Hilton Lets Guests Check In From Airport Kiosk

Hilton Hotels Corp. this month completed a beta test of the first kiosk in an airport that enables guests to check in to their hotel while they wait for luggage. Hilton last fall began testing four kiosks in the baggage claim area in two terminals at Honolulu International Airport for use by meeting attendees and other travelers staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The terminals serve flights from United, Northwest, Continental and American Airlines.

Travelers seeking faster checkin have driven the use of kiosks in hotel lobbies, which were introduced in 2004 by a number of chains. By year-end, Hilton had installed kiosks in 47 hotels. "They're not necessarily appropriate for every property, but based on arrival patterns and the amount of frequent business travelers they serve, we expect to roll out the machines to additional properties through 2005," said Tim Harvey, senior vice president and CIO. There are no additional airport rollouts currently planned.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide are among the other large hotel companies that have launched kiosks, though strictly in hotel lobbies.