WO2016043581A1

WO2016043581A1 - Mobile airline kiosk for use at an airport, system for use with such a mobile airline kiosk and method for issuing aircraft boarding sequence numbers using such a mobile airline kiosk

Info

Publication number: WO2016043581A1
Application number: PCT/NL2015/050634
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Maarten VAN HELDEN; Roland Lambert VINCENT; Jeroen DITEWIG
Original assignee: Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V.
Priority date: 2014-09-15
Filing date: 2015-09-15
Publication date: 2016-03-24
Also published as: NL2013474B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile airline kiosk (1) for use at an airport, comprising a man-transportable structure (2) having, in an operational state: -communication means (3) for providing a wireless data connection (4) to an airline network (5), -an input device (6) for receiving input data from a user of the mobile airline kiosk, -a display device (7) for displaying information to the user, -a processing unit (8) for processing data from the communication means, the input device and/or the display device, The invention also concerns a system for use with such a mobile airline kiosk and a method for issuing aircraft boarding sequence numbers using such a mobile airline kiosk.

Description

Mobile airline kiosk for use at an airport, system for use with such a mobile airline kiosk and method for issuing aircraft boarding sequence numbers using such a mobile airline kiosk Field of the invention

The invention relates to an airline kiosk for use at an airport, comprising in an operational state:

- communication means for providing a data connection to an airline network, - an input device for receiving input data from a user of the airline kiosk,

- a display device for displaying information to the user,

- a processing unit for processing data from the communication means, the input device and/or the display device. Background of the invention

Such airline kiosks are well-known in the art. For instance, many airlines use such airline kiosks to allow passengers to carry out a 'self check-in' at an airport, i.e. without the passenger having to queue at a check-in desk. The airline kiosk usually comprises a vertical column or structure having some form of data connection to an airline network, an input device for receiving input data from a user of the airline kiosk, a display device for displaying information to the user and a processing unit for processing data from the communication means, the input device and/or the display device. Usually, scanning means for scanning a passport or the like and printing means such as for printing boarding passes are also provided.

A disadvantage of such airline kiosks is that these kiosks can often not be used at a gate at the airport: airlines usually have to remove any airline-specific equipment stationed at such a gate after the respective aircraft has departed therefrom. Furthermore, airside space at an airport is often limited and expensive as a consequence.

Furthermore, when looking at the situation at the gate, in particular when an aircraft is boarded, the boarding process itself is highly inefficient. This is rather strange, as aviation is usually regarded as high-tech, cost-aware, and process-driven. The present-day boarding process foresees that basically everybody tries to get inside the aircraft at the same time, with people stumbling over each other, bumping into each other and in particular people blocking the aisle in the aircraft or the bridge, causing notable delays during boarding.

Also elite passengers, who are usually allowed to board the aircraft before passengers having 'regular' tickets, suffer from the relatively inefficient boarding process, due to queuing inside the aircraft or inside the bridge.

Attempt have been made in the art to provide a more efficient boarding process, for instance with faster scanning of boarding passes, or through the use of so-called 'row boarding' .

However, such attempts have been proven to be unsatisfactory in practice. In particular it is to be noted that apart from having a more efficient boarding process, existing equipment has to be optimized or new equipment has to be installed at the gate for facilitating more efficient boarding. The lack of availability of such equipment also prevents more efficient boarding processes to be actually used in practice.

CN 102141797 A discloses a terminal service robot including a body, a control system, an identification system and a boarding pass printer. The body comprises a chassis, a housing, two driving wheel and two driven wheels. The housing is mounted on the surface of the chassis, in two parts. A passenger luggage platform is present inside the rear compartment of the device. The lower side of the body comprises a battery. The above terminal service robot, however, is not configured to be portable, although it can be moved by driving it around.

US 2005/0137942 A discloses a general purpose, portable information kiosk, to be stored in a carrying case. The disclosed, relatively bulky case, appears useful for use in emergency situations, but appears unsuitable for use in an airport environment, with relatively little (and expensive) available space.

WO 2011/143717 A discloses a portable device with a screen for displaying advertisements. The portable device is foldable and comprises a movement sensor coupled with an alarm, such that upon detection of movement advertisements are displayed.

