Mobile technology is transforming the airline industry making travelling more efficient, convenient and a much more pleasant experience from beginning to end.
Before you even begin your journey, you can use your mobile to research and plan your trip to make the most of ‘dead’ time such as when you’re on the bus to work or waiting for someone to arrive. Once you know where and when you want to go, you can use your mobile to book flights and manage your booking from here - meaning you can access the booking at anytime!
SMS alerts are being used by airlines to send a variety of information to passengers and you should check what type of alerts is available. For example, you may be able to receive alerts instantly when seats become available helping ensure you travel with your companions. Other useful alerts include notifications regarding flight changes as this can help you manage knock on delays on other activities such as arriving to business meetings and catching connecting flights. SMS is therefore ideal as passengers can be notified immediately regarding updates to flights or services even if they are on the move and do not have access to a computer or internet link.
One of the most wearisome aspects of travelling that mobile technology is helping to reduce is the length of time spent waiting in queues as this may result in missed flights. Therefore, the ability to actually check in online or through your own mobile helps reduce waiting times, stress levels and produce much more happy travellers!
The Financial reports that according to J.D. Power & Associates’ 2012 North America Airline Satisfaction Study digital check-ins are now becoming so popular they are already showing signs of maturity, and mobile check-in adoption rates are advancing quickly.
However, they outline a different study by SITA and Airline Business which shows only half of airlines are offering mobile check-in services for their customers. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile finding out if your airline offers mobile check-in as it will allow you to check in wherever you are which is particularly useful when you are on the move!
Even better, Fox Business outline another study by SITA in which they state 15% of air travellers will use a mobile phone to not only check in at the airport but also to attain an electronic mobile boarding pass by 2014. This means that you no longer have to use the self service kiosks to print tickets or print them at home and then keep the boarding pass somewhere safe - helping simplify the whole process and make it speedier.
It’s also worthwhile looking out for new technology developments which are helping streamline and enhance the airline experience. For example, Fox Business highlight that Near Field Communication is beginning to be used for electronically storing and accessing all travel documents without needing to connect via the Internet such as e-Passports, e-Visas, baggage receipts and immigration forms. SAS Scandinavian Airlines is reported as already using this technology.
Another trend to watch out for is in-flight entertainment packages. The Financial claims they are proving to be hugely popular for travellers but although it creates massive advertising opportunities they are expensive for airlines to install and update which is affecting adoption rates.
More recently, we are starting to see airlines introduce in-flight mobile services allowing passengers to use mobiles for sending messages and checking email for example. However, be wary as tariffs may be higher!
So what can you do to make your trip more convenient and pleasant? Use our top tips below and check with your airline to ensure these services are available!
Top Tips for Flyers
Before you even begin your journey, you can use your mobile to research and plan your trip to make the most of ‘dead’ time such as when you’re on the bus to work or waiting for someone to arrive. Once you know where and when you want to go, you can use your mobile to book flights and manage your booking from here - meaning you can access the booking at anytime!
SMS alerts are being used by airlines to send a variety of information to passengers and you should check what type of alerts is available. For example, you may be able to receive alerts instantly when seats become available helping ensure you travel with your companions. Other useful alerts include notifications regarding flight changes as this can help you manage knock on delays on other activities such as arriving to business meetings and catching connecting flights. SMS is therefore ideal as passengers can be notified immediately regarding updates to flights or services even if they are on the move and do not have access to a computer or internet link.
One of the most wearisome aspects of travelling that mobile technology is helping to reduce is the length of time spent waiting in queues as this may result in missed flights. Therefore, the ability to actually check in online or through your own mobile helps reduce waiting times, stress levels and produce much more happy travellers!
The Financial reports that according to J.D. Power & Associates’ 2012 North America Airline Satisfaction Study digital check-ins are now becoming so popular they are already showing signs of maturity, and mobile check-in adoption rates are advancing quickly.
However, they outline a different study by SITA and Airline Business which shows only half of airlines are offering mobile check-in services for their customers. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile finding out if your airline offers mobile check-in as it will allow you to check in wherever you are which is particularly useful when you are on the move!
Even better, Fox Business outline another study by SITA in which they state 15% of air travellers will use a mobile phone to not only check in at the airport but also to attain an electronic mobile boarding pass by 2014. This means that you no longer have to use the self service kiosks to print tickets or print them at home and then keep the boarding pass somewhere safe - helping simplify the whole process and make it speedier.
It’s also worthwhile looking out for new technology developments which are helping streamline and enhance the airline experience. For example, Fox Business highlight that Near Field Communication is beginning to be used for electronically storing and accessing all travel documents without needing to connect via the Internet such as e-Passports, e-Visas, baggage receipts and immigration forms. SAS Scandinavian Airlines is reported as already using this technology.
Another trend to watch out for is in-flight entertainment packages. The Financial claims they are proving to be hugely popular for travellers but although it creates massive advertising opportunities they are expensive for airlines to install and update which is affecting adoption rates.
More recently, we are starting to see airlines introduce in-flight mobile services allowing passengers to use mobiles for sending messages and checking email for example. However, be wary as tariffs may be higher!
So what can you do to make your trip more convenient and pleasant? Use our top tips below and check with your airline to ensure these services are available!
Top Tips for Flyers
- Make most of dead time - research and plan trip via mobile
- Access information anytime - book and manage booking using your mobile
- Sit with travelling companions - sign up for SMS updates on available seats
- Manage potential delays via SMS flight alerts
- Save time using mobile check-in
- Use convenient and fast electronic mobile boarding passes
- Check and see if in-flight mobile services are available and check tariffs
Alternatively, visit us at:
http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd
follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS
or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260
or email us at sales@haysystems.com
http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd
follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS
or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260
or email us at sales@haysystems.com
