American ‘Streamlines’ Kiosk Check-In Process at Airports

American’s check-in area at the new LaGuardia Central Terminal

American Airlines said it has simplified the check-in procedures passengers use at airport kiosks.

The kiosks no longer display credit-card or passport swipe options to begin the transaction although those options will remain available. Travelers can start the process by scanning a boarding pass, entering a record locator number, or entering the traveler’s AAdvantage frequent-flyer program membership number.

“We’ve made some exciting enhancements to the self-service check-in process,” the airline said in a memorandum to employees which was shown to Frequent Business Traveler.

The airline said that the “streamlined” check-in process both minimizes the number of questions a passenger has to answer while increasing the number of “successful transactions” via kiosk.

American also said that its “mini-menu” is now being made available to passengers who haven’t yet checked in before arriving at the terminal, which was previously not the case. The use of the mini-menu will result in a shorter session time, the airline said, speeding up check-in and allowing the kiosks to assist more passengers in shorter period of time.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)