bmi launches online check-in
release date: 13/02/2006
- second phase of new business model underway
- passengers can check-in at home and print own boarding card
- new online system delivers flexibility for passengers
bmi has launched its first online check-in service to give passengers the flexibility to check-in when and where they want so they can spend less time at the airport. Visit www.flybmi.com/onlinecheckin to view the new system.
Online check-in is the latest initiative to be introduced by the airline as it continues to implement a new business model for London Heathrow. The new model, launched last year after research undertaken with 10,000 of its passengers, is aimed at giving choice and control back to the customer. Changes already introduced by the airline include new low-cost one-way fares from Heathrow, a single class cabin and paid-for catering on most short-haul routes. A separate business class cabin is still offered on routes from Heathrow to Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin and Brussels where the demand still exists.
The new service allows passengers travelling with bmi to choose from four different ways to check-in for their flight:
· online check-in: the new system takes passengers through a five step process to check-in using their booking reference number or credit card details. Once the boarding card is printed passengers then arrive at the airport and take any luggage to the bmi bag drop
· self check-in: for travellers who prefer to check-in at the airport bmi has installed new self check-in stations. In addition to printing the boarding card the new system also allows passengers to check-in their colleagues if they are travelling on a premium economy or business fare
· bmi web point: passengers can book a flight, check-in online or view their Diamond Club membership details at these new web points. Directly linked to www.flybmi.com, bmi has installed these new points at Heathrow, Glasgow and Edinburgh and also in the bmi Business Lounges at Heathrow and Manchester
· priority check-in: for those travelling premium economy or business class passengers can check-in at one of the bmi priority desks
Commenting on the launch, bmi chief executive Nigel Turner, said:
"This service is another example of bmi giving choice back to the customer. The new business model being implemented across our business has already delivered a unique new fare structure that gives real flexibility and choice, high service standards and the fastest possible transit through the airport. The initiatives we are now introducing will further enhance our position as Britain's most punctual airline at Heathrow. bmi is providing the services for a new generation of business travellers who want premium quality travel at an economic price."
The new fare structure allows passengers to opt for a new tiny fare starting from £29.99 one way including all airport taxes and charges. The tiny fare is available on all short-haul services from London Heathrow and can only be booked online.
For travellers who want a premium service at an economy price they can opt for the new premium economy fare. This fare gives passengers the flexibility to change their flight booking, receive priority check-in and bag tagging, gain access to the business class lounge and a choice of seating on the aircraft.
ends
· Online check in is available on all bmi routes except: 1] All long-haul routes. 2] Routes from London Heathrow to: Alicante, Inverness, Lyon, Madrid, Milan, Nice, Palma and Venice. 3] Available on all bmi regional routes except for: Manchester to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow; Leeds Bradford to Brussels, Edinburgh, Glasgow Paris; Edinburgh to Brussels.