December 5, 2018
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports U.S. airlines carried an all-time annual high of passengers in 2017, beating 2016’s record, which suggests more people will crowd our airports this 2018 holiday season. Fortunately, technology-based services like check-in kiosks and mobile ticketing help passengers navigate and simplify their airport experiences.
However, without a reliable and robust wireless network, convenient technology tools are underutilized and efficiencies stifled. From business travelers working remotely from laptops at their gates, to tourist groups utilizing mobile ticketing and flight monitoring on their smartphones, passengers depend on the ability to connect while traveling. Airport security and customs officials are also increasingly using wireless technology to streamline travel. They rely on wireless infrastructure to implement biometric security devices, electronic baggage tracking and AI-enhanced customer service.
The holiday travel season can be a stressful time, with an influx of people in airports traveling to visit friends and family. A strong wireless network minimizes congestion, enabling travelers and airport staff to access the information they need in a timely manner and keep things moving.
Many business professionals utilize waiting time in airports to work remotely. Corporate travelers take more than 280 million business trips each year, with an estimated 80 percent of all business travelers using VPN technology, which requires a network connection.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is one of the most vital sectors of airports. TSA officers need seamless wireless connectivity to ensure the highest level of safety and security. With domestic and international flights peaking during the holiday season, it’s important that evolving technology like X-ray scanning equipment, biometrics, and automated screening can rely on a strong network to enhance security and improve the passenger experience.
As airlines and airports continue to experience increased numbers of passengers, the key to accommodating growth will be new technologies paired with a strong, reliable wireless network with the capacity to handle vast amounts of data.