With all the airline squeezing it’s exciting to talk about some well deserved customer pleasing for a change. Airlines and travel brands have been slow to adapt to the emerging technologies we’ve become so reliant upon in our daily lives, but that’s changing and that means some really cool things are coming…
Reusable Digital Luggage Tags…
We’re not far from a time where you pair your luggage with your suitcase or special baggage tag and in the blink of an eye all your data is transmitted and ready to drop off. Lufthansa has already partnered with luggage maker Rimowa to create luggage with digital barcodes built into the case. Qantas has also joined in, creating special digital tags that attach to your bag and update your itinerary in real time. It won’t be long before anyone with a phone can skip the queue.
Interactive Seats…
For human interaction you’ll need to fly business or first class, but if you’d like a little bit of friendly recognition from your seat you’ll soon feel loved in every cabin, with a personalized greeting by name. Many seats are being launched on top carriers which can sync with your phone, uploading your preferences for entertainment, your favorite drink orders and for those flying up front, you’ll even be able to customize your favorite mood lighting and turn on a digital do not disturb button…
Reservation Changes Via Facebook Messenger…
Your call is very important to us. $^^@ that! If it was, you would’ve answered and we wouldn’t be listening to this dated jazz solo. Airlines are now employing a mix of artificial intelligence and dedicated teams to offer customer interaction via Facebook Messenger, and other messenger style apps. You can currently view and manage all of your flight details with KLM via Messenger, requesting seats, upgrading and changing flights with more to come.
Smart Software For Delays, Cancellations…
Oh the feeling of being on a flight you know is so delayed that you’ll miss your next flight, knowing you’ll have to stand in line to figure things out. No more. Apple + IBM created smart software called Passenger +, which helps airlines automatically rebook customers and provide up to the minute info using the plane’s wifi capabilities. A cabin crew member will come over with an iPad, show you your new connection possibilities and issue you a mobile boarding pass right to your phone, no need to stand in line. Speaking of which, using RFID technology, airlines will soon be able to check you in over an iPad, possibly even greeting you by name just by picking up a signal from your phone. No more check in counters!
