Aratek explains how Self-check-in kiosks with biometric technologies are becoming more common in airports

As a result of the spread of COVID-19, many airports and airlines have already had to change how they do business.

Self-check-in kiosks with biometric technologies, especially facial recognition at security checkpoints, are becoming more common in airports. With these self check-in kiosk machines, airports can offer contactless services, so people can check in for their flights without having to interact to with a human employee.

Border control management system

The goal of these self-service check-in kiosks is not only to help people check in quickly and easily, but also to make the airport a safer place by reducing the amount of interaction between passengers and airline workers in the post-COVID era. This guide will give users an overview of what the self check-in kiosks can do and how they work to make travel smarter and safer.

This guide will give users an overview of what the self check-in kiosks can do

What is an airport self check-in kiosk? An airport self-check-in kiosk is a stand-alone machine that allows passengers to perform the processes that they would normally perform at a TSA check-in counter. These processes include bag check, boarding pass printing, capturing a traveller’s face or fingerprint, and verifying the traveller’s ID. Self-check kiosks at airports are typically located near the entrance to an airline's ticketing area, near where passengers drop off their bags. It is the frontline device of a border control management system that ensures a smooth immigration pre-check process.

Control management system

Self-service kiosk design is a difficult task because it requires efficiently fitting many different components, each with its own unique set of features, into a compact and ergonomic device. This can be accomplished through the use of a modular construction approach, in which the main unit is built from smaller modules that fit together to form the entire kiosk.

These modules are reusable in different designs or configurations. The module components of an airport self-check-in kiosk vary depending on the use case and regulations (such as US TSA or EU/EES) in different countries and airports, but typically include a touchscreen, built-in PC, a high resolution face camera (or a fingerprint scanner), a document scanner, a printer, and a barcode scanner to facilitate the self-check-in process.

Self-service kiosks

Many airports around the world combine biometrics technology with self-check-in kiosks

Airport self-service kiosks, in contrast to those in hotel lobbies, which typically only connect to the hotel's PMS (property management system), are usually linked to a complex, higher-level national database and are also used by airline or airport staff to check if passengers have any outstanding warrants, to issue receipts, and to send alerts when a passenger fails to check in on time.

The goal of both the airline and the airport is to decrease overhead costs and increase the amount of check-in traffic at airports. The self-service kiosks play a crucial role in the achievement of both of these goals. Airlines and airports are always looking for new ways to make the airport experience better for passengers. One of the most promising things to happen in recent years is the use of biometrics at airports. Many airports around the world combine biometrics technology with self-check-in kiosks not only for check-in but also for a number of other tasks, such as customs clearance, immigration control, and security.

Unique biometric device

A biometrics airport self check-in kiosk is a unique biometric device that can identify passengers by scanning their fingerprints, faces, irises, or other types of biometric identifiers. This allows check-in, immigration inspection, and boarding way faster and safer than ever before, which ultimately makes the passenger's journey more smooth and frictionless.This is because it is safer to identify people without them touching the kiosk machine

After the COVID pandemic, airlines and airports started using contactless biometrics, like facial recognition and iris recognition, to manage their border control processes. This is because it is safer to identify people without them touching the kiosk machine, which eliminates the risk of infection.

Border control regulations

What features do airport self check-in kiosks offer? Depending on the requirements of border control regulations, self-service check-in kiosks at airports can have a variety of different features.

Some airports and airlines provide more basic functionality for their kiosks, while others provide more advanced options with a plethora of features for auto check-in process. For instance, some airports and airlines use biometric identification to identify passengers (such as TSA pre-check), while others use a more traditional passport scan.

Credit card information

The following is a list of the main features that come with using self-service check-in kiosks at airports:

• Airport check-in: Passengers can check in at their own pace by using the self-check-in kiosk at the entrance to the check-in area. They can identify themselves by entering their flight numbers, credit card information, or scanning their passports and boarding passes. This lets them choose the seat they want and then print their baggage tags and boarding passes.
• Automated bag drop: With the kiosk's barcode scanner, passengers can scan the QR code on their bags' tags and drop them off at the bag drop area. The tags will be automatically scanned and sent to the baggage handling area to be loaded onto the right flight.

‍Border control scenarios

The biometric self-check-in kiosk makes check-ins easier and safer for passengers

When using a biometric kiosk check-in at airports, the biometric enrolment can be done at the airport or online check-in app before hand, depending on the regulations. This can be broken down into two border control scenarios, as shown below:

Enroll biometrics in a mobile app and check the ID at the airport kiosk: The biometric self-check-in kiosk makes check-ins easier and safer for passengers. Passengers can first register their faces at home using a mobile app. When they get to the airport, they just need to stand in front of the kiosk and have their faces scanned.

