Airport self-service check in kiosks are a great addition to a busy airport space: these installations can often help high wait times at check in lines, while other types of airport kiosks provide other services, from information to web access for waiting flyers. How well these tools help out in a check in or other airport setting depends on how well they are planned and designed for optimal CUSS (Customer Use Self-Service) functions.

Though companies don't generally put their instructions for airport self-service kiosks installation on public websites, the web offers a variety of resources for learning about the design, installation, maintenance and general care of these high-tech equipment options. For info on installation and maintenance for airport kiosks, readers can find:

1. Design and layout ideas from sites detailing the latest in how airports around the world are using these innovative airport kiosks options for growth.

2. Some help on installation and practicality for design from other web venues.

3. More from public websites on the general support and care of airport check in kiosks long-term.

Action Steps
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Turn to specialists in kiosk system rollout and maintenance

Service specialists can handle your airport kiosk system from rollout through regular maintenance and monitoring.

I recommend: Try these kiosk service companies: Rhombus Services, P3 Services or Livewire Kiosk.

Find airport kiosks planning and design resources

One way busy managers can get informed about kiosks for airports over the web is to study sites detailing 'case studies' of how kiosks in airports are currently used, where they are deployed and what features allow for the best customer service in setting up and using these technological alternatives to ease lines at check in.

I recommend: Look for airport planning resources as well as information on airport kiosks from PathQuest at Airport International online. This Interactive Kiosk News site provides more on planning and design for getting an airport check in kiosk option into an airport area.

Look for planning resources on the installation and setup of airport kiosks

Other sites will contain some more practical information about airport kiosks, where providers or consultants may lay out how check in options of even airport information kiosks 'fit in' to the big picture for a busy airport, where every item must be correctly placed for traffic flow and administrated for time-sensitive use.

I recommend: Ask shops like Meridian Kiosks how they can help install kiosks as part of a comprehensive airport project. Find resources for design and installation of kiosks in public airport spaces from IEEE Xplore.

Get more on long-term use of airport kiosks from airport specialists

Some companies offering solutions for airport handling can reveal details on how airport kiosks can stay a part of a viable airport setup, where the traffic that inevitably challenges staff can be handled for the best possible results.

I recommend: Air transport specialization companies like SITA help airport staff to understand the best way to manage systems like airport kiosks: ask reps about maintenance consulting options. Find out about how airports support and maintain infrastructure like airport kiosks at IATA.

Airport kiosks put power in the customers' hands by letting them bypass lines to check-in, choose seating and get their boarding passes. Additional airport self-service check-in kiosks let customers make sure their baggage gets on board. Airlines that use kiosks show improved customer satisfaction, build loyalty and cut costs.

Market analysis by Massachusetts based Venture Development Corporation expects the demand for self-service kiosks, including airport kiosks, to grow over 20% over the next several years. Major software and hardware corporations are hard at work keeping up with this demand and developing kiosk self-service applications, integrating those systems with existing airline systems, creating customized solutions for specific business needs and offering online remote monitoring for management convenience. Building a better kiosk will:

1. Streamline your customers' experience with an airport self-service check-in kiosk.

2. Create innovative designs for kiosks in airports.

3. Customize innovative and intuitive software for use in your kiosks and maintain and monitor kiosks at airports.

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Find the perfect airport self-service check-in kiosk

Some of the biggest names in the software business are already on board with airport self-service kiosks and even dedicate entire departments to their development. These companies offer full service packages, from design and set up, all the way to continuing operation and support.

I recommend: Contact IBM's travel and transportation division to talk to one of its specialists. IBM is hard at work for Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways. See Hewlett Packard's HP Kiosk Solutions in action with an online demo.

Catch the customer's eye and keep their attention with sleek and intuitive airport kiosk design

Good airport check-in kiosks help customers get through check-in quickly and free employees up for other tasks. Poorly designed kiosks leave customers and employees frustrated and running behind schedule. Look to the experts who, after years of trial and error, know what works for customers and what will leave them holding the bag.

I recommend: Kiosk Information Systems is an industry leader in new and innovative design and allows you to get a quote directly from its website. Design conscious Electronic Art also gives you an online quote for its streamlined systems. Forrester Group offers a full guide to optimizing design for an airport kiosk after studying existing kiosks. This guide addresses hardware and software issues

Ensure airport kiosk software isn't hard on your customers

Sleek design will give you a pretty package. However, if your software doesn't do the job, your airport kiosks won't be of much service to anyone. Make sure your software is well designed, logical and customer intuitive. Take advantage of businesses that offer remote monitoring and support to keep your kiosks up and running.

