Airports have come a long way since the days of just a few terminals and security checkpoints. These days, airports are hubs of activity, with people coming and going all day long. And with all that traffic, airports must keep up with technology to make things run as smoothly as possible. Here’s how they’ve done it over the years.
1. Self-service check-in and boarding
With self-service check-in kiosks, passengers can check in for their flights quickly and easily. All they need to do is scan their passport or boarding pass and enter their seat preference. Then, they can print their boarding pass or have them sent to their smartphone.
Self-service boarding is also becoming more common, with passengers using their boarding passes to scan themselves in at the gate. This helps to speed up the boarding process and get everyone on the plane more quickly. Some airports also have self-service bag drop kiosks, where passengers can check in their luggage without waiting in line. They can then proceed directly to security.
2. Aircraft tugs and loading bridges
In the early days of air travel, getting an aircraft from the gate to the runway was time-consuming. But thanks to advances in technology, that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, there are aircraft tugs that can quickly move an aircraft from the gate to the runway and loading bridges that make it easy to load and unload baggage.
Today, passengers can even use their smartphones to track their luggage, thanks to apps like Flyr that offer real-time tracking. As luggage travels through the airport, it is scanned and tracked so that passengers can always see where it is. They can also receive notifications when it arrives at their destination.
3. Automated security checkpoints
With the increasing threat of terrorism, airport security has become more critical than ever. But that doesn’t mean that it has to be a hassle. Passengers can get through security quickly and easily, thanks to automated security checkpoints.
The machines scan passengers’ passports and boarding passes and are then directed to the appropriate security lane. This helps to speed up the process and make it more efficient. In some cases, passengers may even be able to keep their shoes and belts on. But regardless of how fast the process is, security is always a top priority.
For example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently introduced new security measures that require passengers to remove all electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags. The items will need to be placed in a bin for X-ray screening. This is just one of the many ways that airports are working to keep passengers safe.
4. Digital signage
Gone are the days when airport information was only available on paper maps. Nowadays, airports are using digital signage to provide passengers with up-to-date information. The signs display flight times, gate numbers, and other important information.
Airports can also use them for advertising and promotion. And thanks to the use of sensors, the signs can even change based on the time of day or the number of people in the area. This helps to ensure that passengers always have the most relevant information at their fingertips. They can also use them for wayfinding, so passengers can easily find their way around the airport.
5. Robot assistants
A more recent and advanced technology that airports have employed is robots! These helpful machines can provide passengers with information and directions and even assist with check-in and baggage claims. Many airports are now using robots to help make the travel experience more efficient and convenient.
Some airports are even using robots to deliver food and snacks to passengers. This way, they can avoid long lines at the airport restaurants. And if you’re lucky, you might even get your food delivered by a cute robot! Airports can also use them to clean the airport and help with other tasks.
Robots are becoming increasingly common in airports, and they will become even more prevalent in the future.
6. Virtual reality
Finally, virtual reality is one of the latest and most exciting technologies airports use. They can use this cutting-edge technology for training, marketing, and entertainment.
For example, some airports are using virtual reality to train staff. This way, they can get a realistic view of what it’s like to work in the airport. And they can use it to simulate different situations, so the staff is prepared for anything.
Airports can also use virtual reality to give passengers a preview of what their trip will be like. This way, they can better understand the destination and what to expect. And they can even use it to entertain passengers while they wait for their flights.
Airports are always looking for ways to improve the travel experience. And with the help of technology, they can do just that. From automated security checkpoints to robot assistants, airports use cutting-edge technology to make the travel experience more efficient and convenient. And as technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting innovations in the future.
