2.7.2009
Airlines lower service level for cruise passengers

As from the coming weekend, a number of airlines will be lowering the service level for their many cruise passengers by abandoning early check-in. This means that many cruise passengers will have to wait for up to five hours before check-in is available. The airport is concerned about this service deterioration.

The airlines KLM/Air France, British Airways and Iberia have decided that, as from the coming weekend, they will no longer pay the handling company Novia for offering cruise passengers early check-in at Copenhagen Airport. During the cruise season, the airlines usually allow cruise passengers to check in about seven hours before departure since many of the passengers arrive at the airport very early.

Unacceptable service level
In future, the above-mentioned airlines will not open their check-in desks until two to three hours before departure.

“We regret this deterioration of the level of service now being offered by the airlines handled by Novia to the many cruise passengers arriving early at the airport. In a time when, in general, it is difficult for Denmark to attract tourists, it is a cause of concern for us that a number of airlines ignore the fact that our image as an attractive tourist destination is deteriorating. The lower level of service means that many foreign tourists will leave Denmark remembering the low level of service,” said Henrik Peter Jørgensen, VP Communication & Public Affairs.

SAS retains good level of service
SAS, the biggest airline at Copenhagen Airport, and the other members of the Star Alliance, as well as Continental and Delta retain their high level of service, and these airlines will continue to offer early check-in to their cruise passengers.

“It is very positive that the members of the Star Alliance as well as Continental and Delta recognise that a high level of service is a prerequisite for keeping existing customers and attracting new ones," said Henrik Peter Jørgensen.