Originally Posted by
Cory6188
CO had even started this at EWR prior to the merger. They'd have 2-3 actual CO agents, at most, roaming the entire Y check-in area, while having a bunch of contractors who could only take tagged bags and not do much else. I'm more of a DL flyer these days, and I have to admit that it's been a significant improvement, by comparison, that they don't have this model at check-in.
Same model exists today at EWR Premier Access/Polaris/1K merged check-in area, except now it's 2-3 UA agents guarding the entrance, with only 1 contractor handling bags for all kiosks.
Originally Posted by
Kacee
AA and DL each have their own versions of this, witness DL's telephone hold time fiasco and AA's miserable attempt to staff only one GA per flight.
I don't know about ORD, but at SFO the international Polaris/1K check-in has traditionally gotten real agents, while the domestic check-in has been the kiosk free-for-all you describe.
The worst part of SFO Premier check-in is that everyone is required to do self-tagging, unless you want/have to brave the long line for in-person help.