Episode 017: Baggage Innovation and Wi-Fi Integration

10/05/14 • 32 min

In this episode, co-host Max Flight and I discuss how airports are increasingly adopting solutions that allow passengers to check-in their own baggage. Seth got a chance to see the very latest queue-busting technologies at the recent Future Travel Experience exhibition in Las Vegas. He reports about what he discovered from the show floor, and we consider the implications of moving away from real live interactions with people to a fully automated environment.

We also chat about how airlines increasingly view connected aircraft as a node on their network. But United Airlines, in particular, has taken a somewhat unique approach. The company has adopted no fewer than three different inflight Wi-Fi solutions and is considered by some stakeholders to be on the bleeding edge of integrating the different products in a bid to provide consistent service to passengers while driving operational benefits for the airline.

Finally, we also highlight another interesting development in the #PaxEx world. We're finally starting to see some real-world applications for using wearable technologies on board aircraft. Coupled with airlines' e-enablement efforts, these solutions may initially give flight crew a hands-free way to perform routine tasks, but could eventually be paired pilots and mechanics to further enhance efficiencies.

Previous Episode

Episode 016: Fierce Competition and Blind Recognition

In this episode we discuss how Delta, American, JetBlue, United, Southwest and Alaska are battling head-to-head to deliver the best inflight entertainment (IFE) in US skies, and how this competition is both good news for passengers and a solid business strategy for the airlines. We also reveal which media site attracts the most traffic in-flight when broadband connectivity is available to passengers.

We also receive an in-depth update from Ryan about the adoption of "common-use" check-in space at airports, and chat specifically about Halifax Stanfield’s new program and how it was facilitated by a conference platform that prompts attendees to think outside the box.

Last but not least, a really important development has occurred in the world of IFE. Emirates has become the first airline to offer IFE for the visually impaired. We discuss what Emirates has done, highlight Air Canada's innovation on the 787, and learn whether other carriers are following suit. Plus we consider this achievement in the broader context of improving accessibility of IFE and aural announcements for all, including the deaf and hard of hearing.

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Episode 018: German Ingenuity and Expedia Acuity

In this episode, co-host Max Flight and I discuss AT&T's recent surprise decision not to launch a 4G LTE inflight connectivity service in the United States. We consider what this means for passengers, and the incumbent provider of air-ground Internet, Gogo.

We also talk about why Hamburg and major industry stakeholders - Airbus, Lufthansa Technik and others - are constructing one of the most modern civil aviation research facilities in the world. Maryann, who is based in Hamburg and recently attended a roof-topping ceremony for the facility, reveals details about the plans for this new so-called "Zal" center. And we consider how the city of Hamburg is putting its flag in the sand when it comes to the aircraft interiors sector.

Last but not least, we discuss online travel agent Expedia's new partnership with Routehappy, which will allow passengers to see how individual flights are rated by Routehappy in their searches on Expedia. Routehappy rates flights based on various factors, , including seat pitch and width, and whether entertainment, in-seat power and connectivity is offered. This dynamite combination will bring a new level of visibility about airline product to passengers, resulting in a more positive #PaxEx.