LEAGUE CITY, Texas —The deployment of ReturnKey Systems' automated mailing kiosks in major international airports now offers the traveling public an alternative to item forfeiture, according to a news release. Using the kiosks, airline passengers can mail the would-be confiscated items home, affording the Transportation and Safety Administration a viable alternative to confiscation.
ReturnKey Systems began developing the AMK in 2002 and is now deploying the system in major international airports. The AMK incorporates touchscreen technology, audio and visual prompting, and step-by-step instructions. In addition, it employs security features unlike any other system. Those featured include address verification, image capture, item identification, size and weight limitations, heavy duty vaulting, and remote system monitoring.
"We developed a system that meets everyone's needs. We worked with and through Homeland Security, the TSA, the U.S. Postal System and local law enforcement authorities to develop an AMK system that meets or exceeds everyone's need for safety and security. Then we made it simple and user-friendly so that anyone from age 9 to 90 could use the system," said Steve Kranyec, the founder of ReturnKey Systems.
The ReturnKey Systems AMK has recently been deployed at Newark International, Dulles International, LaGuardia and Bush Intercontinental. Deployments at additional airports are scheduled throughout the year. The AMK brings postal depositories back into the airport terminals since being removed after Sept. 11. This feature brings value to the airport authorities and improves overall customer service.
While offering the passengers a means to retain their items, the AMK also benefits TSA by eliminating time-consuming confrontations with agitated passengers. This frees screeners to concentrate on the task at hand, identifying potentially hazardous items before they reach the plane.
Kranyec added, "Overall, the AMK benefits everyone at the airport. TSA improves screening times and eliminates confrontations, airlines and the airport authorities improve customer service, mailboxes return to the terminals, and — most importantly — the travelers get to keep their family heirlooms. It's a win, win, win situation."
