airport checkin processes

over the last two weeks I had cause to fly every weekend .... and with different airlines.

Now airline 1 had a very easy to use web check in process, and as long as you have a computer printer handy you could print your boarding pass (assuming no luggage). Then all you needed to do was to rock on up to the airport 1/2 hr before you fly.

Airline 2 allowed you to change your seats but still wanted you to queue and check-in via normal hence you needing to be at the airport earlier than you would have to. This was true even if you had no luggage.

as a result I was miffed - why do i have to check in when I have no luggage - why can't I just go to an ATM like machine and print a boarding pass. Even better - why not use my mobile phone # which they have to send a boarding pass/barcode straight to my phone and let me just use my mobile to scan in (ok I would have to turn it off after boarded).

I certainly don't appreciate having my time wasted by having to be anywhere earlier than I need to be. This is not convient to me or how I live my life. Lucky I have a laptop else I wouldn't even be able to work at the airport and at least use my time effectively.

Whilst it may be a cheap airline, cheap checkin, don't they 1) look at what their competitors are doing 2) look at what their customers want or would make them an preferred carrier ??