US 2005/0109843 A discloses a passenger monitoring system for monitoring passengers during boarding or disembarking from a passenger carrier. It appears, however, that the passenger monitoring system is not designed to be portable. Summary of the invention

Hereto, according to the invention, a mobile airline kiosk for use at an airport is provided, comprising a man-transportable structure having, in an operational state:

- communication means for providing a wireless data connection to an airline network,

- an input device for receiving input data from a user of the mobile airline kiosk,

- a display device for displaying information to the user,

- a processing unit for processing data from the communication means, the input device and/or the display device.

Such a mobile airline kiosk having a man-transportable structure allows for a removable, independently operating airline kiosk to be used during the time slot issued to the airline for boarding an aircraft at the gate. The mobile airline kiosk is fully self- sufficient in the sense that no cables and the like are needed to allow the mobile airline kiosk to function independently, i.e. permanent, physical connections to airport facilities such as electricity networks or data networks are not required. Instead, the above mobile airline kiosk uses a wireless data connection to an airline network, preferably at the 5 Ghz frequency, to retrieve information. Furthermore, preferably a (rechargeable) battery is provided for supplying power to the communication means, the processing unit and/or the display device. After use, the mobile airline kiosk can be carried away by a person to be stored, for instance, in a storage space at the airport, away from the gate area. The kiosk can then be recharged, for instance during the night, in the storage space.

The inventors have found that the above-described mobile airline kiosk can be used very handily with more efficient boarding processes, allowing such boarding processes to be effectively used in practice.

To ensure man-transportability, the mobile airline kiosk and in particular the man-transportable structure is preferably dimensioned in such a way, and its construction materials are selected in such a way, that the mobile airline kiosk as a whole weighs less than 35 kg, more preferably less than 25 kg. It should furthermore be noted that 'man-transportability' is to be interpreted as the airline kiosk having such a weight and dimensions that the kiosk can be carried or moved around, such as by rolling, by the muscular force of a single person. 'Man-transportable' can thus be interpreted to comprise man-portability or man-moveability by a single person.

An embodiment concerns an aforementioned mobile airline kiosk, wherein the man-transportable structure, in the operational state, comprises a printing device for printing information and/or a scanning device for scanning information, with the battery (when applicable) also supplying power to the printing and/or scanning device. Such a scanning device may for instance comprise a barcode scanner or similar scanning devices to scan information from the boarding pass of the passenger. The printing device can be used to print boarding information at the gate, for example to print information relating to the sequence of boarding.

Preferably, the man-transportable structure comprises a first structural member and a second structural member, wherein the second structural member is foldably connected to the first structural member, wherein

in an unfolded, operational state the first and second structural members are arranged to provide the kiosk with stable support on an underground, such as an airport floor, and

in a folded, inoperational state the first structural member is folded towards the second structural member to form a man-transportable kiosk, which takes up relatively less space than the kiosk in the unfolded, operational state.

Thus, the mobile airline kiosk can be easily carried around by a person in the folded state. Advantageously, the mobile airline kiosk can be stowed away conveniently while taking up less space, which is of particular importance in an airport environment, where space is scarce and thus expensive.

Therein, in the operational state lower portions of the first structural member and the second structural member are preferably spaced-apart and extend at a relative support angle of approximately 30-120°. In practice, this provides stable support for the mobile airline kiosk along with any further equipment installed thereon, or therein.

A particularly advantageous embodiment relates to an aforementioned mobile airline kiosk, wherein the first structural member has a U-shape, with the legs of the U- shape in the unfolded, operational state forming a first and second support for supporting the kiosk on the underground, wherein the second structural member is arranged in a concave portion of the U-shape, in the operational state having a lower portion forming a third support to form at least a three-point support with the first and second supports for stably supporting the kiosk on the underground. Thus, an easily foldable, but stable mobile airline kiosk is provided.

