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Technology
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- Check-in kiosks serving more than one airline
- Phoenix airport tests innovative screening technology
- Flight-status alerts available from multiple sources
Check-in kiosks serving more than one airline
More and more U.S. airports are installing common-use kiosks that enable travelers to self check in with different airlines. Many of these common-use kiosks are replacing airline-specific self check-in kiosks.
Nine U.S. airports currently have the capabilities to use common kiosks. Some of those are: San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Dallas/Fort Worth. None of the airlines in Las Vegas have their own individual kiosks. Dallas/Fort Worth has 51 common-use kiosks and plans to install more.
Common-use kiosks keep airlines’ counters from becoming crowded. They are generally placed in terminal areas not used by an airline, improving the flow of people.
Source: USA TODAY
Phoenix airport tests innovative screening technology
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport passengers who are asked to undergo in-depth airport security screening, whether randomly or by failing metal detector tests, now have a less invasive option available to them. Rather than undergo the “pat down” method of screening, travelers may opt to go through a scanner that produces three dimensional, nondescript images of their body as part of the Transportation Security Administration’s testing of this technology.
An individual’s face is not shown, and only an outline of their undergarments is visible to the system operator sitting in a private room. What the scanner does detect is any potentially threatening materials they may be carrying, including explosives, weapons, narcotics, and bomb detonators.
Sources: Phoenix Business Journal, Los Angeles Times, CQ Homeland Security
Flight-status alerts available from multiple sources
With the number of delays and flight cancellations affecting business travel today, travelers often seek out flight status updates offered in convenient formats.
Following are some ways to access current flight status information.
Updates from the airline—Most airlines offer an optional service that sends the traveler an email or text message regarding flight status and sometimes gate information.
Flight-tracking/status Websites—Websites such as FlightExplorer.com and FlyteComm.com provide real-time flight location and estimated time of arrival. FlightStats.com offers flight status alerts to email addresses or mobile phones.
Phone—Travelers can call the airline directly to get updated flight status and gate information. Some frequent travelers save time by programming their most frequently used airlines’ customer service numbers into their mobile phones.
Depending on the airline or the Website used to receive updates, the accuracy and frequency of the alerts can vary. Travelers who question the accuracy of the flight information received should consider checking more than one source to confirm that the information is correct.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, FlightExplorer.com, FlyteComm.com, FlightStats.com
