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US Airlines rolls out the bag without touch, but still reserves middle seats
American Airlines announced that even passengers who must check bags are totally unaffected by the check-in process. The company keeps booking passengers on middle floors, however, so it is a small gesture that reduces the likelihood of exposure to the newer coronavirus only slightly.
As of Friday the number of bags on the company app or website will have to be set for passengers flying with American Airlines. And when they appear at the airport, they simply scan their mobile boarding pass at a kiosk to print the bag tags instantly – there are no contact screen interactions needed. Then passengers can drop these bags prior to their departure.
This is a "new technology" that American Airlines "improves customer experience," although it really is only an increase of the interaction flux that airlines have offered at self-check-in kiosks for years.
According to the company, the change is part of its "engagement with customers and team members in order to ensure safety and well-being." And US Airlines has the toughest consequences for passengers who are attempting to fly without face covering. But this, together with some other people, is a company that has recently begun to book people on flights back to middle seats.
American Airlines has also been criticized recently for telling passengers that they can not move without paying extra to empty emergency rows seats. This commitment only goes so far, apparently.