Another advantageous embodiment relates to an aforementioned mobile airline kiosk, wherein, in the operational state, the second structural member has a lower part and an upper part, wherein the lower part is hingeably connected to the legs of the U- shape with a lower portion thereof, allowing rotation around a first substantially horizontal rotational axis (SI), wherein an upper end of the lower part is hingeably connected to a lower end of the upper part, allowing relative rotation of the lower and upper parts around a second substantially horizontal rotational axis (S2), wherein the upper part is slideably and hingeably connected to the inner sides of the legs of the U- shape in a third substantially horizontal axis (S3), spaced-apart from, but parallel to the second horizontal axis (S2), allowing the upper part to slide along the legs of the U- shape and to rotate relative to the first structural member, wherein in the folded state the lower and upper parts are in line and extend in a plane intersecting the legs of the U-shape.

Thus, a very space-efficient package is provided in the folded state, ensuring portability or transportability by a single person, while allowing unfolding of the mobile airline kiosk in a single action.

The upper part, in the operational state, preferably extends in a substantially horizontal plane and comprises a top surface for supporting the printing and/or scanning device. Of course, other equipment can also be supported by the top surface. The upper part can also have a hollow storage space inside for comprising such a printing device and/or scanning device. During the unfolding action, the upper part will then automatically assume its intended position.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned mobile airline kiosk, wherein the first and second structural members have a panel-like shape, such that in the folded state the man-transportable structure as a whole has a panel-like shape. This further improves portability and stowability.

The lower ends of the first and second structural members can be provided with wheels, wherein wheel planes intersecting the tread of the wheels, forming a plane of symmetry, extend at a relative wheel plane angle substantially equal to the relative support angle. Thus, the mobile airline kiosk can be rolled in one direction, both in the unfolded as well as the folded state, while rolling in the direction perpendicular thereto is counteracted.

Preferably, the treads of the wheels are each provided with a ring of friction material, wherein the ring is offset with respect to the wheel plane (i.e. the wheel plane perpendicular to the rolling axis of the wheel), in such a way, that

in the folded state, when the mobile airline kiosk is supported by the rings of the wheels, the rings prevent skidding of the wheels on an underground in a direction perpendicular to the wheel planes, while

in the unfolded, operational state, when the mobile airline kiosk is supported by the treads of the wheels, the rings are not in contact with the underground to allow skidding of the wheels on the underground in a direction perpendicular to the wheel planes.

Especially with a panel-like mobile airline kiosk, in the folded state, when the mobile airline kiosk may be standing upright or at an angle during storage, the rings of friction material prevent the mobile kiosk from undesirably sliding away. In the unfolded, operational state the offset rings allow the wheels to directly contact the underground with their tread, which usually has a lower coefficient of friction than the rings. Thus, the mobile airline kiosk can be moved around on for instance a tiled floor, in particular to be repositioned thereon.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned mobile airline kiosk, comprising a tablet PC with the communication means for providing the wireless data connection to the airline network, the input device for receiving input data from the user of the mobile airline kiosk, the display device for displaying information to the user and the processing unit for processing data from the communication means, the input device and/or the display device. Preferably, the tablet PC is exchangeably arranged on or in the man-transportable structure, for instance in a corresponding recess in the first or second structural member, more preferably in an upper area thereof.

Another aspect of the invention concerns a system for use with a mobile airline kiosk, in particular at a gate, comprising:

- an aforementioned mobile airline kiosk,

an airport monitor for displaying information from the airline network, a switch, having a first data connection to the airport monitor, such as via an HDMI port, the airport monitor having a second data connection to the airline network, the switch having a third, wireless data connection to the communication means of the mobile airline kiosk, wherein the communication means are configured to operate the switch for activating the first data connection, such that data from the mobile airline kiosk can be displayed at the airport monitor, wherein, preferably, the switch is powered by a power connection to the airport monitor, such as via a USB connection.

The above system allows the mobile airline kiosk to be used with existing IT infrastructure at airports in a convenient way. The switch's power can be supplied by the airport monitor via for instance a USB port. Thus, a true plug-and-play system is realized, without requiring a connection to a regular airport power outlet. The mobile airline kiosk can then be operated to temporarily 'take over' the airport monitor through the switch to display information thereon, for instance regarding passenger boarding at the gate. Then the airport monitor can be switched back to display the 'usual' data from the airline network, such as general flight information, including delays, cancellations et cetera.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for issuing aircraft boarding sequence numbers using an aforementioned mobile airline kiosk, comprising the steps of:

retrieving the passenger's seat number aboard an aircraft to be boarded by the passenger, and

issuing an aircraft boarding sequence number to the passenger based on an aircraft boarding algorithm.

