Originally Posted by cfischer
so can other airlines do it then? NW prints INT on your BP and it is your responsibility to go and swipe the passport at the airport. No lines, no wait, just going to self service and swiping the passport gets you all the clearance needed. Actually, lounge staff can do it for you as well. So there are definitely other options.
AF doesn't have self-service kisosks at USA stations (yet). At CDG, for example, there is an entire bank of kiosks available, along with agents ready to take your baggage. I've used it at Terminal 2E and there has never been a line...the kiosk even prints a US Customs landing card for you.
Please keep in mind that NW and all the USA-based carriers use their own proprietary technology at airports, with dedicated counters. So, hooking up kiosks isn't as much of a problem compared to a lot of foreign carriers who operate from shared counter space and operating on CUTE computers (common use terminal equipment) without their own data lines or leased floor space to install kiosks in airport lobbies.