British Airways is scrapping check-in desks for travellers on its domestic routes from Gatwick and other UK airports.

From April 25, passengers on BA's routes within the UK will have to check in via its website or at airport kiosks.

Conventional check-in desks will be converted to fast bag-drop desks for those checking luggage in and BA staff will be on hand to help customers at the kiosks.

BA said this was one of the changes to upgrade and simplify procedure ahead of its move to Heathrow's new Terminal 5 in 2008.

BA commercial director Martin George said: "Making the airport experience simpler and speedier for our customers is the cornerstone of our vision for Terminal 5 and we want to introduce many of these improvements now, ahead of our move.

"Our customers have told us that they are looking for ways to save precious time where possible so we have developed user-friendly self-service check-in systems, which they think are terrific, to help ease their journey through the airport."

Friday, March 31, 2006