Passengers at SFO now have the convenience of checking their bags directly in the parking lot.
**Touchless Travel: Major Airlines Introduce Automated Bag Drops at Airports**
In a move to streamline the check-in process and reduce congestion, several major airlines have introduced touchless bag drop services at select airports across the United States. These airlines include Delta, Alaska, United, American, and JetBlue.
Delta passengers can now enjoy touchless bag drop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Similarly, Alaska Airlines has implemented automated bag drop machines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while United Airlines has rolled out this service at all domestic United hubs.
At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the service is available in two areas: ParkRight (level 5 of a long-term parking garage) and level one of the rental car center. SFO has announced plans to expand the service to include passengers flying on Southwest Airlines and United Airlines early next month.
The touchless bag drop service operates from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Eligible United flyers can biometrically check their bag(s) without having to show their boarding pass or driver's license. The machines scan travelers' bag tags to retrieve their reservations before scanning passengers' IDs, which are matched to a facial scan.
For those using the ParkRight service, travelers can book online or pay upon entry. It's important to note that bags must be checked at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and the service is complimentary, but airline baggage fees still apply.
Denver International Airport (DEN) offers a similar service for Clear Plus members at door 600, right outside the entry to the west security checkpoint on level 6. This service is not mentioned for other airlines in the paragraph.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details about these services, it's best to consult official announcements from the airports or the airlines directly. As remote airline check-in services continue to expand, they typically involve integrating the airline’s check-in systems with remote locations or mobile platforms, coordinating with airport security and TSA for baggage handling and screening, and communicating and marketing the new options to passengers.
- Some hotels in major cities across the USA have started offering dining options that cater to touchless experiences, following the footsteps of the airlines.
- To complement the touchless travel, several credit card companies have introduced travel rewards for booking flights with contactless bag drop services through their travel portals.
- For those planning their travels, lifestyle and technology guides are now featuring reviews on airlines with automated bag drops, offering an insightful comparison between different airlines.
- Travel news outlets are reporting on the impact of touchless bag drops on the airline industry, highlighting potential improvements in efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
- In the wake of the touchless travel revolution, travel agencies are developing dedicated guides to help passengers navigate automated bag drop services at various airports around the globe.
- As part of the overall travel experience, airlines are collaborating with gas stations to offer touchless fueling options for passengers who prefer to fill up their vehicles before or after their flights.
