There's still an old-fashioned check-in counter, but most of the baggage drop points are self service.

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At the airport check-in counter, a clerk brightened at the sight of my American passport.

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Here the check-in counter resembles a riot, and on my last visit spilled out of the airport itself.

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So you have to schlep the thing back to the check-in counter and pray that you don't miss your flight.

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Instead of standing in line at the check-in counter, you are greeted by a bellman who hands you your room key and shows you to your room.

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Jeannard, who was wearing a shirt with an Air France logo and captain's epaulets on his shoulder, had a ticket for a Florida-bound US Airways flight Wednesday and asked at the check-in counter for an upgrade, authorities said.

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Mineta said long lines at the ticket counter can be alleviated if curbside check-in can be done safely.

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