In an effort to make the airport experience smoother and reduce congestion, Alaska Airlines is giving check-in kiosks the boot faster than an overbooked passenger.
Alaska Airlines recently announced plans to phase out self-service computer stations at its five main airports, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Anchorage. The airline was actually the first to introduce these kiosks two decades ago but now realizes that most travelers prefer to use their phones for printing boarding passes, selecting seats, and checking bags.
How will passengers check in now before a flight?
Alaska Airlines will encourage fliers to check in online or via their smartphones. Instead of kiosks, the airline will introduce iPad-based bag tag stations and automatic bag drops, using biometric data to authenticate travelers. Passengers can scan their luggage tags, boarding passes, and IDs before loading bags onto the conveyor belt at the automatic baggage drop points.
Passengers who prefer the traditional check-in method can still go to customer service agents for assistance at check-in counters.
When will this be implemented?
The new bag tag stations have already launched at some airports, including Palm Springs, and are operating smoothly. Alaska plans to remove all kiosks by the end of 2023, aiming to get passengers through the check-in process and into the security line in under five minutes. Let’s see about that!
by travelers, for travelers.
