Why Airports Use Check-In Kiosks
Airports and airlines continue to look for ways to enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve traveler journeys. A check-in kiosk serves as a practical solution, helping passenger’s complete essential pre-flight tasks without relying on staff. By allowing travelers to move through airports more quickly, kiosks ease long lines at counters, reduce staffing pressure during peak hours, and enhance the airport experience.
For travelers, especially frequent business travelers, kiosks provide predictability and convenience, making them a practical alternative to traditional check-in counters.
How Travelers Use a Self Check-In Kiosk
Self check-in kiosks guide passengers through a straightforward, touch-screen process. After arriving at the airport, travelers can:
- Enter a reservation code, scan a passport, or swipe a frequent flyer card.
- Review flight details and confirm itineraries.
- Select or change seats if the airline allows adjustments during check-in.
- Print boarding passes for easy access through security and boarding.
- Pay for checked luggage and print baggage tags for drop-off.
Most kiosks are designed for speed, typically taking only a few minutes to complete the entire process, depending on the airline and traveler preferences.
The Role of Check-In Kiosks in Business Travel
Time efficiency is critical for business travelers managing tight schedules. Using a check-in kiosk minimizes delays and helps travelers avoid long lines, ensuring they arrive at the gate with ample time to prepare for meetings or calls before boarding.
For companies with managed travel programs, promoting the use of check-in kiosks aligns with duty of care objectives by providing travelers with a seamless, predictable start to their journey. It also enhances compliance with company travel policies when paired with mobile itineraries and centralized booking platforms.
Key Features and Capabilities
Seat Selection
Travelers can view the seat map and select or adjust their seats based on preferences or available upgrades.
Baggage Check
Many kiosks enable travelers to pay for checked luggage and print bag tags, allowing for quick luggage drop-off.
Document Printing
Passengers can print necessary travel documents, including boarding passes and receipts.
Multilingual Support
Kiosks often support multiple languages to assist international travelers.
Loyalty Program Integration
Frequent flyer information can be added during check-in, ensuring points are credited without additional steps.
Benefits
- Time Savings: Skip long lines and complete check-in in just a few minutes.
- Traveler Control: Allows passengers to adjust seats and review travel details independently.
- Reduced Stress: Simplifies the process, making it easier to manage travel during busy airport hours.
- Flexibility: Travelers can arrive at the airport, assess lines, and choose the fastest check-in option available.
- Support for Duty of Care: Employers can encourage efficient check-in practices while supporting traveler well-being.
Quick Tips for Use
- Prepare Documents: Have your reservation code, ID, or passport ready before approaching the kiosk.
- Check Seat Preferences: Adjust your seating while availability is open, especially for preferred aisle or window seats.
- Attach Bag Tags Properly: If checking luggage, ensure bag tags are secured before drop-off.
- Save Digital Copies: Take a photo of your boarding pass or save it to your phone for backup.
- Review Travel Details: Confirm all information, including gate and departure time, before leaving the kiosk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Itinerary Review
Rushing through the check-in process can lead to errors. Always review flight details before printing boarding passes.
Misunderstanding Baggage Policies
Different airlines have varying rules for checked and carry-on luggage. Checking airline policies beforehand prevents surprises.
Forgetting Loyalty Numbers
Be sure to add your frequent flyer number during check-in if it hasn’t already been applied to your reservation.
The Future of Self Check-In Kiosks
Airports continue to modernize with new technology, and self check-in kiosks are evolving alongside these changes. Touchless options are now being introduced, allowing travelers to complete check-in using mobile devices alongside kiosks for printing bag tags. Some kiosks also feature biometric integration, offering facial recognition to further streamline the process.
While mobile apps and online check-in continue to grow in popularity, kiosks remain a reliable, consistent option for travelers who need printed documents or who prefer in-airport check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a check-in kiosk if I checked in online?
If you checked in online and have no checked luggage, you can proceed directly to security. If you need to print a boarding pass or bag tags, using a kiosk can save time.
Can I use a check-in kiosk for international flights?
Yes, many airlines offer kiosk check-in for international flights, but some destinations may require additional document verification with a gate agent.
What should I do if a kiosk is unavailable?
If a kiosk is out of service or your booking cannot be processed, you can complete check-in at the airline’s staffed counter.
Are kiosks available at all airports?
Most major airports have check-in kiosks, but availability may vary by location and airline. Smaller airports may have fewer kiosks or rely more heavily on staffed counters.