self check in kiosks
#1
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self check in kiosks
I've yet to do a self check in at a kiosk. I always get an agent to do it for me. That's silly, and I need to learn how to do it for myself. Those of you who do it so often you don't even have to think about it, perhaps you can sort of walk me through. When we first began flying internationally, we were mailed the tickets. You could have two fullsized suitcases without cost. We now do it all on computer (except check in), and travel with carryon only. So we've come a long way, but still need to master self check in. We can't check in using our computer because we are at the park, sleep, fly Ramada the night before flying, and our cell phone is just a phone, doesn't do the zillion other things that the smart phones do. The check in will include a passport scanning. Face up, face down? I do need the basics. Thanks in advance to any kind hearted instructor.
#2
Join Date: May 2003
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Every airline's machines are going to be slightly different. Scan the passport up? Down? Right? Left? I can't tell you that. The directions are pretty self-explanatory on the screen. Follow along with them and it'll be fine.
#3
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Take two steps forward by learning how to check in from your home computer. At least you will be sitting down while learning the process. It also lessens the chance of being bumped (or so some say.)
If you are able to print your own boarding pass at home, you will then go to the luggage dump at the airport, get the bag ticket, and proceed to security. But yes, airlines and airports may vary.
If you are able to print your own boarding pass at home, you will then go to the luggage dump at the airport, get the bag ticket, and proceed to security. But yes, airlines and airports may vary.
#4
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If you are staying at the Ramada before your flight you can use the computer in their business center to check-in online on the airline's website and print your boarding pass. For international flights you will have to enter your passport number as part of the process.
As for using the kiosk Jeff is right, simply follow the step by step on screen instruction - they will be much clearer and concise than anything people can write on this forum. As the say, it is so easy, a caveman can do it.
As for using the kiosk Jeff is right, simply follow the step by step on screen instruction - they will be much clearer and concise than anything people can write on this forum. As the say, it is so easy, a caveman can do it.
#7
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Cookbook version:
1. Most you start by touching the screen or a big square that says "checkin"
2. Each person must check in separately
3. You will need to scan some combination of credit card and/or passport. It does not need to be the credit card you used to buy ticket. If you face something the wrong way, it will tell you
4. Occasionally it will tell you it can't find your reservation. Do not panic. Happens all the time. Then they want some further identifying info like reservation #. Manually enter it.
5. It will ask if you are checking luggage and a bunch of TSA questions about if you are bringing explosives, etc.
6. It will print a boarding pass and sometimes luggage tags (rare). You then take your luggage to the desk for weighing and tagging - a special line for people doing the same - not the huge un-moving line for general issues.
Almost any airport hotel will let you check in on-line and print boarding passes. Ask when you check in. You can only check in 24 hours prior to flight.
If you are not checking luggage, once the machine spits out the boarding pass you go directly thru security.
1. Most you start by touching the screen or a big square that says "checkin"
2. Each person must check in separately
3. You will need to scan some combination of credit card and/or passport. It does not need to be the credit card you used to buy ticket. If you face something the wrong way, it will tell you
4. Occasionally it will tell you it can't find your reservation. Do not panic. Happens all the time. Then they want some further identifying info like reservation #. Manually enter it.
5. It will ask if you are checking luggage and a bunch of TSA questions about if you are bringing explosives, etc.
6. It will print a boarding pass and sometimes luggage tags (rare). You then take your luggage to the desk for weighing and tagging - a special line for people doing the same - not the huge un-moving line for general issues.
Almost any airport hotel will let you check in on-line and print boarding passes. Ask when you check in. You can only check in 24 hours prior to flight.
If you are not checking luggage, once the machine spits out the boarding pass you go directly thru security.
#8
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Thanks Gail. Sounds pretty simple. We won't have checked luggage, so away we'll go. I think my biggest concern has been that my having to read, process, follow directions for something I've not done before would hold up other travelers. But everyone has a first time.
#9
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Often the airlines have agents who watch the kiosks and lend a hand when necessary.
As often as I fly, I sometimes have trouble getting the machine to read my passport. It is usually a slide across the top of the machine whereas the scanner for the bar code on a confirmation is often below the screen, but not all machines are the same.
Sometimes when I fly internationally, the kiosk will not allow me to complete check-in. The agent has to look at my passport and enter an OK into the kiosk to allow it print my boarding pass. It still sometimes goes faster than waiting in the check in line to have the desk agent look at my passport and print the boarding pass.
As often as I fly, I sometimes have trouble getting the machine to read my passport. It is usually a slide across the top of the machine whereas the scanner for the bar code on a confirmation is often below the screen, but not all machines are the same.
Sometimes when I fly internationally, the kiosk will not allow me to complete check-in. The agent has to look at my passport and enter an OK into the kiosk to allow it print my boarding pass. It still sometimes goes faster than waiting in the check in line to have the desk agent look at my passport and print the boarding pass.
#11
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And the various airline's kiosks are different. For instance, if you have two people on the same reservation, you can check in both people at the United kiosks. So read the screens, and ask for help if you need it.