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

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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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That's when the soda and the sugary foods around the check-counter get sold most heavily.

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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.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

After all, fast service was supposed to go with fast life and fast food, even if you had to queue up at the check-out counter.

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

CNN: Mineta: System 'safe' and 'secure'

It has its own new counter-terrorism centre, but it has focused largely on setting up double-check systems to see that material is genuine and assessments are challenged.

ECONOMIST: The use and abuse of secret agencies

Show attendees flocked to the "new M" demo counter this morning, nudging through the crowd for a chance to check out Leica's first live-view equipped M.

ENGADGET: New Leica M camera has live-view and 1080p video capture, we go hands-on (video)