Change...

I've been out of town for the last few weeks and I keep thinking back to the time when I checked in at the Perth domestic air port. I think it has to do with the fact that I am having to deal with that again in a week and a bit.

The Qantas check in system has been updated to all electronic systems. I personally think it's a great move and when people get the hang of it, it should be so much quicker and easier. But that isn't happening at the moment.

I chose a line that had least people in it, as you do. What I neglected to check was the type of person in front of me. There were a couple of oldies. Maybe this isn't fair to them but in my defence, my Grandma uses the internet and is on top of this technology 'whohar', so I feel I can say the things I feel I must share.

The oldies in front of me were checking in. All you had to do as I'm sure you have all done before, much like a self check out at the supermarket, is scan your e-ticket print out and then your passport. They just couldn't get the hang of it. On their fourth attempt, yes 4th attempt, they neglected all international rules of 'if it doesn't work on the 3rd go, just stop'. They eventually turned around to which I quickly turned away as I knew what was coming. They still struck up a conversation with me something along the lines of, why did they have to change the system, this doesn't work, where is someone I can talk to and this was supposed to be easier.

They walked away I scanned my ticket, passport answered the questions and got my ticket and away I went. Furious these oldies were. Maybe It just comes easy to me because I was brought up with computers, or maybe it's just some of these oldies are so stubborn and wont accept change in their own age they had already given up and didn't want to try.

Needless to say the foyer was full of people waiting to check in, but the number of oldies outnumbered the competent people and the backlog began.

How do we conquer this problem? I say get off your chair (if you can) open your mind back up (cause I know you did in the 60's) bite the bullet and head down to your local library (which I know you already spend a lot of time) and get a computer lesson. You have the time and you know your gonna need it.

Otherwise Qantas, maybe put some more staff on while people get used to the new system please. Or have a person at a check in desk for those oldies that cant change.

As for the rest of us who are accepting change, the travel experience is getting better. Now all we need are people to check us in and carry out luggage.

Keep on Keeping on...