JetBlue Airways announced an expanded Remote Check-In service now available to customers onboard cruise ships. The cruise ship Remote Check-In program complements the service currently offered by the low-cost carrier at select hotels, convention centers, on-airport and off-airport parking areas, and rental car facilities in several cities across the nation and in the Caribbean.
JetBlue Remote Check-In allows travelers to check in, get boarding passes and drop their checked baggage at off-airport locations hours before their flight. Their checked baggage is transported to the airport, screened and loaded on their flight, allowing customers to proceed directly to security and their gate when arriving at their departure airport.
JetBlue first offered Remote Check-In service to Orlando customers in July 2005, and since then has grown its partnership with Bags Inc., a dedicated airline service provider, to offer the program at a growing number of the airline’s destinations. Remote Check-In is currently available at select properties in Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Juan, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa. Since October 2007 the service has been newly offered on seven major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, in the following ports: Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Port of Boston, Port of Miami, Port of San Diego, Port of San Francisco, Port of San Juan, Port of Seattle and Port of Tampa.
“Remote Check-In offers an amazing service for our customers and is also a win-win for every organization that participates. The airlines, airport and port authorities, the Transportation Security Administration, and Customs and Border Protection realize increased efficiencies and tremendous cost savings through this ‘virtual airport’ model,” said Mike Messeroff, JetBlue’s program manager for Remote Check-In. “The service provided by Bags Inc. couples a truly remarkable experience for our customers with increased efficiencies and cost savings at our airports. It’s no wonder we’re expanding this service to as many new locations in as many cities as possible.”
“Bags Inc. is very excited to be expanding our service to additional JetBlue passengers with our Onboard Airline Check-in product,” said Craig Mateer, president of Bags Inc. “Bags Inc. has been successfully simplifying the travel experience for JetBlue passengers at resorts, convention centers, and remote parking facilities throughout the country. We look forward to our future growth with JetBlue passengers in cruise ship markets throughout the United States.”
To take advantage of this service, customers may visit a JetBlue Remote Check-In property 2-24 hours prior to their flight (times may vary by location). Cruise ship passengers should inquire at the onboard purser’s desk several days prior to arrival in the ship’s port of debarkation to verify the program’s availability. Remote Check-In is available for a fee of $5-$20, depending on the location. The service is offered free as part of Disney’s Magical Express program at Disney resorts and onboard Disney Cruise Line. JetBlue is regularly adding new Remote Check-In properties; a current list of Remote Check-In locations is available at www.jetblue.com/deals/bags.
