The airline industry has been a leader in developing self-service kiosks to replace the human factor:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-10-11-airportcheckin11_ST_N.htm
While I applaud the technologies being applied and the fact that customers actually want to use the kiosks, I can't excape the real reason as to why this is gaining traction. I believe that the reason these people initially started to use kiosks was due to their incredible dissatifaction of the people working behind the counter. Airlines spent more time focusing on machines that humans. To the frequent traveler it makes total sense, they know the drill, they print their tickets the night before and in most cases never take more clothing than can fit in a carry on bag. But, the recreational traveler is really getting a hose job here. When you have questions anymore, you are forced to first use the kiosk before approaching the same gruff understaffed counter personnel. If you were confused by the kiosk, which a lot of elderly people are, then you don't appreciate the attitude usually shown by the next line of defense. If you are a first time traveler, or are unfamiliar with the airport you need a kind person to help you through the daunting task of checking in and getting through security. The kiosks are great, just don't forget the personal touch.
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