HOME CHECK-INS FOR MAS FLIGHTS

SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) passengers can book seats, get tickets and check in from ther home or office once it upgrades its passenger services system at a cost of RM200 million.

By September, the airline will be electronic ticketing (eTicketing) capable, meaning customers can print their tickets and make changes to their travel itinerary online, without having to go to the ticketing offices or travel agents.

“Check in will also be easier as passengers will just have to show their e-ticket numbers as an identification. There will be no more problems over misplaced, damaged or forgotten tickets,” the MAS senior general manager for transition management, Dr Amin Khan, said yesterday.

He told a media briefing here that once the eTicketing process is ready, there will be a cost savings to MAS of RM20 per ticket with physical tickets no longer needed. This will translate into savings of up to RM70 million a year.

Amin said MAS’ move towards eTicketing is on track with the successful system cutover to the new SITA Departure Control System (DCS) for its 16 domestic stations including the KL International Airport.

The DCS, which is more user friendly and automated, will also enable the national carrier to enhance its passenger check in and boarding process, he added.

“By the end of this year, passengers will have three check in options, either through the self service check in kiosks located at the airport, the normal check in counters and online check in through our website,” he said.