With the above method, the mobile airline kiosk can be put to good use as a mobile platform to issue aircraft boarding sequence numbers. It should be noted that in principle the above method can also be implemented using a fixed, non-mobile airline kiosk. However, using a mobile airline kiosk offers many advantages in practice.

Preferably, the method comprises scanning a passenger's boarding pass with the scanning device to retrieve the passenger's seat number.

More preferably, the method comprises issuing an aircraft boarding sequence number to the passenger by printing the aircraft boarding sequence number on a paper ticket with the printing device.

The aircraft boarding algorithm can for example be based on the steps of the Steffen algorithm (but not necessarily so), at least comprising the steps of: issuing a relatively low aircraft boarding sequence number, compared to the total length of the sequence, to elite passengers, and

issuing consecutive sequence numbers to passengers part of a group of multiple, related passengers.

If desired, the per se known Steffen algorithm can be advantageously adapted to deal with practical aspects of aircraft boarding. Other boarding algorithms can, however, also be used. Therein, 'elite' passengers are to be understood as passengers having a high degree of priority regarding early boarding, such as passengers subscribed to an airline's 'frequent flyer' program, passengers requiring special help when boarding, et cetera.

Another embodiment concerns an abovementioned method, comprising the steps of:

operating the communication means of the mobile airline kiosk to cause the switch to activate the first data connection, such that data from the mobile airline kiosk is displayed at the airport monitor, and

operating the mobile airline kiosk to consecutively display the aircraft boarding sequence numbers on the airport monitor to line up the passengers in a desired sequence for boarding the aircraft.

Thus, the passengers can easily see on the airport monitor when it is their turn to line up in the boarding queue. After boarding, the mobile airline kiosk can be easily disconnected from the airport monitor, can be brought into the folded state and can then be carried to a stowing location to be stored. The above-described method, for instance using an adapted Steffen algorithm, along with the aforementioned mobile airline kiosk, in practice reduces boarding time with about 20%.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of a mobile airline kiosk according to the invention, as well as a system comprising such a mobile airline kiosk, will by way of non-limiting example be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile airline kiosk according to the invention in an unfolded, operational state; Figure 2 shows the embodiment of the mobile airline kiosk of figure 1 in side view;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the embodiment of the mobile airline kiosk of figures 1 and 2 in a folded, inoperational state;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the folded mobile airline kiosk of figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of an airport system using a mobile airline kiosk;

Figure 6 shows a side view along the main wheel plane of an embodiment of a wheel usable with the mobile airline kiosk of figures 1-4; and

Figure 7 shows cross-sectional side view of a scanning device arranged in the

U-shape.

Detailed description of the invention Figures 1-4 will be discussed in conjunction, wherein figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile airline kiosk 1 according to the invention in an unfolded, operational state I, figure 2 shows the embodiment of the mobile airline kiosk of figure 1 in side view, figure 3 shows a front view of the embodiment of the mobile airline kiosk 1 of figures 1 and 2 in a folded, inoperational state II and figure 4 shows a side view of the folded mobile airline kiosk 1 of figure 3.

A mobile airline kiosk 1 is shown for use at an airport, comprising a man- transportable structure 2. The man-transportable structure 2 comprises communication means 3 for providing a wireless (WiFi) data connection 4 to an airline network. The communication means 3 may be integrated in a tablet PC 30, as shown in figure 1, or be provided as separate means. An input device 6 is provided for receiving input data from a user of the mobile airline kiosk 1. The input device 6 may also be realized with the tablet PC, such as through the touch-screen functionality thereof. Also, a display device 7 is provided for displaying information to the user. Analogously, the display device 7 can be formed by the screen of the tablet PC 30, or be provided as a separate screen or monitor. A processing unit 8 is present for processing data from the communication means 3, the input device 6 and/or the display device 7. The man- transportable structure 2 also comprises one or more rechargeable batteries 9 for supplying power to the communication means 3, the processing unit 8 and/or the display device 7.

The man-transportable structure 2, in the operational state, in the embodiment as shown, comprises a printing device 10 for printing information and a scanning device 11 for scanning information, with the batteries 9 also supplying power to the printing 10 and/or scanning device 11. The scanning device 11 may for instance comprise a barcode scanner or the like.

