New Technologies: Revolution is in the Air

For April’s post, we have chosen to talk about the use of new technologies to enhance guests experience when taking a flight. To do so, we will talk about Ryan Ghee’s article titled “15 solutions that can improve today’s airport experience” from futuretravelexperience.com. These solutions have been retrieved by the author after his visit at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Cologne happening last month.

In this post, we have selected 6 of these solutions and we will explain concisely how they work. Then we will discuss about how they could be used for events and exhibitions.

source: freedigitalphotos.net

The baggage revolution

Most of the novelties showcased at the exhibition aim at improving and speeding up bag drop. Technologies that enable automated and self-service processes lead to gain in time for airport guests.

1.  Materna Cabin Luggage Check

This solution allows passengers to weigh and measure their hand luggage at the very beginning of their arrival at the airport. The aim is to know way before reaching the gate if the bag satisfies airlines’ carry-on specifications.

2. Biometric bag drop

Before starting, here is a short definition of biometrics: “measurement and statistical analysis of people's physical and behavioral characteristics.” 

This solution enables to “complete the check-in and bag drop process without the need for a manual passport check by a human agent.

3. My Check self-bag drop

This solution works with CCM (computer controlled motion). It is a fully automated self-service baggage drop. The difference with other solution of the same type is that it is more “stylish”, the check-in design, capacity and capability remain the same than with traditional baggage drop.

4. RIMOWA Electronic Tag

It is an electronic tag that replaces the usual paper label you put on your luggage. It is integrated to your RIMOWA luggage and displays digital data module with the same format than paper labels.

5. Contactless bag drop

It is a two steps process that does not require any assistance. The first step is to tag your bag at a kiosk. The second step is to deposit the bag. The advantage is that you do not need to scan documents or press buttons as 4 sensors automatically detect the tag, measure and weigh your bag.

6. Offsite tagging

This solution enables passengers to edit their tag before going to the airport; at their hotel or the train station for example. Thanks to your pre-tagged bag, you avoid queue and gain time.

Applicability for events & exhibitions

What we can capture from these 6 solutions is that self-service and automated processes are becoming the norm. This can fasten attendees’ registration as it is already done through online registration. As well as with beacons thanks to which you can enter an exhibition without having to show your ticket.

One idea of application would be for wardrobe. We have experienced during ITB the “wardrobe process”. If you arrive at a time where it is very crowded you may be discouraged to leave your coat or your bag. A solution to this could be a self-bag and coat drop. It will be faster and let you know in advance if there is no more space available. 

Also, during the ITB at some point of time there was no more room for luggage. There could be a device outside or inside the venue from which you can measure and weight your luggage. By doing so, it gets easier to manage the number of luggage for the wardrobe. If there is no more room, the attendee will know it in advance and will not have to queue.

Lise Cimbolini 

& Truc Duc Nguyen