Online checkin

Ok. It may be a stupid question but if I use OLCI at LHR are the queues likely to be longer for the bag drop/BC collection than UC checkin desk.
For me my holidays always start the moment I am checked in and airside. Plus I don't want to waste any time getting to the lounge.

[preiffer]

If you're flying Upper Class, you can use the check-in desk there even if you've checked in online. Just remember to mention to the agent that you're already checked in to avoid any looks

Same goes for PE, with the PE check-in desks.

(Technically, the same goes for Economy, but I'm pretty sure the queue will be less at the FBD area... [:0])

Paul. thanks for that, I have not used OLCI to date yet so I will give it a go.

[Nottingham Nick]

I use OLCI at LHR, then have a look which is the shorter queue. It is just a case of keeping your options open.

The last few times I have been to LHR, the bag drop area seems very congested, and I have always used the PE desks, but - as Paul says - let them know up front that you have used OLCI.

Nick

[mitchja]

Whilst on the subject of online check-in....VS do seem to be plugging it at the moment, as I've just received an automated email recomending I use online check-in for Fridays VS400 flight.

I have used OLCI and gone to the J check-in desk several times with no problems at all. The agents can see if you have used OLCI when they access your booking.

Regards

Thanks guys. James I'm on that flight tomorrow they didn't e-mail me, perhaps its just a gold thing

[mitchja]

Have a great flight Tony See you in Dubai

Regards

I was discussing OLCI with a colleage yesterday, I always use it when available but he had never come across it and was wondering how it can actually save you time since you still need to weigh your bag, get it labelled get your boarding card, smile sweetly for an upgrade etc.

I suppose at the moment it is new and relatively few people bother with it, but imagine the day when we all do it. Then won't the queue at bag drop be just as long as all the other desks are now (and this is assuming more desks become bag drop desks). How much time is actually saved per passenger between what a check in agent needs to do between normal check in and bag drop?

^ I've never thought of OLCI as a time saver - i think it's fab to get the pick of the seats, and to practically guarantee any reserved seats you may have.

Sure the queues for bag drop are sometimes long, but not as long as the main economy queue where by the time those people check in there may only be middle seats left or the odd seat here and there dotted about the cabin.

As for using OLCI and going to the PE or UC desk, the booking doesn't show you checked in on line, it's just shown that you've checked in. If you don't tell the agent you SHOULD be asked if you've used it other wise it could be a bit of a problem.

yes I agree, OLCI is great for grabbing the good seats if they are available. KLM is good for this and allows you to grab exit seats as well.
I usually set an alarm that will tell me as soon as OLCI is open for the flight I'm on [:o)]

But I do worry that one day, bag drop queues will be as long as regular queues now!