The man-transportable structure 2 comprises a first structural member 12 and a second structural member 13. The second structural member 13 is foldably connected to the first structural member 12. In an unfolded, operational state I (as shown in figures 1 and 2) the first 12 and second 13 structural members are arranged to provide the kiosk 1 with stable support on an underground 14, such as an airport floor. In a folded, inoperational state II (as shown in figures 3 and 4) the first structural member 12 is folded towards the second structural member 13 to form a man-transportable kiosk 1, which takes up relatively less space than the kiosk in the unfolded, operational state I.

In the operational state I, lower portions of the first structural member 12 and the second structural member 13 are spaced-apart and extend at a relative support angle a of approximately 30-120°, which can be observed in figure 2.

In the embodiment as shown in figures 1-4, the first structural member 12 has a(n) (inverted) U-shape 15 in the operational position. The legs 16 of the U-shape 15 in the unfolded, operational state I form a first 17 and second support 18 for supporting the kiosk 1 on the underground 14. The second structural member 13 is arranged in a concave portion of the U-shape 15. The second structural member 13 in the operational state I has a lower portion 19 forming a third, intermediate support 20 to form at least a three-point support with the first 17 and second 18 supports for stably supporting the kiosk 1 on the underground 14. The battery or batteries 9 can advantageously be arranged in a lower portion of the supports, to lower the centre of gravity of the kiosk 1. In addition thereto, the lower portions of the supports can be provided with releasable attachment means (not shown), such as magnetic attachment means, to facilitate attachment of the first structural member 12 to the second structural member 13 in the inoperational, folded state, such that undesired unfolding is prevented. In the operational state I as shown in figures 1 and 2, the second structural member 13 has a lower part 21 and an upper part 22. The lower part 21 is hingeably connected to the legs 16 of the U-shape 15 with a lower portion 19 thereof, allowing rotation around a first substantially horizontal rotational axis SI . An upper end 23 of the lower part 21 is hingeably connected to a lower end 24 of the upper part 22, allowing relative rotation of the lower 21 and upper parts 22 around a second substantially horizontal rotational axis S2. The upper part 22 is slideably and hingeably connected to the inner sides of the legs 16 of the U-shape 15 in a third substantially horizontal axis S3, spaced-apart from, but parallel to the second horizontal axis S2. This allows the upper part 22 to slide along the legs 16 of the U-shape 15 and to rotate relative to the first structural member 12. In the folded state II, the lower 21 and upper parts 22 are in line and extend in a plane intersecting the legs 16 of the U-shape 15, which can be seen in the side view of figure 4. Of course, also the axes SI, S2 and S3 are then situated in the plane intersecting the legs 16 of the U-shape 15.

The first 12 and second 13 structural members may both have a panel-like shape, such that in the folded state II the man-transportable structure 2 as a whole has a panel-like shape 26. This can be clearly observed in figures 3 and 4. Figure 4 shows the man-transportable structure 2 to have a relatively small thickness in the folded state II, facilitating portability and stowability. This thickness can for instance amount to 2-8 cm, preferably around 5 cm, to ensure the volume of the folded kiosk 1 remains low (as well as the weight of the folded kiosk 1). The panel-like structural members 12, 13 can be constructed from a plated material and may comprise foamed PVC to reduce weight. The thickness of the panel-like second structural member 12, especially of the upper part 22, may also depend on the dimensions of equipment stored therein, in particular inside the upper part 22, such as the printing device 10 as shown in figures 1 and 2.

The upper part 22, in the operational state I, extends in a substantially horizontal plane and comprises a top surface 25 for supporting a printing device 10 and/or scanning device 11. In a preferred embodiment the printing device 10 is stored in a space inside the upper part 22, however, for example issuing paper tickets through a recess in the top surface 25. Also, the scanning device 11 can advantageously be arranged in the U-shape 15 to point at the top surface 25, as shown in figure 7. The scanning device 11 can be provided with a prism or similar light scattering means to increase the visibility of the beam of the scanning device to a user. The lower ends of the first 12 and second 13 structural members are provided with wheels 27. Wheel planes 28 intersecting the tread of the wheels 27, forming a plane of symmetry, extend at a relative wheel plane 28 angle substantially equal to the relative support angle a.

