United tests of self check-in kiosks continues

CHICAGO - United Airlines today announced that it is testing 25 new self check-in kiosks at O'Hare International Airport.

The new USC's allow customers holding electronic tickets to perform a variety of transactions without waiting in line at ticket counters or gates, including: check-in for any United Airlines, United Shuttle or United Express flight in North America; check baggage. select or change seat assignments; add their frequent flyer number; and receive their United First or United Business class upgrade.

To use the USC, customers holding electronic tickets insert a major credit card into the kiosk. Premier members of United's Mileage Plus frequent flyer program may also use their membership card. The kiosk will identify their name based on information obtained from the magnetic stripe on the back of their credit card and reconciles that with reservation information. The self check-in transaction from start-to-finish averages just one minute. United's USC's are in full compliance with FAA security requirements.

Testing began in May in Aspen, Colo., where United deployed four kiosks. It began testing USC's in San Diego in mid-July. Customer usage of the 10 airport lobby kiosks and five gate kiosks has steadily increased since they were installed. Since July 14, more than 25,381 customers have checked-in and have checked over 5,590 pieces of baggage during testing in San Diego. Since their Oct. 11 deployment in Chicago, 20,622 customers have utilized the USC kiosks, checking in over 1,236 pieces of baggage.

United has deployed 25 USC kiosks in the lobby, curbside and parking garage sky bridge at O'Hare, the carrier's largest hub.