Code for On-line Check-in

SpanAir JK 032 Copenhagen – Barcelona 3 November 2008.

Normally, it is possible to check in to SpanAir flights through their web page up to 72 hours before tack-off. –Nice service, I like it!

However this weekend, I was meet by a message that on-line check-in would only be possible 4 hours before take off on November 2nd and 3rd.

Just before leaving my house at 06.45, I tried again, but kept getting an “passenger not found” error message. I even called my travel agent to make sure that the ticket had been paid for, and got the e-ticket number just in case.

At Copenhagen Airport, SAS self check-in also gave me an error message, and I was forced to go to the service counter. (SAS owns SpanAir, and as they are both Star Alliance, their systems are normally linked).

I got checked in without problems. The attendant couldn’t explain to me what the problem was, only that several passengers on the same flight had similar issues.

One of the great things about checking in online, is that you can walk on board with your carry-on, no questions asked. The lady at the counter forced me to check in my small suitcase, and already at that time I knew that would cost me at least 30 min. in Barcelona.

Anyways, well on board and ready to go almost on time, but for some reason the actual take-off was 30 min delayed.

It was 11.50 by the time we landed in Barcelona. Unfortunately, no gate provided, so shuttle bus took us to the terminal. (there must be a pattern for when a flight is allocated direct gate access, and when shuttle busses are used, but for this flight, it seems to be fairly random).

That was another 15 min lost. Waiting for luggage 30 min (adding on the 15 min spend in the shuttle bus, that means luggage handling time of 45 min. I am not impressed. So all in all, it was 12.30 by the time I could finally step out into the sun and queue for a taxi.