Qatar Airways Is First Gulf Carrier to Introduce Print-at-Home Bag Tags

Qatar Airways is ramping up to provide a high degree of convenience to passengers out of its new home in Hamad International Airport (HIA), and has announced that it will introduce a new Q-Tag service, allowing passengers to print their own baggage tags at home, before arriving at the airport.

Qatar Airways is the first airline in the region to implement this online system for international destinations.

The Oneworld alliance member follows the lead of partner airline Iberia -- which was the first airline in the world to introduce this convenience to their passengers. Since then, a number of airlines have explored various methods to simplify bag-tagging, including Air France/KLM and Lufthansa Airlines. IATA has lent its support to these efforts and airlines around the world are cooperating with airports on introduction of increased automation of the baggage check-in process.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said of this new service enhancement:

"With the capacity to handle 8,700 customers per hour, HIA will provide a seamless, hassle-free experience to our passengers, from check-in to passport control and boarding. Qatar Airways passengers will be thrilled to take advantage of our new My Q-Tag service, along with the comfort and functional design of the new airport, and the exceptional shopping and dining choices it offers."

Passengers traveling out of the HIA Passenger Terminal Complex will find a number of new service introductions to enhance their Passenger Experience with 138 check-in counters across five islands, of which 108 are dedicated to passengers of Qatar Airways Economy and all other airlines, 16 counters dedicated to Qatar Business Class passengers and 14 luxury bespoke, seated check-in counters for Qatar Airways First Class passengers. The airport also has 34 self-check-in kiosks for those who prefer self-service.

All the time saved checking-in can be spent enjoying the variety of shopping and dining experiences at HIA which has more than 70 retail outlets which carry design labels, high street fashion, electronics, gourmet foods and other goodies. Qatar's Duty Free at HIA also has a wide selection of items for sale; and there are 30 cafes and restaurants which offer global and local cuisine located in the new 40,000 square meter/430,556 square foot state-of-the art terminal.

Marisa Garcia has worked in aviation since 1994, spending 16 years on the design and manufacturing of cabin interiors and cabin safety equipment. She shares insights gained from this experience on Flight Chic and Tweets as @designerjet.