News

ByePass kiosks enable passengers to check-in, upgrade

November 23, 2004

ORLANDO, Fla. - AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI) has enhanced its ByePass self-service check-in kiosks to give passengers the ability to upgrade to Business Class while checking in for their flights. The improvements will allow passengers to benefit from AirTran Airways' upgrade program while bypassing airport ticket and gate counters, according to a news release.

AirTran Airways' new self-service upgrade program was developed by Kinetics, a subsidiary of NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR). As a leading source for enterprise and self-service solutions to the travel industry, Kinetics was the original provider of hardware and software technologies for the airline's ByePass program.

AirTran Airways' Business Class upgrades are offered while checking in at the airport on a first-come, first-served basis ranging from $35 to $75 on nonstop flights. Passengers will now be able to pay for their upgrades at the ByePass kiosk with a credit card. AirTran Airways' Business Class passengers enjoy preferred boarding, a wider seat, more legroom and complimentary drinks.

"As one of the first airlines to offer Business Class upgrades at self- service kiosks, this enhancement to our ByePass program is another way we make our customers' flying experience more enjoyable," said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways president and chief operating officer. "AirTran Airways is committed to finding new ways to provide a higher level of convenience to our customers."