You’re going to see some changes checking in at Auckland Airport international terminal
Wednesday, 11 September 2024
The first stage of replacing check-in desks in the international terminal at Auckland Airport begins on Wednesday.
Over the next few years, around 100 check-in desks will disappear to be replaced with new self-service technology.
The new kiosks and bag drops will be available to all travellers no matter what airline they’re on, meaning multiple airlines can be checking in from the same kiosks at the same time.
Travellers arriving at Auckland Airport’s international terminal on Wednesday morning will see the first signs of the big change coming to the check-in hall.
Hoarding has gone up around Zone E, the area closest to the domestic terminal, as the airport readies new self-service kiosks and bag drops, the first of which will appear this summer.
Over the next few years, around 100 check-in desks will disappear to be replaced with the new self-service technology.
The kiosks and bag drops will be available to all travellers no matter what airline they’re on, meaning multiple airlines can be checking in from the same kiosks at the same time. Airport and airline staff will still be available for any issues.
The refit is going zone by zone and Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker warned there may be some disruptions.
“The check-in project will be carefully staged, but we recognise we are making changes in the heart of the terminal,” said Tasker.
“There’s going to be some disruption ahead, with hoardings going up around areas of work, and we want travellers to be prepared for this. It will be worth it in the end.”
Tasker said the new technology should shave off 13 minutes from the check-in experience, “that’s all the steps needed to get you checked in and your bags dropped off – with wait times for the self-check options typically no more than five minutes”.
“That’s far quicker than you’d generally experience at a traditional check-in desk.
“We’ve been operating with a mix of kiosks and check-in desks for many years at both the international and domestic terminal. When the new domestic jet hub opens at the end of the decade, regardless of whether you’re flying to Wellington or Doha you’ll be using a kiosk and bag drop.”
The airport is currently undergoing a vast expansion.
A new domestic jet terminal is expected to cost $2.2 billion overall, with a further $1.7 billion to cover the cost of integrating domestic and international travel.
That is part of the total $7-8 billion redevelopment at the airport over 10 years, which has already seen the opening of the first stage of its transport hub in April, including a new pick-up and drop-off area at the international terminal.
Last week it announced it was bringing forward the opening date of its new pick-up zone for taxis, rideshares and shuttles after the temporary one attracted widespread complaints from travellers, with some describing the walk there as maze-like, a “monumental cock-up” and a “shambles”.
In July, Auckland Airport said it would consider cutting charges after a draft Commerce Commission decision found its targeted returns exceeded what was “reasonable” - a move that could offer travellers some relief in terms of airfare pricing.
Auckland Airport had announced plans to increase aeronautical charges to airlines for the next five years to help fund its redevelopment plan.
Airlines argued that passengers would foot the bill with higher airfares if the airport went ahead.