Owais Crawford
Airport kiosks are a convenient way to automate many common air travel-related tasks, such as checking in, printing boarding passes, checking bags, and requesting seating changes. They are easy to use and provide instructions on their user-friendly touch-screen interfaces. To use an airport kiosk, you will need to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. You can then follow the prompts to complete your desired tasks, such as checking in for your flight, printing your boarding pass, or changing your seat. Airport kiosks help streamline the passenger flow, reduce queuing times, and increase passenger satisfaction.
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What You'll Learn
Checking in
If you have checked in for your flight online, you will probably be able to scan your printed boarding pass at the kiosk. When you scan your boarding pass, the kiosk will identify you and begin the luggage check-in process. Whether you scan your boarding pass or identify yourself with personal information, you will be asked about checked baggage. You will be able to review and change your seat assignment during the check-in process. Be careful, as some airlines have their seat assignment screen default to a page that will try to entice you to pay extra to upgrade your seat. If you have swiped a credit card to identify yourself, skip the seat upgrade option unless you actually intend to use it, as the airline has already captured your credit card information.
After checking in, a customer service representative will ask where you are travelling and will check your ID, tag your bags, and put them on the conveyor belt. You will receive your luggage claim tags, and the representative will tell you what gate to go to. You can also find gate information on your boarding pass. You should then head to the security checkpoint.
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Printing boarding passes
Printing your boarding pass at the airport is a straightforward process. You can do it at a self-service kiosk, the check-in counter, or even from your smartphone. Here is a step-by-step guide to printing your boarding pass at the airport:
Locate the Kiosks
In most airports, self-service kiosks are usually grouped together in front of the check-in counters of major airlines. These stand-alone computers have touch screens, scanners, and print-out slots.
Identify Yourself at the Kiosk
You can identify yourself at the kiosk by swiping your credit card or scanning your passport. If you have already checked in online, you can scan the printed boarding pass or the confirmation email containing your flight details.
Follow the Kiosk Instructions
The kiosk will prompt you to confirm your flight details, select your seat, and input the number of bags you want to check in. You may also be offered the option to upgrade your seat or request additional services.
Print Your Boarding Pass
Once you have completed the previous steps, the kiosk will print your boarding pass. Make sure to collect all the passes if you have a return trip or connecting flights. Double-check that you have the correct number of passes before leaving the kiosk.
Proceed to Bag Drop-off or Security
After obtaining your boarding pass, you can proceed to the baggage drop-off point or the security checkpoint. Remember to keep your boarding pass easily accessible, as you will need to present it at various points throughout the airport.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight to ensure a smooth check-in and security clearance process. Additionally, checking in online 24 hours in advance and printing your boarding pass can save you time at the airport.
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Tagging luggage
Tagging your luggage is an important step in the airport check-in process. It helps ensure that your bags are correctly identified and routed to your destination, and also helps you identify your luggage at the baggage claim. Here is a step-by-step guide to tagging your luggage at an airport kiosk:
Identify Yourself and Your Trip:
Start by locating a kiosk for your airline. Identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, or entering your flight confirmation code and other identification information. The kiosk will then prompt you to confirm your flight details.
Declare Checked Baggage:
The kiosk will ask if you are checking any bags. Indicate the number of bags you are checking. Some kiosks may have up and down arrows or “+” and “-” keys to adjust the number.
Print Baggage Tags:
Once you have indicated the number of bags, the kiosk will print the corresponding number of baggage tags. These tags will have barcodes or other identifying information that links them to your flight information.
Attach Tags to Your Bags:
Take the printed tags and securely attach them to your checked bags. Ensure that the tags are properly affixed and visible. Some tags may have privacy flaps that can be closed to protect your personal information.
Proceed to Bag Drop-Off:
After tagging your bags, take them to the designated bag drop-off or ticket counter. An agent will confirm your information and check your bags. They may also provide luggage claim tags, which are often stickers that you keep with you. These claim tags will help you identify your bags upon arrival at your destination.
Some additional tips for tagging your luggage:
- Do not include your home address on the tag for security reasons. Instead, use a temporary address or contact information.
- Consider using distinctive or personalised luggage tags to easily identify your bags and reduce the chance of mistaken claims by other travellers.
- Take a photo of your luggage and tags before checking them in, so you have proof of their appearance in case of loss or damage.
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Upgrading seats
Upgrading your seat at an airport kiosk is a straightforward process. Airport kiosks allow many common air travel-related tasks to be automated, providing convenience to the user and less strain on airport staff.
To begin the process of upgrading your seat, walk up to an open kiosk. You will be prompted to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. Enter this information using the touchscreen, and review your name and air travel itinerary. Confirm your flight information by pressing the "OK" or "enter" button on the screen.
You will then be able to review and change your seat assignment during the check-in process. Be aware that some airlines have their seat assignment screen default to a page that will try to entice you to pay extra to upgrade your seat. If you have swiped a credit card to identify yourself, skip the seat upgrade option unless you actually intend to use it, as the airline will already have your credit card information.
If you are running late to the airport, it is not recommended to use a self-service kiosk to upgrade your seat. Instead, go to the check-in counter and inquire about any potential upgrades. You can also ask the check-in agent to put you in any available business or first-class seats. Airlines often offer cheap upgrades until the last minute for seats that haven't been sold.
Additionally, your attire and attitude can influence your chances of getting an upgrade. Wearing business attire and being friendly and chatty with the staff may increase your chances of getting a seat upgrade.
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Contactless interactions
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for contactless interactions in airports. Airport kiosks have played a crucial role in meeting this demand, allowing travellers to perform a range of tasks without assistance from airport staff. These self-service terminals enable passengers to check-in, print boarding passes, select seats, and tag luggage. They also facilitate upgrades, flight changes, and baggage drop-offs.
Contactless check-in kiosks allow passengers to identify themselves by scanning their passports or IDs, entering flight confirmation codes, or scanning their boarding passes. Some kiosks employ contactless biometrics, such as facial recognition, iris recognition, or fingerprint scanning, for secure and efficient identity verification. This eliminates the need for physical contact with the kiosk, reducing the risk of infection.
To enhance the contactless experience, some airports have introduced Common-Use Self Service (CUSS) Kiosks, which respond to mobile interactions. Passengers can now use their mobile devices to scan and print boarding passes and baggage tags, avoiding direct contact with the kiosk machines. This further reduces the risk of infection and improves the overall safety of the airport environment.
The integration of advanced features, such as people-counting technology and intuitive touch-screen interfaces, ensures efficient queue management and a seamless check-in process. These innovations not only streamline airport operations but also contribute to a more positive and flexible travel experience for passengers. By empowering passengers to manage various aspects of their journey independently, airport kiosks significantly reduce wait times and enhance overall efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport ticket kiosk is a free-standing computer screen that allows passengers to check-in, print boarding passes, check bags, and request seating changes.
First, walk up to an open kiosk. Then, identify yourself by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. Follow the prompts on the touch screen to check-in, print your boarding pass, and check your bags.
Yes, many airport kiosks allow travelers to upgrade or make changes to their seats. However, if you have swiped a credit card to identify yourself, skip the seat upgrade option unless you actually intend to use it, as the airline has already captured your credit card information.
Airport kiosks allow many common air travel-related tasks to be automated, providing convenience to the user and reducing strain on airport staff. They also help to reassure passengers by limiting personal interactions with staff, creating a safer environment for travelers and employees.
No, airport ticket kiosks are not mandatory. However, some airlines, such as Air Canada, now make it mandatory to use the self-check-in kiosks.
