What would you remove from the airport journey?

If we were to rebuild the airport experience from the ground up today, what role would physical touch points actually play?

If the ultimate goal were to eliminate friction, which outdated elements would we remove from the passenger journey, and what would we replace them with?

The modern traveller expects autonomy, speed, and seamless transitions.

Yet, many airports still rely on static signage, manual check-in desks, and fragmented security processes that create unnecessary bottlenecks. By replacing these legacy systems with advanced airport kiosk technology, we can transform the terminal from a place of waiting into a dynamic, passenger-led ecosystem.

From biometric boarding to intelligent wayfinding, self-service kiosks in airports are no longer just an alternative option; they are the foundation of the future travel experience.

Removing the Friction and Deciding What Goes and What Stays

Out with Manual Check-in and In with CUSS Platforms
The traditional check-in desk, with its long, winding queues, is the first major friction point in the airport journey. If we are redesigning the experience, this is the first thing to go.

In its place, we deploy Common Use Self Service (CUSS) platforms. These intelligent kiosks allow passengers to check in, print boarding passes, and tag their own bags across multiple airlines on a single, agnostic platform. This not only empowers the passenger but also allows airports to maximise their floor space and adapt dynamically to changing airline demands.

Out with Static Maps and In with Interactive Wayfinding

Getting lost or struggling to find a departure gate adds significant stress to the travel experience. Static maps and overhead signs are often outdated or difficult to navigate.

Replacing these with interactive wayfinding kiosks provides passengers with real-time, intuitive navigation. These digital touchpoints can guide travellers to their gates, highlight nearby amenities, and even provide live flight updates.

By integrating antimicrobial screen protectors and accessible interfaces, these kiosks ensure a safe and inclusive experience for all users.

Integrated Biometrics and Automated Passport Control

Security and border control are historically the most time-consuming aspects of air travel. Automated passport control kiosks are revolutionising this critical touch point.

By integrating biometric scanning, such as facial recognition cameras and fingerprint readers, into self-service kiosks, airports can dramatically speed up passenger processing.

This technology reduces the need for manual passport checks, enabling secure, contactless journeys from check-in to boarding. The result is a significant reduction in wait times, enhanced security, and a much smoother end-to-end journey.

Optimising Operations with Lufthansa Cargo

The benefits of airport kiosk technology extend beyond the passenger terminal and into complex logistical operations. A prime example is Lufthansa Cargo, which sought to optimise handling times for both internal employees and truck drivers.

By deploying 21 imageHOLDERS intuitive service kiosks, Lufthansa Cargo successfully streamlined its check-in process. These custom enclosures integrated passport scanners, touchscreen PCs, and thermal printers.

The secure integration allowed drivers to scan QR codes and update their specific apps without time-consuming manual data entry, eradicating human error and significantly accelerating the handling process.

Gain Flexibility in Crisis with Portable Kiosks

Even the most well-designed airport experiences can be disrupted by Irregular Operations (IROPS), such as extreme weather or technical failures. In a re-imagined airport, static infrastructure is supported by flexible, portable solutions.

Battery-powered, portable airport kiosks can be rapidly deployed across terminals, gates, or baggage areas during times of disruption.

These units provide immediate self-service options for rebooking, check-in, and real-time updates without relying on fixed infrastructure. This adaptability ensures that even during a crisis, the passenger experience remains as friction-less as possible.

Build the Airport of Tomorrow with imageHOLDERS

The airport of the future is built on intelligent, adaptable, and user-centric digital touchpoints. By replacing outdated legacy systems with world-class airport kiosk technology, operators can reduce friction, increase throughput, and deliver the seamless journey that modern passengers expect.

Whether you are looking to implement self-service kiosks in airports, biometric boarding solutions, or interactive wayfinding, imageHOLDERS provides end-to-end, device agnostic solutions tailored to your specific environment.

Ready to reimagine your passenger journey?

Contact the imageHOLDERS team today to book a demo and explore our cutting-edge aviation solutions.