Once identified, they can get their boarding passes, bag tags, and check in all at once. Also, after check-in, passengers can use their faces to get through the domestic security checkpoint and boarding gate to get on the plane. The TSA PreCheck program in the US is a good example. Passengers can use their faces to automatically check in and out at kiosks and board on time without having to show any paper or ID.

Domestic security checkpoint

The other option is for passengers to enrol their faces or fingerprints at the self-service kiosk

Enroll biometrics at the kiosk and verify the ID at the security e-gate: The other option is for passengers to enrol their faces or fingerprints at the self-service kiosk. After successfully registering, passengers can obtain their boarding passes and bag tags, as well as use their faces or fingerprints to pass through the domestic security checkpoint and boarding gate to board the plane. The security check process can be done automatically and doesn't need any paper or ID documents.

‍In short, airport self-service check-in kiosks can make airport check-in and bag drop more efficient for passengers. Furthermore, by incorporating biometrics technology into self-service check-in kiosks, passengers can verify their identities and pass through security even faster and more conveniently. Recently, contactless or touchless biometric technology has emerged as a viable solution for airport self-check-in to eliminate the possibility of manual or face-to-face contact, ensuring passengers a safer post-COVID-19 air travel.

Touchless biometric technology

What are the benefits of using self-check-in kiosks in airports? In the past, airlines and airports had to rely on a manual process or face-to-face contact to verify passengers’ identities. Also, airlines and airports could only check a passenger's identity one at a time.

Also, airlines and airports could only check a passenger's identity one at a time

These days, self-service kiosks have made it possible for travellers to spend less time waiting in airport lines and more time enjoying their journey. Likewise, airports and airlines can conduct identity checks on passengers more quickly and efficiently. At times of high passenger volume, when busy airports and airlines are both at full capacity, this is a huge help.

Self-service kiosks

There are many benefits for airlines and airports to using self-service kiosks, some of which are listed below:

• Saves time for both passengers and airlines: Checking in with self-service kiosks is much faster than traditional paper check-in, saving both passengers and airlines time. This is especially helpful during the busy holiday season, when passengers must rush to catch their flights.
• ‍‍More efficient and safer: Self-service kiosks allow airlines and airports to conduct identity checks more quickly while reducing the risk of human error, making the entire check-in and security process more effective and safer.
• ‍‍Reduce operating costs: Self-service kiosks provide 24-hour service, which can help reduce operating costs. They require less manpower to operate, and employees are not required to be on duty 24 hours a day, which can be a costly proposition for airlines and airports.

Making customers happier

‍Self-service kiosks can make the check-in process faster and more personalGive the customer a better experience: Self-service kiosks can make the check-in process faster and more personal. Passengers can check in whenever it's convenient for them, and they can print their boarding passes right there.

This can cut down on the time users spend waiting in line, which is especially important for business travellers who often have tight schedules and little time. Self-service kiosks also offer a wide range of customised services, like the ability to support more than one language so that passengers can check in in the language they are most comfortable with. This helps to make customers happier.

‍‍Particularly contactless biometrics

Increase upsell capacity: By utilising self-service kiosks, airlines and airports can increase the number of passengers they can handle in a single day without increasing the number of staff.

Additionally, the combination of self-service kiosks with biometric technology, particularly contactless biometrics such as facial recognition and iris recognition, results in a number of additional advantages, some of which are listed below:

Biometric border control system

This biometric border control system can accurately identify passengers

‍More secure: When airlines and airports combine biometrics technology with self-service kiosks, they can quickly and accurately make sure that only the right passenger can check in and board his or her flight. This biometric border control system can accurately identify passengers and stop them from getting into sensitive areas like the boarding gates or even the plane if they are not supposed to be there. This makes airports safer and improves security.

‍‍Quick and Easy to Use: Self-service biometric kiosks save time and remove the need to interact with an airline employee or security guard. When checking in, passengers only need to scan their biometric information, saving them time and hassle at security checkpoints and boarding gates.

‍‍Contactless and hygienic: With contactless biometrics like facial recognition or iris recognition, the biometric border control system automatically recognises the passenger without requiring them to touch anything or talk to anyone. This makes check-in and security checks quick and easy while preventing possible contamination.

‍Implemented biometric technology

Security and convenience are the two most important features of an airport

Security and convenience are the two most important features of an airport. To achieve top-tier security, airports have implemented biometric technology and self-check-in kiosks that allow passengers to move through the airport safely and effectively.

During the COVID pandemic, the integration of contactless biometrics with airport self-check-in kiosks proved to be a highly effective and hygienic border control solution. This is why biometrics are gaining importance in airports and will continue to do so in the future, particularly in the post-COVID era.

In conclusion, airport self check-in kiosks are a great way to avoid long lines and contact with other people. They are quick, easy to use, and can be a lifesaver when users are in a hurry. With the added bonus of being more sanitary in the post-COVID era, there's no reason not to use them. So next time if users are at the airport, be sure to take advantage of the self check-in kiosks-with the fingerprints, face or iris.