Jul 2, 2020

Touchless Checkout Using Artificial Intelligence Arrives at Kansas City International Airport

HMSHost accelerates in-airport tech to accommodate changes in passenger needs

BETHESDA, MD. (July 2, 2020) – There’s no “winging” it when it comes to the health and safety of travelers in the airport these days. HMSHost is bringing a touch-free passenger experience that delivers on safety while also providing the convenience of touchless self-checkout and payment to Kansas City International Airport at Farmers Market located in Terminal B inside security near Southwest gate 45.

“The safety of our guests and associates is at the center of HMSHost’s innovation strategy and the fact that this technology both safeguards and elevates the passenger experience makes it a truly remarkable addition to our service model,” said HMSHost President & CEO Steve Johnson. “Travelers can now come to the airport with confidence that they can make zero-contact purchases while stocking up on food and drinks for their trip.”

This groundbreaking technology, powered by Mashgin, is part of their seamless self-checkout ecosystem that uses artificial intelligence for more automation and less physical interaction. Passengers breezing through the airport can now grab a cold drink, a sandwich, and snacks, and then place all of the items on the Touchless Checkout System where visual technology will instantly recognize them, display the items and prices, and then prompt the user to complete payment all without any human interaction. There is no need to scan each item individually or search through screen menus allowing travelers to quickly be on their way to their final destination.

“The entire Kansas City International Airport team is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment for travelers, employees and others using the facility,” said Pat Klein, Director of Aviation. “This includes the basics such as cleaning and customer notification as well as innovation and technology. This new technology allows transactions to be touchless to further protect customers and employees.”

“Mashgin is very excited about partnering with HMSHost, the leader in travel hospitality. The addition of Mashgin technology to their portfolio displays the clear commitment to innovation and the safety of their customers and employees,” said Jack Hogan, Director of Strategic Partnerships. “All while providing the fastest checkout experience in the market, allowing travelers to scan, pay, and be on their way.”

Travelers can also experience the self-checkout technology at HMSHost food & beverage locations inside Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Vince Lombardi Service Plaza on the New Jersey Turnpike.

HMSHost Leading the Industry

HMSHost is recognized by the industry as the top provider of travel dining with awards such as Restaurateur with the Highest Regard Customer Service, as well as Best Brand Restaurateur for Shake Shack by Airport Experience News. USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards gave first place honors to both of HMSHost’s Whisky River locations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The company also creates original award-winning events and campaigns including Airport Restaurant Month, Channel Your Inner Chef live culinary contest, 1,000 Acts of Kindness, and Eat Well. Travel Further.

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 120 airports around the globe and at more than 80 travel plazas in North America. The company has annual sales of more than $3.5 billion and employs approximately 41,000 associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage services for people on the move. With sales of €4.7 billion in 2018, the group operates in 31 countries and employs over 60,000 people. It manages more than 4,000 stores in more than 1,000 locations worldwide. Visit HMSHost.com for more information and connect with HMSHost on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Mashgin

Mashgin is the world's fastest, AI powered self-checkout ecosystem focused on removing all barriers between customer desires and their ability to be on their way. As the only fully touchless solution on the market, Mashgin is helping transform the customer experience while optimizing the safety of self-checkout. Based in Palo Alto, CA and a graduate of Y Combinator, Mashgin serves hundreds of thousands of customers in multiple locations across Airports, Sports and Entertainment, Business Dining, Healthcare, Higher Education, and Retail clients. Learn more about Mashgin at www.mashgin.com.