When you scan your credit card at an airline kiosk, an airline's computer systems are able to automatically look up a reservation attached to your name--even if you didn't use that credit card to pay for the ticket. This can save time and offers an extra level of convenience. Instead of waiting in line for an airline agent to manually look up your reservation, just present a credit card and it's automatic.
With the added baggage fees many airlines now charge, one swipe of a credit card can take care of any last-minute incidentals.
Some airlines offer in-flight services, such as meals, premium headphones or other "extras," that can be paid for ahead of time on the ground by scanning a credit card.
No reservations to fly? That's no problem if you have your credit card handy at the airline desk. You might pay more than you would have if you had booked ahead of time, but if you have a credit card ready to scan, an airline can oftentimes get you on the next flight.
Some customers are leery of scanning their credit cards to check in for a flight, but airlines don't charge the card when you scan it at the airport desk; instead, they use the information stored in the credit card--such as your name, address and other details--to verify your identity.
