Malaysia Airlines moves to mandatory self-service check-in

Malaysia Airlines has closed its economy check-in counters at Kuala Lumpur as the airline moves to "mandatory self-service check-in" for all economy passengers flying out of the airline's home airport.

New self-service kiosks with bag drop facilities, online check-in and mobile apps are intended to replace the role of check-in staff for passengers in the cheap seats.

Two "special handling counters" will remain "to serve unaccompanied minors and disabled customers", the airline says, while  check-in counters will remain open for first class and business class passengers, along with top-tier members of MAS' Enrich frequent flyer scheme and their Oneworld equivalents such as Qantas Gold and Platinum card-holders.

“Using this technology to automate the check-in process will also ease congestion at check-in counters and our guests will benefit as it will reduce their time spent waiting in queue" said Malaysia Airlines airport services senior manager Mohd Mazlan Md Noor.

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David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.