What happened to the checkin kiosks?
Sep 21, 1999, 5:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat, Hertz P Circle
Posts: 1,628
What happened to the checkin kiosks?
I seem to remember using electronic checkin kiosks at terminal 8 (Shuttle) in LAX a few years ago ('95 I think). I would slide the credit card and it retrieves the e-ticket purchased. I can select seating, and it'll print out a boarding pass. Upon boarding, I would have to show my ID.
Reading about the kiosks for Alaska brought back this memory. Does anyone else remember? Has anyone else used them? Why did they disappear? Will they be coming back? Has this been discussed before?
I'm in an inquisitive mood...
Reading about the kiosks for Alaska brought back this memory. Does anyone else remember? Has anyone else used them? Why did they disappear? Will they be coming back? Has this been discussed before?
I'm in an inquisitive mood...
Sep 21, 1999, 6:23 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
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Posts: 38,817
SFO used to have them too. I just actually noticed they were gone a few weeks ago, although I think they have been gone for a long time. Perhaps issues arose after security questions and positive photo id match became regular checkin matters.
Sep 21, 1999, 6:33 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
Seems UA feels that the "chariots" are a big step forward and will do the trick- coupled with providing a separate checkin for 1k, PremEx and FC pax boarding the United Shuttle.
Sep 21, 1999, 8:49 pm
#4
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 15,978
The SFO check-in gizmos have been gone for ages, since before the remodel. I miss the 250 EZ bonus miles, too.
Sep 21, 1999, 8:56 pm
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,336
Maybe these are what AC is using in Toronto now 
We get your old technology and the 250 miles!
We get your old technology and the 250 miles!
Sep 21, 1999, 9:27 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat, Hertz P Circle
Posts: 1,628
Does it seem strange to anyone else that UA was one of the pioneers (at least a few years ahead of Alaska and Air Canada) for this technology, but pulls it out when other airlines are starting to field it?
I found it rather convenient, and the ID thing was still in effect since I had to show ID when I board. If they are worried about the useless security questions, why not include checkboxes on the screen? Other than that, I can't fathom why they're gone.
I found it rather convenient, and the ID thing was still in effect since I had to show ID when I board. If they are worried about the useless security questions, why not include checkboxes on the screen? Other than that, I can't fathom why they're gone.
Sep 21, 1999, 10:55 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Seattle
Programs: Ephesians 4:31-32
Posts: 10,690
Alaska does include the obligatory useless security questions at the kiosk.
I am a big Kiosk fan. It dramatically speeds up my check-in process AND adds an additonal 500 points to my account each time we visit. "Hi machine, Hi Punki!" We are old friends now.
I am a big Kiosk fan. It dramatically speeds up my check-in process AND adds an additonal 500 points to my account each time we visit. "Hi machine, Hi Punki!" We are old friends now.
Sep 22, 1999, 7:13 am
#8
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 2,589
Pioneer??? I remember using them in the mid 80s on Southwest--big stainless steel machines that automatically printed out a drinks coupon. I'd bet they had them for a long time prior to that.
Sep 22, 1999, 8:05 am
#9
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Danville, CA
Programs: AA EXP - UA *G MM - HH Diamond - Hertz PC
Posts: 3,242
How about in the 70's on good old PSA?
USAir sure knew how to (or quickly figured out how to)ruin a good thing.
USAir sure knew how to (or quickly figured out how to)ruin a good thing.
Sep 22, 1999, 12:23 pm
#10
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Location: SNA, LAX
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Posts: 1,628
Really? That far back? They didn't even have jetways at most airports in the mid-80s!
Does WN still have them at LAX, SFO or SJC? My girlfriend visits me via WN, and we never noticed the machines, might be worth a try!
Does WN still have them at LAX, SFO or SJC? My girlfriend visits me via WN, and we never noticed the machines, might be worth a try!
Sep 22, 1999, 2:23 pm
#11
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
I hope U-A responds to Matt's very well written FOUR PAWS UP letter before they decide to install check-in kiosks at the major airports.
Now CO has managed to get those check-in machines at EWR and other airports I assume (including JAWS big airfield in the corn in HOU)
WHY CAN"T U-A?
And You don't have to say anything MWeiss. I know exactly what you and my other CO friends will say.
Now CO has managed to get those check-in machines at EWR and other airports I assume (including JAWS big airfield in the corn in HOU)
WHY CAN"T U-A?
And You don't have to say anything MWeiss. I know exactly what you and my other CO friends will say.
Sep 22, 1999, 4:43 pm
#12
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Huntsville, Alabama (HSV/KHSV)
Programs: OnePass
Posts: 392
WN retired the "Quicket" machines last year. Online booking over the web killed the machines.
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AlphaSigOU
Causa latet vis est notissima - the cause is hidden, the results are well-known.
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AlphaSigOU
Causa latet vis est notissima - the cause is hidden, the results are well-known.