Sectorbabe,
Check-in systems (DCS - Departure Control System) do have a number of automatic functions running in the background. Check-in close-out is not one of them.
These systems are required to be closed by the load control team, situated normally in a grotty little rooms situated under buildings. Basically they are normally locked away from view.
They have to interact with the customer service team before check-in is closed to produce the load documentation. Without liason, check-in could be closed (if automatic) whilst check-in staff were in the middle of a transaction, and as anyone who uses a PC at home will know, this causes problems.
This can often lead to too many pax onboard, or too many bags in the hold. These two common problems more often than not delay flights whilst baggage ID's are carried out, or crew are carrying out headcounts, and trying to establish which passengers are onboard, which according to the PC are not meant to be.
Passengers, get there on time. Its the easiest way. Yet if you are lucky enough to be travelling with an airline that spends money on customer services, ie, check-in kiosks, telephone check-in, gate check-in, and other such services, then should something go wrong you might just be OK. Spend peanuts on your flight, and, well, Need I say more!
