Northwest Airlines introduces more self-service check-in kiosks at NAIA

NINOY AQUINO INT’L AIRPORT – Northwest Airlines has recently introduced here more self-service check-in options for travelers with the recent addition of its self-service check-in kiosks, part of a deployment of more of its customer service technology throughout the airline’s 15-city Asia/Pacific network.

The three new kiosks are currently available for customers’ use in the airport lobby at the end of Northwest’s ticket counter check-in positions at the NAIA, and allow customers flying on electronic tickets to check-in for their flights from Manila to Tokyo, Nagoya, Japan, the US or other destinations. Travelers can also use the kiosks to select or change their seat assignment, add WorldPerks frequent flyer information and more. The kiosks are also equipped with passport readers, allowing customers to quickly enter the required passport information by swiping it through the reader. Northwest customer service staff will verify customers’ travel documentation prior to departure.

Ray Nishihira, general manager for Northwest Airlines in the Philippines said, "The introduction of Northwest’s self-service check-in kiosks in the Philippines will provide travelers with more options to expedite the check-in process and enjoy greater control over their travel experience". He added that, "Travelers worldwide are embracing the convenience, speed and control of Northwest’s customer service technology."

Northwest first introduced self-service check-in in the Philippines in May 2003, when it expanded its comprehensive nwa.com Check-In service to customers originating their travel in the Asia/Pacific region. The service allows customers to print their boarding pass and check-in over the Internet at www.nwa.com/ph.

The deployment of self-service check-in kiosks at Manila is part of an aggressive customer service initiative at Northwest to expand the availability of kiosks to all 15 airports it serves in the Asia/Pacific region. Already, with 934 kiosks located in 198 airports, Northwest offers self-service check-in kiosks in more locations than any other airline in the world.

"In August, 74 percent of Northwest’s customers used one of our self-service check-in options to obtain their boarding pass," said Al Lenza, vice president of distribution and e-commerce. "Our experience has been that after just one use of our kiosks or nwa.com Check-In service, travelers become loyal users of this easy-to-use technology."

The airline’s self-service check-in program first crossed the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in November of 2002, when Northwest became the first US airline to enable customers to obtain their boarding passes for travel from the US and Canada to Asia, as well as to many destinations served in Europe, via its web site.

Through Dec. 31, 2004, first time users of Northwest’s self-service check-in kiosks will receive a one-time bonus of 1,000 frequent flyer miles for checking in at one of Northwest’s new kiosks across its Asia/Pacific network. Travel must be on an e-ticket.

No advance registration is required. Membership in Northwest’s WorldPerks frequent flyer program is required. Fast and easy online WorldPerks enrollment is available at www.nwa.com/asia/en/freqfly/enroll/index.html.