OREANDA-NEWS. Starting from 1 May 2013, Estonian Air will introduce several changes in pre-flight and in-flight services which concern the number of fare types and selection of on-board food. From August check-in procedures will be updated.

In January 2013, Estonian Air started an extensive restructuring process to become cost efficient and competitive regional carrier providing flights to the destinations critically important for Estonia, where the demand is constantly high.

“During the first three months we have been focusing on adapting our network to the real economic demand of ten flight destinations and reducing costs in accordance to new flight capacities. Regarding this we have reviewed all the activities and cost items related to our services,” said Rauno Parras, the CCO of Estonian Air.

From 1 May 2013, Estonian Air is reducing the number of fare families from the current five to three. The three basic fare families are: Eco, Flex and Business. The Light fare family - meant for travellers with hand luggage only - will remain as a campaign product, which has a lower price but less flexible terms compared to other fare families.

On board all passengers will be offered with a common selection of food and beverages. Passengers with Business and Flex tickets are served complimentary food and beverages. Passengers holding Eco tickets can buy food and beverages on board. Estonian Air also offers a possibility to pre-order meals through Estonian Air homepage at least 36 hours before the flight. For product list, pricing and ordering please visit Estonian Air website http://estonian-air.ee/en/travel-information/during-the-flight/on-board/.

From 1 May 2013, children between the ages of 2 and 11 (inclusive) receive a 25% discount on the basic adult passenger price (i.e. excluding airport taxes and fuel surcharge). As before, tickets for small children who are less than 2 years of age at the time of their flight and who spend the flight on their parent’s lap (without a seat to themselves) are charged at 10% of the adult passenger price.

From 1 August 2013, personal check-in service at the desk at the airport is 10 euros for holders of Eco tickets. The self-service check-in through Estonian Air website, mobile phone SMS-service and check-in kiosks at the airport is free of charge.

According to Rauno Parras, the purpose of changes is cost saving from one hand but also a wish to guide travellers to use more internet and mobile phone for check-in services. “However, the free of charge check-in at the airport remains and our employees will help passengers to use check-in kiosks during the first weeks of the change,” added Parras.

New check-in procedures do not apply at airports, where self-service on Estonian Air flights is not possible. Check-in through Estonian Air home page, mobile phone SMS-service and check-in kiosks are available for passengers travelling with hand luggage as well as with registered luggage. Travellers with hand luggage only can proceed straight to the security check at the airport; registered baggage must be taken to the baggage drop-off counter on the day of departure. For more detailed information on check-in please visit Estonian Air homepage http://estonian-air.ee/en/check-in/.