As can be seen in figure 6, the treads of the wheels 27 are each provided with a ring of friction material 29, wherein the ring 29 is offset with respect to the wheel plane 28. Therein, in the folded state II, when the mobile airline kiosk 1 is supported by the rings 29 of the wheels 27, the rings 29 prevent skidding of the wheels 27 on an underground 14 in a direction perpendicular to the wheel planes 28. In the unfolded, operational state I, when the mobile airline kiosk 1 is supported by the treads of the wheels 27, the rings 29 are not in contact with the underground 14 to allow skidding of the wheels 27 on the underground 14 in a direction perpendicular to the wheel planes 28.

Figure 5 shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of an airport system using a mobile airline kiosk 1. The system comprises a mobile airline kiosk 1 such as the one shown in figures 1-4. An airport monitor 31 for displaying information from the airline network 5 is provided, via a second data connection 34, as well as a switch 32 having a first data connection 33 to the airport monitor 31, such as via an HDMI port, and a third, wireless data connection 35 to the communication means 3 of the mobile airline kiosk 1. The communication means 3 are configured to operate the switch 32 for activating the first data connection 33, such that data from the mobile airline kiosk 1 can be displayed at the airport monitor 31. This data relates in particular to data concerning the boarding sequence to be adhered to by the passengers at the gate. The boarding sequence number can for example be displayed on the airport monitor 31. Preferably, power is supplied to the switch 32 via a separate power connection 37 to the airport monitor, in particular via a USB cable.

Figure 6 shows a side view along the main wheel plane 28 of an embodiment of a wheel 27 usable with the mobile airline kiosk of figures 1-4. The wheel 27 can be seen to be provided with an ring of friction material, such as rubber, offset with respect to the main wheel plane 28, i.e. the wheel plane perpendicular to the wheel's rolling axis.

Thus, the invention has been described by reference to the embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

Reference numerals

1. Mobile airline kiosk

2. Man-transportable structure

3. Communication means

4. Wireless data connection

5. Airline network

6. Input device

7. Display device

8. Processing unit

9. Battery

10. Printing device

11. Scanning device

12. First structural member

13. Second structural member

14. Underground

15. U-shaped first structural member

16. Leg of U-shape

17. First support

18. Second support

19. Lower portion of second structural member

20. Third support

21. Lower part of second structural member

22. Upper part of second structural member

23. Upper end of lower part

24. Lower end of upper part

25. Top surface of upper part

26. Panel-like shape of kiosk in folded state

27. Wheel

28. Wheel plane

29. Ring of friction material

30. Tablet PC

31. Airport monitor 32. Switch

33. First data connection of switch to airport monitor

34. Second data connection of airport monitor to airline network

35. Third data connection of switch to kiosk communication means

36. Handgrip

37. Power connection of switch to airport monitor

I = unfolded, operational state

II = folded, inoperational state

Claims

1. Mobile airline kiosk (1) for use at an airport, comprising a man-transportable structure (2) having, in an operational state:

- communication means (3) for providing a wireless data connection (4) to an airline network (5),

- an input device (6) for receiving input data from a user of the mobile airline kiosk,

- a display device (7) for displaying information to the user,

- a processing unit (8) for processing data from the communication means, the input device and/or the display device.

2. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 1, wherein the man-transportable structure comprises a battery (9) for supplying power to the communication means, the processing unit and/or the display device.

3. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the man- transportable structure, in the operational state, comprises a printing device (10) for printing information and/or a scanning device (1 1) for scanning information, wherein, when dependent on claim 2, the battery also supplies power to the printing and/or scanning device.

4. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the man- transportable structure comprises a first structural member (12) and a second structural member (13), wherein the second structural member is foldably connected to the first structural member, wherein

in an unfolded, operational state (I) the first and second structural members are arranged to provide the kiosk with stable support on an underground (14), such as an airport floor, and

in a folded, inoperational state (II) the first structural member is folded towards the second structural member to form a man-transportable kiosk, which takes up relatively less space than the kiosk in the unfolded, operational state.

5. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 4, wherein in the operational state lower portions of the first structural member and the second structural member are spaced-apart and extend at a relative support angle (a) of approximately 30-120°.

6. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first structural member has a U-shape (15), with the legs (16) of the U-shape in the unfolded, operational state forming a first (17) and second support (18) for supporting the kiosk on the underground, wherein the second structural member is arranged in a concave portion of the U-shape, in the operational state having a lower portion (19) forming a third support (20) to form at least a three-point support with the first and second supports for stably supporting the kiosk on the underground.

7. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 6, wherein, in the operational state, the second structural member has a lower part (21) and an upper part (22), wherein the lower part is hingeably connected to the legs of the U-shape with a lower portion (19) thereof, allowing rotation around a first substantially horizontal rotational axis (SI), wherein an upper end (23) of the lower part is hingeably connected to a lower end (24) of the upper part, allowing relative rotation of the lower and upper parts around a second substantially horizontal rotational axis (S2), wherein the upper part is slideably and hingeably connected to the inner sides of the legs of the U-shape in a third substantially horizontal axis (S3), spaced-apart from, but parallel to the second horizontal axis (S2), allowing the upper part to slide along the legs of the U-shape and to rotate relative to the first structural member, wherein in the folded state the lower and upper parts are in line and extend in a plane intersecting the legs of the U-shape.

8. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 7, wherein the upper part, in the operational state, extends in a substantially horizontal plane and comprises a top surface (25) for supporting, or the upper part comprising, when dependent on claim 3, the printing and/or scanning device.

9. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to any one of the claims 4-8, wherein the first and second structural members have a panel-like shape, such that in the folded state the man-transportable structure as a whole has a panel-like shape (26).

10. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to any one of the claims 4-9, wherein, when dependent on claim 5, the lower ends of the first and second structural members are provided with wheels (27), wherein wheel planes (28) intersecting the tread of the wheels, forming a plane of symmetry, extend at a relative wheel plane angle substantially equal to the relative support angle.

11. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to claim 10, wherein the treads of the wheels are each provided with a ring of friction material (29), wherein the ring is offset with respect to the wheel plane, in such a way, that

12. Mobile airline kiosk (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tablet PC (30) provided with the communication means for providing the wireless data connection to the airline network, the input device for receiving input data from the user of the mobile airline kiosk, the display device for displaying information to the user and the processing unit for processing data from the communication means, the input device and/or the display device.

13. System for use with a mobile airline kiosk, in particular at a gate, comprising:

a mobile airline kiosk (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, an airport monitor (31) for displaying information from the airline network,

- a switch (32), having a first data connection (33) to the airport monitor, such as via an HDMI port, the airport monitor having a second data connection (34) to the airline network, the switch having a third, wireless data connection (35) to the communication means of the mobile airline kiosk, wherein the communication means are configured to operate the switch for activating the first data connection, such that data from the mobile airline kiosk can be displayed at the airport monitor, wherein, preferably, the switch is powered by a power connection (37) to the airport monitor, such as via a USB connection.

14. Method for issuing aircraft boarding sequence numbers using a mobile airline kiosk (1) according to any one of the claims 1-12, comprising the steps of:

- issuing an aircraft boarding sequence number to the passenger based on an aircraft boarding algorithm.

15. Method according to claim 14, when dependent on claim 3, comprising scanning a passenger's boarding pass with the scanning device (11) to retrieve the passenger's seat number.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, comprising issuing an aircraft boarding sequence number to the passenger by printing the aircraft boarding sequence number on a paper ticket with the printing device (10).

17. Method according to any one of the claims 13-15, wherein the aircraft boarding algorithm comprises the steps of:

issuing a relatively low aircraft boarding sequence number, compared to the total length of the sequence, to elite passengers, and

- issuing consecutive sequence numbers to passengers part of a group of multiple, related passengers.

18. Method according to any one of the claims 14-17, when dependent on claim 13, comprising the steps of:

- operating the communication means of the mobile airline kiosk to cause the switch to activate the first data connection, such that data from the mobile airline kiosk is displayed at the airport monitor, and operating the mobile airline kiosk to consecutively display the aircraft boarding sequence numbers on the airport monitor to line up the passengers in a desired sequence for boarding the aircraft.