oneworld introduces new, streamlined online check-in process for multi-carrier trips

The oneworld alliance is introducing a new, simplified check-in process for multi-carrier journeys that allows passengers to scan their passport, receive their boarding passes, and save the boarding passes directly to a digital wallet.

Using the airline alliance’s proprietary technology, the new check-in enhancement serves customers traveling on multi-carrier journeys across all member carriers. Through the system, different member carriers’ systems communicate via a shared platform. It applies on flights operated by oneworld carriers within an itinerary, regardless of the first operating carrier.

In a statement, oneworld highlighted its benefits using an example of an American Airlines customer traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Dallas via Tokyo using Malaysia Airlines to Tokyo, then connecting onto the American Airlines flight from Tokyo to Dallas. The customer can complete the single check-in and scan his/her passport on American Airlines’ app, and will get airline-branded boarding passes from both Malaysia Airlines and American Airlines for each flight that can be saved to their digital wallet. The customer can then proceed to bag-drop or security without the need to check-in with an agent at the airport.

“Customers expect a consistent, easy-to-use experience with their preferred airline’s check-in tools and they should expect the same when flying on their alliance partners,” said Ole Orver, CEO of the oneworld Alliance. “Our members are committed to providing a simplified experience that puts the management of customer journeys at their fingertips and oneworld is prioritizing providing this layered technology across every member airline.”

“Malaysia Airlines is proud to be the first airline to adopt this technology, reinforcing its commitment to make travel simpler and more seamless,” said Bryan Foong, chief executive officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group. “For customers travelling internationally, this enhanced digital check-in capability brings greater convenience and continuity when connecting with oneworld partner airlines, enabling them to manage more of their journey through their preferred digital channel.”

"As a founding member of oneworld, American is proud to work alongside our alliance partners to deliver a simpler and more intuitive travel experience," said Anmol Bhargava, senior vice president – Global Alliances at American Airlines. "By continuing to listen to customers and collaborate closely with our oneworld partners, we will continue advancing solutions that remove friction from travel. This is another step forward in our shared commitment to creating a more convenient travel experience across the oneworld network.”

According to oneworld, future phases of the streamlined check-in process will include the ability to check-in on codeshare itineraries and dynamic and up-to-the-minute boarding passes.

“oneworld’s digital technology is transforming the way customers navigate multi-carrier journeys by giving them the tools they need to manage flights through a powerful data-driven foundation,” said Guido van Til, speaking from the second oneworld Innovation Summit in Lisbon. “As the first alliance to offer digital check-in across all member airline pairings, this milestone underscores oneworld’s commitment to delivering a premium and more intuitive travel experience for global customers who can use their favourite airline app and arrive at the airport ready to fly.”