The Internet of Things (IoT) has moved mainstream, making daily life easier for everyone. Nearly one in five adults in the United States has access to a smart speaker in their home, and that number will only continue to grow.
Smart technology doesn’t just help us in our homes, assisting in playing music and turning off lights ”it’s also a strong presence in today’s world of travel.
In 2016, for example, Delta Airlines invested $50 million into a sophisticated bag-tracking system that notifies passengers of their bags’ location via push notifications through the Delta app. If a passenger misses their connecting flight, the new system helps employees to locate the bag and retag it so the passenger can be reunited with their luggage at their final destination.
So, what are other ways the IoT affects the travel industry, and what smart services should we be looking forward to in 2019?
What’s in Place Now?
There are many smart technologies already in place in the travel industry that are primed for real growth this year. These additions make traveling easier and more efficient for travelers and for the industry as a whole.
Airport Navigation Assistance
The hurried pace inside the airport can often be frustrating for travelers, making navigation through the maze of gates and people almost impossible. But the IoT can cut through some of that chaos. The Miami International Airport’s smartphone app, for instance, uses over 500 beacons to track where passengers are and send personalized messages directing them where they need to go.
Security Line Notifications
The London City Airport was one of the first to hop aboard the IoT train, using tech to drastically improve airport efficiency. Since then, other airports have also begun using sensors to exchange data and send notifications to passengers’ cell phones, letting them know possible wait times or delays. This direct communication helps travelers plan when to arrive at the airport to avoid the chance of missing a flight due to long lines.
Digital Guest Experience Improvements
Through IoT, hotels are now able to customize the guest experience more now than ever before. From keyless entry to personalizing the firmness of the mattress and temperature prior to guests’ arrival, smart tech is giving travelers all the comforts of home on their trips.
Bag Tracking
As mentioned above, IoT tech has greatly improved bag tracking, allowing airlines and travelers to track bags at every step along the way. No more stressful moments at the baggage claim hoping your bag arrived ”the airlines followed your bag for you. And for travelers who don’t want to rely on an airline’s system, there’s also smart luggage, which allows users to track their belongings on GPS.
Maintenance Monitoring
With the help of smart technology, airlines can monitor an aircraft’s mechanical functions and be kept abreast of any potential fuel or weather hazards that may be on the horizon. This helps airlines be proactive in handling small issues before they become large problems.
Remote Home Observation
One of the biggest barriers to travelers taking (and enjoying) their vacations is home security ”it can be hard to leave home and belongings unattended for a week or more. Luckily, smart home tech can alleviate this worry. Smart thermostats, locks, and detectors help homeowners ensure everything is as it should be from anywhere in the world. Certain providers even roll up smart security with another home tech to give travelers total home control no matter where they are.
Wearable ID and Payment Tech
Disney’s MagicBands allow theme park visitors to experience attractions in a whole new way. The bands act as a ticket, payment option, and data collection point for the Disney team. Usage data is collected and stored so Disney can continue to grant their guests personalized experiences. The happiest place on earth knows how to make their guests happy, and it might not be long before we see this tech popping up across even more tourist destinations.
What’s Coming Down the Pike?
Customer experience and personalized travel are at the top of the list when it comes to IoT improvements for the travel industry. Each traveler will feel like they’ve had a red-carpet experience tailored just for them.
Streamlined Check-In
One emerging application comes from Dubai, where passengers can register their biometrics and then use retinal recognition as they approach passport gates, cutting check-in time down to less than one minute in some cases. With that kind of efficiency on the line, 2019 could be the year this tech really takes flight.
In-Flight Experience Enhancements
Over the past few years, a few different groups have experimented with in-flight tech that could help track biometrics. It’s possible that soon, sensors installed on planes could allow flight attendants to monitor passengers’ temperatures, anxiety levels, and even hydration to provide a more sensitive and customized experience for each passenger.
Tourist Assistance
With the help of sensors placed around larger travel destinations, resort execs and designers can collect data about tourists’ activities and reactions, and then use that to construct and direct future experiences. The findings could be passed along to other travelers as they arrive at the destination to make their sightseeing and dining experiences even more personalized.
No matter where you travel, the IoT will make the experience more pleasant ”often without you even knowing it. The next time your bag makes it to your final destination after a delay or you find yourself opening your hotel door with keyless entry, know that smart technology is working hard behind the scenes.
To learn more about where the IoT could be headed this year and beyond, check out this article.
