In our previous blog, “Navigating The Digital Skies: The Case for Rethinking Airport Apps“, we highlighted the decline in the popularity of airport mobile apps. At the time, only 7% of travellers reported using such apps. This lack of engagement has led many airports to abandon dedicated apps, instead investing in other digital tools, such as chatbots, which offer higher engagement rates.
Among the few utilities passengers found in mobile apps, flight status updates and notifications stood out as the most frequently used features. This raises an important question: Does an airport need to maintain a mobile app solely for flight updates and push notifications?
The problem
Passengers clearly prefer airline apps over airport apps. Most airline apps already provide real-time flight status updates, including delays, gate changes, and boarding notifications. These updates not only benefit travellers by enhancing their journey but also indirectly support airports by reducing missed flights.
However, airports lose a critical opportunity for deeper engagement with passengers. Features like parking and ground transportation information, or promoting retail and dining options, often go unnoticed when passengers bypass airport websites and apps. This missed engagement directly impacts both passenger satisfaction and airport revenue.
Currently, push notifications from websites are not well supported, forcing passengers to refresh websites manually for updates. While solutions like email and SMS are alternatives, they present challenges such as data privacy concerns and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
The Solution: Wallet FIDS
Enter Wallet FIDS, an innovative solution that integrates flight tracking and real-time notifications into mobile wallet applications like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This approach simplifies the passenger experience while offering airports a unique branding and engagement opportunity.
How Wallet FIDS Works
- Flight Selection: Passengers visit the airport’s website or scan a QR code to locate their flight.
- Add to Wallet: With a click on the “Add to Wallet” button, passengers receive an airport-branded pass to their Apple or Google Wallet.
- Real-Time Notifications: Updates from the Airport Operational Database (AODB) trigger push notifications, ensuring passengers receive crucial information directly on their smartphones even on locked screens.
Why Airport Teams Love Wallet FIDS
The Wallet FIDS solution offers numerous benefits for both passengers and airport digital marketing teams:
- No download required: Apple and Google Wallet apps come pre-installed on all smartphones, meaning users don’t need to download additional apps to benefit from this service.
- Enhanced Passenger Engagement: Push notifications delivered directly to users’ home screens ensure passengers stay informed throughout their journey.
- GDPR Compliance: Apple and Google Wallet cards do not require users to provide personal information such as email addresses, phone numbers, or social media handles, making them 100% compliant with data privacy regulations.
- Retail Opportunities: Airports can share targeted, timely offers for shopping and dining, increasing both customer satisfaction and revenue.
- Streamlined Integration: Easy to implement and customizable, Wallet FIDS integrates seamlessly with existing airport systems.
- Smartphone and smartwatch: Not only is Wallet FIDS compatible with nearly all smartphones, but it also seamlessly integrates with smartwatch notifications.
Get in touch with us
The Wallet FIDS pass by AirportCompass transforms the passenger experience with seamless flight tracking, real-time updates, and personalized engagement. Explore the potential of Wallet FIDS to enhance your airport’s digital transformation. Contact us to learn more and discover additional use cases for this innovative solution..
Airports are increasingly adopting technology to streamline operations and deliver a better passenger experience. One key innovation that addresses both challenges is the use of self-serve interactive kiosks for wayfinding and information. These kiosks not only empower passengers to help themselves but also reduce the need for costly information desk staffing.
Problem
Information desks, though essential, come with a high price tag and operational inefficiencies. Studies show that over half of the inquiries directed at airport staff are related to navigation—questions like how to get to a specific gate or where to find a shop.
Passengers waiting in line for information leads to frustrated passengers and an unnecessary constant strain on staff resources. Relying solely on staffed information desks is simply not sustainable or cost-effective for today’s busy airports.
Solution: Self-Serve Kiosks
Self-serve interactive kiosks are transforming the way airports deliver information. Strategically placed throughout the terminal, these kiosks give passengers a fast and intuitive way to access essential information. Passengers can locate gates, find restaurants, or check retail options instantly without waiting in line.
The digital maps on these kiosks are easy to navigate and can be updated in real-time, ensuring passengers always receive accurate directions.
By implementing self-serve kiosks, airports can significantly reduce the demand for information desk staff, allowing those resources to be reallocated to more complex tasks. The kiosks not only improve efficiency but also elevate the passenger experience, as travellers can find what they need at their convenience.
Additionally, kiosks can serve as a platform for promoting airport retail and dining. Contextual advertisements or special offers can be displayed based on the passenger’s location, increasing foot traffic to nearby establishments.
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Interested in optimizing your airport with self-serve interactive kiosks? Contact us to learn how our solutions can help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and deliver an enhanced experience for your passengers.