How Mobile Technology is Improving the Airport Experience

Long lines, lost baggage, airport security, fast food, and flight delays. Arguably, the most frustrating part of any trip is the airport experience. With so much that can go wrong, there is nothing like being irritated at an airport; bad experiences can be unnerving to even the most frequent travelers. Good news lies ahead! More and more airports are utilizing mobile technology and apps to improve the airport experience for travelers. Below are some examples we found that will hopefully be catching on at airports across the country (and globe!).

Parking
Sometimes, the headaches can begin before even setting foot in the departures hall. Have you ever had an easy time finding a spot to park in the garage or lot during the holiday season? Luckily, Dallas Fort Worth has an app that allows users to view parking information prior to arriving at the airport; users can check current rates and space availability.

Check-in
Beginning this year, United Airlines will be using the iPhone 6 Plus to assist customers with printing boarding passes and luggage tags. The plan is an effort to expedite the check-in process and meet customer demand more quickly. It is not yet known when the phones will be distributed, but according to reports, approximately 6,000 United agents will receive them at Denver, Houston Intercontinental, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Newark, Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare airports.

Navigating the Terminal
American Airlines and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport recently teamed up to offer flyers an app that allows them to search for anything in the terminal from medicine to hot dogs. Users can type what they are craving into a search bar, and the app will suggest destinations that meet the criteria and then direct users to the destination. The app also shows users the distance to their gates and how long it takes to walk there. Other than O’Hare, the app is currently available at Miami International and San Jose (CA) International Airports.

Lost Baggage
There might not be a worse feeling than finally arriving at your destination only to find out your bag did not. Waiting for the airline to track down and send you the bag will hopefully soon become a thing of the past. There are more and more new companies creating customizable luggage to include built-in chargers and GPS tracking devices so you can find out where you bag is immediately via your phone.