Airlines are constantly on the prowl to find ways to reduce their costs in order to keep offering cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages. Subway-style self boarding is so popular that it is likely to spread to more countries and airports.
Although self boarding is rare in the United States this practice has become popular in Asia in Europe. A recent survey of over 2,500 passengers from over 70 countries recently found that almost 90 percent of the respondents said that self boarding is their favorite self service technology.
JetBlue is one of the few American airlines testing self boarding at its new Terminal 3 at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The test which commenced in July has resulted in positive passenger feedback, according to the airline. Travelers clearly like it and JetBlue observed that it speeds up the boarding process. Lines are shorter than when agents take tickets.
Gate agents are still present to help out if any problems are experienced going through the self check out gate.
Currently 17 international airlines use the technology at 113 automated gates at airports around the world. Among the airlines pioneering this process are SAS and Lufthansa in Europe, and All Nippon Airways in Asia.
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