News

Delta lures New Yorkers with more kiosks

September 24, 2002

ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) is adding more self-service check-in kiosks in a bid to lure impatient customers back to its terminals.

The Atlanta airline also will add airport greeters and phone banks at its stations in New York's LaGuardia Airport. Delta expects the move to boost its ability to handle passenger check-ins by nearly 60 percent, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Delta has been adding hundreds of kiosks this year in airports around the country. In July, the company reported 380 kiosks in 79 cities. (See story: Delta continues kiosk growth, announces record usage)

According to the newspaper, Delta plans to double the number of kiosks at LaGuardia and add phone banks that will connect air travelers with agents in Tampa who can check them in by phone. Delta did not indicate how many kiosks currently are in use at LaGuardia.

"While we cannot eliminate lines entirely, Delta has an opportunity to differentiate itself to New York customers as the airline that helps its passengers avoid lines," said Vicki Escarra, chief marketing officer.