The world is becoming more and more connected through IoT and technology. It has become easier for the business traveler to not only work remotely through technological innovations that enable connections like Teams, Slack, and Zoom. Now, IoT in the travel industry travel, companies are developing products to increase the ease of physical travel for airport-goers.
In one of my innovation now post, I talked about the travel industry (particularly travel agents), and how it was an industry vulnerable to fragmentation. However, with the Internet of Things, the travel industry is particularly well-placed to reap the rewards, because the IoT can enable further automation, personalize a more greater customer experience and has the potential to soothe a number of pain points along the passenger journey.
There are many different ways IoT can help the travel industry.
Airlines began offering advance online check-in services several years ago, and this improvement aligns with the increasing adoption of smart speakers in the consumer market. United Airlines now allows smart device flight check-ins via Amazon and Google Home smart speakers. You can also use the feature to find out about flight statuses or the amenities available during your journey.
Ever lost a baggage at the airport (insert everyone one who has traveled before raised hand!). In 2016, Delta emerged as a frontrunner in IoT application and became the first US airline to use RFID baggage tracking. RFID tags are set to eliminate the well-worn barcode scanning system for tracking luggage, and allow passengers to receive real-time luggage location information through the Delta smartphone app.
Hilton chain of hotels have come up with a “connected room” concept using their Hilton Honors app. Customers can convert their smartphone to a remote control to manage temperature and lighting in their hotel room for the entire “in-room” experience.
Hilton “Connected Room” app control pictured by Hilton Hotels
Hilton “Connected Room” app control pictured by Hilton Hotels
I am looking forward to after Covid-19 short weekend trips and long getaways to take advantage of these high-tech travel features. The Internet of things, like many other aspects of life, is leaving a huge imprint on the travel industry.
Resources:
- Boral, Sayak. Iottechtrends.com (2019, September 23) How the Internet of Things is Affecting the Future of Travel. Retrieved from https://www.iottechtrends.com/how-iot-affect-future-of-travel/
- Team, The Hub. Hub.united.com (2017, December 11) How the Internet of Things is Affecting the Future of Travel. Retrieved from https://hub.united.com/united-smart-device-check-in-2473795392.html
- Phocuswright.com (2017, August) The Internet of Things (IoT) Update: How a Smart and Connected World is Changing the Travel Experience. Retrieved from https://www.phocuswright.com/Travel-Research/Technology-Innovation/The-Internet-of-Things-IoT-Update-How-a-Smart-and-Connected-World-is-Changing-the-Travel-Experience
- Fastuca, Ross. Locomote.com (2017, March 03) Top 5 Internet of things Innovation in Corporate Travel. Retrieved from https://blog.locomote.com/top-5-internet-of-things-innovations-in-corporate-travel
- Tourwriter.com (2017, Ja 03) APA citation. Understanding travel industry fragmentation. Retrieved from https://www.tourwriter.com/travel-software-blog/understanding-travel-industry-fragmentation/
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