in 2009 and currently charges those who don't check in online a fee of £70 at the airport to print out boarding passes. EasyJet said it is unlikely to charge passengers and, for the near future at least, would ensure a limited check-in service at the airport is still available.
This story shows the next step in managing information, technology has increased so much over the last few years that there is less need for customer facing roles. Could this result in more jobs being lost within the industry which is already suffering? I believe that the next step for EasyJet will be having automated bag drop. One of the aspects of travel that staff have a trouble with is customers going over the weight limit for their luggage. If airlines were to introduce an automated bag drop, it would be impossible to let any customer get away without paying. The bags would not be accepted which would results in the customers not being able to go through to security without paying. This system would work very well within this industry as all customers would have to meet the criteria or pay. I hope this aspect of travel will be introduced into the industry within the near future.
Interesting article Katy, it is true that face to face customer roles are decreasing which will result to even more jobs being lost. Technology is definitely taking over which makes it harder to find jobs these days. I also agree with you that they should bring in the automated bag drop, I think its a smart idea as this will allow passengers to follow the baggage weight rules.
ReplyDeleteAlso could you forward me the email that EasyJet sent you about the fear of flying course, would be much appreciated as I can use it for my research project, thank you.
What is your email address, i will get it through to you ASAP! I agree with you completley Redmond, more and more customer service jobs are being cut. I wonder where EasyJet will place all of these employees, will they be made redundant or will they gain new positions. It will be very interesting to find out how a large company copes with such a large change!
ReplyDeleteHopefully they will find new positions for their staff, but I think they will be made redundant as EasyJet will save money using technology instead of staff members. My email is redmanstiller06@hotmail.co.uk, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI will send it over now, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. If this is the end of check-in desks, will technology take over forever? The bag drop off points will be faster and possibly easier for people. However, jobs are are risk!
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