Virgin Atlantic urges passengers to use new feature that makes check-in quicker

Virgin Atlantic passengers at London Heathrow Airport are being asked to check in via a new WhatsApp route.

The airline is using Infobip’s customer engagement platform Moments to deliver a "faster, more convenient check-in process that improves the passenger experience while boosting operational efficiency."

In an attempt to encourage passengers to check in before they arrive at the airport, they'll receive a WhatsApp message with a direct link to the airline’s app or website. For those not reachable via WhatsApp, the system automatically switches to SMS.

Passengers can use the link to check in before they arrive at the airport, which may lead to shorter wait times at airport desks. Once checked in, passengers receive additional helpful information, such as terminal number and zone, via WhatsApp.

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The primary goal of the new system is to increase the number of travellers checking in online before arriving at the airport. Since it was introduced, Virgin Atlantic has seen an 11% increase in online check-in rates.

Simon Langthorne, head of customer relationship management at Virgin Atlantic, said: "We’re thrilled to see these results from our partnership with Infobip. Empowering our guests with convenient, real-time notifications via WhatsApp not only enhances the customer journey but also streamlines our airport operations. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to using smart, guest-first technology to improve every stage of the travel experience.”

Virgin Atlantic intends to roll out this successful solution to other major UK airports, including Edinburgh and Manchester, later this year. There are few things more frustrating than rushing to your flight only to get stuck in a massive airport security queue. Happily, a travel expert has revealed a clever way you can beat the crowds.

Fortunately, travel vlogger Elaine Poon has revealed a handy way to skip past the crowds if you’re looking to get through security quickly, at London's Stansted Airport at least. She posted her experience travelling through Stansted Airport using the trick.

On her TikTok channel @travelainewithme, Elaine explained that everyone usually enters security through the 'Departures' queue to the left. However, she said passengers should "turn right" instead and walk towards the sign reading 'Fast Track'. She then showed another ‘Departures’ queue beside the Fast Track one.

She said: "A lot of people only think this is for Fast Track, so no one goes to this side. But as you can see, this whole middle section is free for us to go through." Elaine then showed herself breezing up to security while a massive queue of people stood waiting on the other side of the rope. This is crazy, look at the queue on the other side. We just skip all of that and go straight through to the front."