Travellers passing through London Gatwick Airport with British Airways will soon be able to benefit from the introduction of a new Fast Travel service.
The Fast Travel initiative, which is now fully operational in the new British Airways terminal extension at Gatwick, was launched by BA as part of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Simplifying the Business Programme, and involves the introduction of automated and self-service options for travellers.
BA check-in kiosks at London Gatwick have been upgraded to print baggage tags, as well as flight documents such as boarding cards. The baggage tag printing service is available to all destinations from Gatwick except those in the US due to current security rules.
IATA has awarded the airline a Gold award in recognition of the upgrade, the first time a UK-based airline has been given such an award. It’s the second time that such a distinction has been given to any airline.
“This award is a great achievement for British Airways at Gatwick and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that the latest technology is at the forefront of our customer experience worldwide,” said Glenn Morgan, British Airways’ head of service transformation.
“We are investing in new technology which not only saves our customers time and effort but also makes their journeys more enjoyable.”
The IATA is keen to improve the passenger experience at airports worldwide. Earlier this month it launched plans for the check-in of the future. The new plans would see passengers split into three categories – normal, enhanced and known traveller.
“Today’s security checkpoint was developed in the 1970s when hijackers carrying metal weapons were the threat. It is a 40-year-old-concept that needs to fundamentally change,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO, at the launch of the new security check-in plans.
