24 to 2 hours prior to the check-in deadline of a flight, MEA passengers departing from Beirut, Paris or Larnaca can now select and secure their preferred seats online, and check-in for their flights from the comfort of their homes, hotels or offices, by logging on to www.mea.com.lb. MEA plans to gradually introduce this facility to other destinations across its network in the next few months.

Additionally, baggage drop-off points has been set for passengers checked in via the Internet to drop off their hold baggage if any and to obtain their boarding pass. As such, all passengers whether carry-on or holding their baggage will no longer be required to report to the check-in counters, making it possible for them to head for the gate more swiftly.

How does ICI work?

Passengers must enter the eTicket number and the flight number into the appropriate fields, then the system searches for the booking. The system shows the routing and then proceeds to round off the aircraft seat allocation process. It’s then up to the passenger to confirm if he or she likes the seat or wishes to alter its position.

The check-in confirmation is printed next. For the time being, all passengers should proceed to the drop-off points at the airport, drop their baggage if any, obtain their boarding pass and proceed to the gate.

The ICI application is very flexible, it can handle all types of check-in, single segment flight or those with connections, day-return or code shared flights.

What advantages does ICI offer in comparison with regular check-in?

In addition to speed and convenience, passengers are happy to maintain control over the check-in process. Following are some of the advantages:

The passenger is able to check in everywhere, irrespective of where he/she is.

The passenger can choose his/her own seat.

The passenger will save time at the airport.
- No need to queue at the check-in desks.
- Shorter and faster queues at the baggage drop-off.
- Shorter reporting time.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 24-Jun-09

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