I recommend: Talk to a software representative at Phoenix Kiosk and check out its interactive gallery. Buy products from airport kiosk experts, Dataprobe, for reliable remote kiosk monitoring and support.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Airport kiosks aren't just for customer check-in and baggage. Other kiosk entrepreneurs are cashing in on the airport's captive audience with downloadable music, Internet access, cell phone charging and printers. Explore additional ideas for airport information kiosks that answer customer service needs.

Kiosks at airports have streamlined the check-in and ticketing process for fliers and ticketing agents. The self-service kiosks make flying easier for consumers and processing those fliers a lot easier for large and small size airlines. Whether you're looking for the right kiosk to install in hundreds of airports across the country, or you want to install one kiosk for your small-scale airline or airport, making the right choice is crucial for your business.

The airport self-service kiosk comes in an unlimited variety of sizes, software and style options from the freestanding touch screen system to the desktop kiosk option. Make your kiosk choice based on the software and intended self-service use as well as the space you have available. Many kiosk manufacturers will customize a system to meet your specific needs. Start your comparison of airport kiosks types and styles by:

1. Considering the free-standing kiosk with touch screen option.

2. Finding a large-screen airport check-in kiosk.

3. Comparing desktop kiosk options for sit-down self service.

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Compare the different stand-up self service airport kiosks

There are many styles and options when it comes to self-service kiosks for the airline industry. Compare the check-in and ticketing software options, and make sure you find a kiosk system that will work with your business. Once you've found a good system, find a kiosk shell design that meets your space and quantity needs. Keep in mind the number of kiosks you want to install and how much space you have available.

I recommend: Use the kiosk information available at Flight Global. Choose an operating system and free-standing kiosk from IBM. They offer several designs and styles to fit your needs. Get helpful information and compare kiosk options at one of the leaders in self-service airport kiosks, AIRNC.

Consider larger screen airport self-service check-in kiosks

While they may take up a little more room, the larger screen kiosk can make checking in easier for a lot of your customers. Large screen versions come in different footprint sizes and can be customized with sides to make them more secure and not viewable by passers by.

I recommend: SeePoint Interactive Kiosk Systems and Redy Ref both offer large screen kiosks in their full line of options. The large screen design can be customized to include wheels for portability or cased in a sleek design that takes up less room. Read about airport security concerns as they relate to kiosks at Twine before making any decisions.

Review desktop options to use as airport check-in kiosks

Airport information kiosks, ticketing and check-in stations can all easily be made more comfortable for your disabled or elderly customers. Consider installing at least one sit-down kiosk available in desk form so the customer can sit comfortably while checking in or finding the information he needs.

I recommend: Read how kiosks, including comfortable desktop kiosks, can benefit your airline business at Airport Business. Consider having a specially-designed desktop version built from Kiosk Information Systems, or view the options at NCR.

For the busy, experienced traveler, an airport kiosk can be a lifesaver for checking in, getting updated flight times and other information about the airport and the city, even finding the nearest restroom. Not only a convenience for passengers, airline workers may find aiport kiosks lessen the load for them as well. Although airport kiosks seem pretty straightforward from the customer's point of view, there's a lot that goes into keeping the machine working correctly. Utilize the following key terms.

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Interactive kiosk

An interactive kiosk is a self-contained computer terminal that can provide access to information as well as conduct transactions. Some examples of interactive kiosks include check-in kiosks at the airport, product locators in stores and bill pay kiosks at cell phone companies.

I recommend: Interactive Kiosk News explains the advantages of using an airport kiosk.

Remote monitoring

Remote monitoring of a kiosk or a network of kiosks is accomplished through portal software. This software allows you to track and monitor kiosk locations from a separate, remote site.

I recommend: Kiosk Information Systems offers this look at a case study and example of kiosk remote monitoring.

Back-end interface

The back-end interface works to support the user interface by connecting with the required resource to get the application complete. The back-end is controlled by the company-designed software.

I recommend: Review this Information Week article regarding back-end systems that develop customer databases from airport kiosks.

User interface

A user interface is basically what the customer sees and controls when using an airport kiosk. In other words, a user interface is the program that controls the display for the user and allows that user to interact with the program. Some kiosk programs allow for users to select options with a touch screen or with keyboard input.

I recommend: This Science Direct article has a section on kiosk interface design.

Common Use Self Service (CUSS)

Common Use Self Service or CUSS protocol was set up to enable passenger facilities at a shared kiosk. The CUSS concept was born after different airports were setting up their own kiosks with different systems. An integrated system that could connect various vendors with one another was needed for passenger and airline ease.

I recommend: Find a CUSS manual and other resources from the International Air Transport Association.

User point-of-view calibration

Point-of-view calibration refers to kiosk software that relays information to the user from their point of view, where they are standing. This is especially helpful for mapping a place within the airport and allows the kiosks to be set up in any place on site.

I recommend: Airport International explains the features of a touch-screen kiosk and user point-of-view calibration.