I wonder how it will be programmed to spot a misconnect as opposed to someone who wants to spend some more time in Amsterdam. For example, let's say hypothetically I am connecting through Amsterdam, and want to "miss" the last flight of the day and end up with a forced layover. If I say I missed my connection, will it look to see if I was late in arriving, or just get me on the next flight without checking whether I should have missed my flight?
That's a rhetorical question, I assume no one reading this knows, but it certainly cries out for experimentation.
Originally Posted by
johan rebel
"KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be the first airline in the world to introduce Self Service Transfer Kiosks (SSTKs) on its European and Intercontinental routes.
This will enable passengers who have missed their connecting flight to swiftly and simply print a new boarding pass without having to join a queue at the transfer desk. SSTKs are part of a broader cooperative program between KLM and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to optimize efficiency at the hub.
KLM expects that the SSTKs will in due course reduce the number of passengers visiting the transfer desk by more than 80%. This could rise to 100% in the long run, once all IATA-affiliated airlines have adopted e-ticketing.
The first twelve SSTKs will be installed on the intercontinental E Pier. In the course of 2007, the service will be expanded making it possible for passengers to change seats and check whether they have done all that is required to travel to a specific destination, such as the United States. They will then also be able to connect with a KLM call center if their alternative connecting flight does not meet their expectations. There are plans to expand the total number of SSTKs to around 120, located at the different arrival piers.
In the course of 2007, it will also be possible for passengers from outside Europe to make use of the transfer facilities in their own language. The SSTKs will be equipped with language options including Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Korean. The new facilities will be open to all passengers traveling with KLM’s partner airlines.
KLM has introduced this new service to meet the growing need among customers to maintain maximum personal control over their travel arrangements."
The forgot to mention the growing need to cut costs and reduce the number of transfer agents.
It will be interesting to see how the machines handle complex reroutings, and dispense service recovery packs.
Johan