Stories of air rage continue to pop up in the media, including the recent and well-publicized battle between Alec Baldwin and American Airlines. Managers of commercial airports recognize that air travel is often unpleasant and stressful for consumers. In response, airports are scrambling to find new ways to provide better customer service, reduce frustrations and manage flight schedules at or near maximum capacity levels.
CAP Strategic Research, an aviation market research and consultancy firm, predicts several significant trends headed to airports around the world over the next 10 to 15 years.
Check-in is out
Say goodbye to check-in counters. Travelers in 20 years will check in to their flights exclusively from their homes, offices or mobile devices before arriving at the airport.
Unfortunately, as long check-in lines are eliminated, so is the sometimes necessary option of transporting extra or oversize bags. In the near future, whatever doesn’t fit into a single carry-on ships via special arrangement through a separate cargo carrier.
High-tech becomes a high priority
Advances in biometric technology, using facial, iris or palm scan, provide flyers with the option to fast-track through lines at security. For an extra fee, frequent business travelers apply in advance for “trusted traveler” status, allowing them to circumvent security checks completely.
Immigration and emigration processing is streamlined and automated as traveler data and security information is instantly shared through computerized systems around the world.
Finally, thanks to better airplane design, engines are quieter, allowing flights to depart in the middle of the night without disturbing the homes and neighborhoods situated close to the airport.
Why wait until 2025?
For many business travelers, the future has already arrived. Business travelers using private jets already enjoy perks that allow them to skip past security lines and follow minimal immigration/emigration processing.
Additionally, flying privately today allows for flexible departure schedules, open seating, and the convenience of toting extra luggage. Plus, once in the air, the private jet becomes either a flying boardroom or bedroom, where work or rest occurs without disruption or distraction.
Perhaps Alec Baldwin should consider these benefits before he steps on another commercial flight.