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How travel kiosks are transforming the airport experience

March 5, 2013 by Frank Olea

The average traveler has most likely experienced some degree of frustration at the airport as they made their way to the gate. Whether it's missing a flight by minutes because the check-in line was too long, or difficulties finding the right gate when they are pressed for time, the airport process is a hub for unpredictable scenarios. It's reasonable to say that the more we can automate the process and give the traveler more control of getting in and out of an airport, the better the experience will be.

In addition to making the travel process more efficient and lowering airport overhead costs by allowing for reduced staff, travel kiosks are also transforming the traveler experience in numerous capacities. Here are a few ways they are doing so:

Check in

Passengers can conveniently check into the airport, modify or select their seating and even print their boarding pass.

Determine wait time for security and customs

Travel kiosks can calculate the most up to date and current wait time anticipated for getting through security and customs.

Baggage tags for self-tagging

While this has not been implemented very widely so far, mostly attributed to TSA regulations, travel kiosks have printing capabilities for self-tagging baggage.

Navigate

Travelers using smartphones can easily navigate the airport by simply scanning a QR code on the kiosk and retrieving the airport layout on their phone. This makes finding restrooms, lounges, coffee shops and restaurants considerably more convenient.

Find free Wi-Fi

Though this might seem like a minor feature, finding Wi-Fi can offer the convenience of having the Internet at your fingertips. From there you can easily check the weather at your next destination, book a rental car and much more.