Airport Kiosk: A Quick Guide To Self-Service Check-In

Airport kiosks are standalone machines that allow passengers to check-in for their flights without interacting with airline staff. They are typically located near the entrance to the airline's ticketing area or baggage drop-off. The kiosks are equipped with touch screens, allowing passengers to identify themselves by scanning their passports, inserting a credit card, or entering flight confirmation codes. Passengers can then confirm their flight information, select or change their seats, indicate any checked baggage, and print their boarding passes. The use of airport kiosks offers several advantages, including reduced wait times, improved accuracy of passenger information, and increased efficiency of the check-in process.

Confirm flight information

Confirming your flight information is a crucial step when using an airport kiosk for check-in. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Confirming Flight Information:

Once you have identified yourself at the kiosk by scanning your passport or entering your flight confirmation code, you will see a screen displaying your personal information and travel itinerary.

This screen will show your name, flight number, departure time, and other relevant details. Carefully review all the information presented to ensure it is accurate and matches your travel plans.

If you are travelling with companions and have booked your flights together, you may see their names and details as well. Select your name and, if applicable, the names of your companions to confirm your presence on the flight.

This confirmation step is important as it allows the airline to verify your check-in status and ensures that your seat is secured for the flight. It also enables the airline to provide you with any necessary updates or changes regarding your flight, such as gate changes or delays.

After confirming your flight information, you will have the opportunity to review and change your seat assignment if desired. Some airlines may try to upsell you to a different seat or offer you an upgrade, but you can skip this option if you are satisfied with your current seat selection.

Once you have confirmed your flight information and seat selection, you can proceed to the next steps of the check-in process, which may include printing your boarding pass, tagging your luggage, and proceeding to the designated baggage drop-off area.

Remember to take your time and carefully review all the information presented to ensure a smooth and stress-free check-in experience when using an airport kiosk.

Choose or confirm your seat

Once you have identified yourself at the airport kiosk, you will be able to review and change your seat assignment. Be aware that some airlines will try to entice you to pay extra to upgrade your seat at this point. If you are not interested, simply skip this option.

You can change your seat assignment at the kiosk, provided there are open seats on your flight. If you have checked in online before arriving at the airport, you can skip this step and head straight to security.

If you are checking in as a group, you may be able to select seats for the whole party at the kiosk. For example, Air Canada allows groups of up to nine people to check in at once.

If you are checking in at the kiosk, you will be able to change your seat at the same time. If you have already checked in, you can still use the kiosk to change your seat.

Indicate if you're checking a bag

Once you have identified yourself at the airport kiosk, you will be asked about any checked baggage. You may be able to type in the exact number of bags you want to check. However, some kiosks use an up- or down-arrow system or "+" and "-" keys. In that case, use the up arrow or plus sign to increase the total number of bags. You will need to confirm the number of bags you are checking and verify that you will pay the fees for each bag. Use a credit or debit card to pay those fees at the kiosk.

If you do not have a credit or debit card, consider getting a prepaid debit card before your trip so you can easily pay your checked bag fees at the kiosk. You will also need it on the plane, as airlines no longer accept cash payments for in-flight food or beverages.

After you have indicated the number of bags you are checking, the kiosk will print your baggage tag. Take the bag and the tag to the bag drop-off/ticket counter. An agent will confirm your information and check your bag.

If you have checked in online prior to arriving at the airport and are not checking a bag, you can head straight to security.

Scan your boarding pass

Scanning your boarding pass at an airport kiosk is a straightforward process. Firstly, locate a kiosk that is open and available for use. The kiosks are usually located near the airline's check-in counter and resemble freestanding computer screens.

Once you have located a kiosk, you will be prompted to identify yourself. This can be done by inserting a credit card, scanning your passport or ID, typing in your flight confirmation code, or entering your frequent flyer number. If you have already checked in online, you can simply scan your printed boarding pass at this stage.

If you have checked bags, scanning your boarding pass at the kiosk will initiate the luggage check-in process. You will be asked to confirm the number of bags you are checking in and verify that you will pay the fees for each bag. You can pay these fees at the kiosk using a credit or debit card.

After scanning your boarding pass and completing any necessary luggage check-in steps, the kiosk should print your boarding pass. You may also have the option to download a mobile boarding pass to your phone, which can be useful as a backup in case of technology failures.

It is important to note that if you are checking bags, you will still need to proceed to the check-in counter to drop off your luggage, even if you have obtained your boarding pass from the kiosk.

Print your boarding pass

Printing your boarding pass at an airport kiosk is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Finding the Kiosk

First, locate your airline's designated self-service kiosk. These are usually clustered in groups directly in front of the check-in counters of major airlines. They resemble freestanding computer screens with scanners and print-out slots below the screen. If you're unsure about which terminal to go to, check your booking confirmation documents for your airline's name, then find the corresponding terminal on the airport map, website, or road signs leading to the airport.

Initiating the Process

Once you've found an open kiosk, tap the screen to select your preferred language. You may need to tap the screen to "wake up" the computer and initiate the process.

Providing Identification

Next, you'll need to identify yourself. The kiosk will prompt you to enter a code or scan a document. You can typically use a record locator (a 6-digit alphanumeric code from your confirmation documents), a frequent flyer ID number, another booking confirmation number, your passport, or the credit/debit card used for booking.

Reviewing and Confirming Flight Details

After entering your identification, the screen will display your flight itinerary, including departure and arrival times and any connections. It may also show the names of your fellow passengers. Review and confirm these details, and select or change your seat if given the option. Be cautious, as some airlines use this opportunity to upsell extra features like seat upgrades.

Checking Baggage

If you haven't already paid for checked baggage, you can do so at the kiosk by selecting the number of bags you want to check. You'll then pay the corresponding fees using a debit or credit card. Some kiosks will print out adhesive tags for you to attach to your bags, while others will require you to bring your bags to the counter for tagging.

Printing Your Boarding Pass

Finally, select the option to print your boarding pass(es). If you have a return trip or connecting flights, ensure that all necessary passes are printed before you leave the kiosk. Double-check that you have all the required passes before proceeding to the baggage drop-off point or security checkpoint.

Tips

• It's a good idea to check in online 24 hours in advance and print your boarding pass to save time at the airport.
• Keep your identification and confirmation documents handy throughout the process.
• If you're checking in online, make sure your email address is correct, as your boarding pass may be sent there.
• Take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass as a backup in case of phone issues or connectivity problems at the airport.
• If you need assistance, airline agents are usually standing by to help.

Frequently asked questions