Originally Posted by exerda
The problem is, many people still do not 'get' the concept of a check-in kiosk, despite the fact that nearly every airline uses them now. One reason for this may be that you'd seemingly have to deal with a person to check bags, so those passengers feel they "can't" use Mr. Chicken. There needs to be a better way to convey that they can indeed use the kiosks!
I believe that your observation is spot on. For those of you that have grocery stores with self-checkout, you see the same aversion. It is more comfortable for people to speak to someone face-to-face (even with a surly disposition), than to use a computer that could save them time and frustration. I applaud UA for going to this system, for I believe in the long run it will aid us, the traveler, and save the UA check-in desk crews hassle (then again I believe that the $1 coin is a phenomenal idea).
I have experienced UA staff that do not like the computer check-ins because it means in the end, there will be less of them needed to work these machines. The overall attitude of UA employees that I have encountered in the past 6 months has improved but we are a long way from the cheery days of a pre-9/11 UA or USA for that matter. If you do not like the way that you are treated by UA, then you have a choice to fly another carrier.