Bank of Hawaii Adapts ATMs to Issue Airline Tickets

Bank of Hawaii said Tuesday that it is now issuing airline tickets through some of its automated teller machines.

The lead bank of $15 billion-asset Pacific Century Financial Corp., Honolulu, modified 140 of its 400 ATMs to let customers buy Hawaiian Airlines inter-island flight coupons. Customers can pay for their tickets using Visa, MasterCard, or a Bank of Hawaii checking or savings account.

The ATMs do not make reservations or seat assignments; the bank acts only as a payment intermediary.

It may not be easy to convince people to buy plane tickets through ATMs, said Robert Makahilahila, vice president of Bank of Hawaii's ATM department.

"Having enhanced ATM services is a tremendous advantage, but the industry still faces the challenge of modifying consumer behavior and changing the way people perceive and accept this technology," Mr. Makahilahila said.

Hawaiian Airlines pays a fee to the bank for every ticket issued; a Pacific Century spokeswoman declined to reveal the amount of the fee.

Bank of Hawaii ATMs also issue postage stamps, gift certificates, and statements detailing the cardholder's seven most recent transactions.

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