Starting June 1st, air passengers can check in with their luggage using automated check-in services up to five hours in advance of their departure time, instead of three hours, in order to address congestion at the check-in counters at Suvarnabhumi international airport, according to Kirati Kitmanawat, president of Airports of Thailand Public Company (AOT).
He disclosed that passengers are worried about the congestion at check-in, with some arriving at the airport up to seven hours in advance, but check-in counters for most airlines only open three hours in advance of departure, resulting in congestion.
Congestion is also caused by only 18 airlines having automated check-in services and the requirement that passengers display RT-PCR test results to enter some countries, said Kirati, adding that the AOT has set a target to increase automated check-in services this year, so more passengers will use the option to reduce congestion.
He also said that the AOT is considering easing the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during the security check process, by defining which types of shoes do not need to be removed.
The AOT is in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand over the introduction of more advanced X-ray machines, to for check arms and explosives hidden in luggage without the need for manual searches, which would also help to speed up the check-in process, said Kirati.
The AOT operates Suvarnabhumi and several other international airports in Thailand.
