Within 10 Years The ‘Self-Service’ Airport: TravJouS is Ready!

It is hard to believe but only 10 years back it was the normal procedure to be at the airport for an international flight at least 3 hours before, queuing to check-in with your luggage, go through passport control, access to the departure lounge and then again queuing at gate.

In recent years the airlines have started using innovative Check-in technologies. You are seeing more and more self-service facilities such as: via e-ticket allowing us the use of the internet/mobile check-in, airport check-in Kiosks, bag drop-off/self-tagging of luggage, e-Gates, automated boarding processes, document scanning and Iris scanning.

Already according to a new survey by SITA they are predicting that over the next three years that the IT used by airports, airlines and passengers will significantly change.adopting a “self service” approach to the departure process. This means of self-service puts the control into the hands of the customers.

According to a IATA industry survey: Over 50% of passengers would like to see more self-service options in order to reduce queues throughout the airport experience. To achieve this, IATA is putting in place a number of industry standards that aim at lower costs to give passengers more options and more control over their journeys.  This means the passenger will most likely be seeing a lot less airport and airline employees and their first interaction with a human face could be with a flight attendant in the airplane.

Already today self-service in general is most definitely "in". From your supermarket checkout line to the airline check-in kiosks, self-service is proven to benefit businesses largely and more importantly also benefits their customers.

Businesses are no longer asking the question whether we should, but more "when will we" implement self-service facilities.

The use of self-service is not a new concept. Banks have been using it for a long time now. Just think of the ATM concept. Something today just unthinkable not having.

These self-service processes enable airlines to reduce the time and number of staff required, thus saving substantial costs in operations. This way it allows airports to handle more passengers in the same space by reducing queues. This helps to raise the efficiency and performance of the airports and airlines.

Giving a passenger this high efficiency benefits the airport as the passenger has more time to spend in retail areas and generating more revenue to the retail and catering outlets. 

The self-service systems also help here because the airports save space, as many of the units are small and compact and leave more space for retail and catering outlets.Today the involvement of a Smartphone is also becoming a major benefit to both airport and passenger.

This is where the Airline Flight Check-In App already contributes to the self-service process.   Not only can a passenger check-in online, this App also gives passengers access to current information about the status of their journey from A to B.  The Airline Flight Check-In App goes one step further:   Not only airline check-in is possible but also car rental and hotel check-in can be done via this App. This App is your Companion helping you throughout your complete journey and is also very useful even for those who perhaps do not travel frequently.

In short, it is clear that the latest technologies are having a real impact on the way in which passengers enter the terminal buildings. When a passenger is well informed they are more likely to have a smooth transition from arrivals to departures. This smooth and hassle free journey is already very high on the priority list for the traveler in 2013 and the years to come.

TravJouS contributes with their Apps to make this a reality for them !!

Global air travel to see major transformation by 2015: SITA

The air travel industry will see a major transformation in the way passengers buy travel services and use self-service along their journey by 2015, said SITA, a specialist in air transport communications and IT solutions. “By 2015, the way we travel will change significantly fuelled by innovation in IT — used by airlines, airports and passengers,” pointed out SITA in its recent report ‘Flying into the Future’. 
In addition, these journeys will take place in a fully mobile and social environment with airlines and airports intelligently using vast quantities of data to deliver real service and operational improvements. Nigel Pickford, director (Market Insight), SITA said: “Information technology has already had a major influence on air travel. And with the number of global travellers expected to double by 2030, it will continue to lead the way for the industry. Our survey analysis shows four major IT trends which will shape the entire travel experience, from how we book flights to how we interact with airlines and airports during the journey, to the kinds of services we expect.” 
Based on SITA’s most recent surveys of airlines, airports and passengers worldwide, the four major trends, which will shape the future of global air travel are: The way passengers buy travel will change. By 2015, both airlines and airports expect the Internet and the mobile phone to be the top two sales channels. Passengers are asking for a more personalised buying experience, and the industry is responding. For example, Alaska Airlines is one of several airlines with a travel app that alerts fliers to airfare deals from their hometowns and to cities where their friends live. 
Secondly, passengers will take more control. By 2015, 90% of airlines will offer mobile check-in — up from 50% today. Passengers will use 2-D boarding passes or contactless technology such as Near Field Communications (NFC) on their phones, at different stages of their journey, such as at boarding gates, fast-track security zones and to access premium passenger lounges.  Japan Airline’s Touch & Go Android is one example of an app, which will allow passengers to pass through boarding gates using their NFC-enabled phones. France’s Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is piloting a similar service. 
Further, customer services will become more mobile and social. By 2015, nine out of 10 airlines and airports will provide flight updates using smartphone apps. The industry is also exploring apps to improve the customer experience. At Japan’s Narita Airport, roaming service employees personalise the customer experience by using iPads to provide airport, flight and hotel information to passengers. In addition, Edinburgh Airport is one of several airports with apps that help passengers plan their journeys to and from the airport, track their flights, access terminal maps and reserve parking spots before they arrive.  
And lastly, the passenger experience will improve, thanks to better business intelligence. By 2015, more than 80% of airports and airlines will invest in business intelligence (BI) solutions. Most will focus on improving customer service and satisfaction, often through personalised services. For example, one European airline, Vueling, researches customers via social media in an effort to understand them better. It then integrates this information into their BI programmes to improve loyalty. 
“Passenger needs and preferences are changing. Today’s passengers want more control throughout their journey. They expect transformation in both the kinds of services airlines and airports offer, and the way they communicate with them. 
At the same time, the industry is investing in business intelligence solutions and collaborating more to increase operational efficiency and improve customer service and loyalty,” Pickford added.