Airline passengers ready for wearable technology: SITA

Passengers have no problem with airline or airport staff using wearable technology, such as smart watches and glass. This was revealed recently in the SITA/Air Transport World Passenger survey, which reported that nearly 77% of the 6,277 passengers surveyed would be comfortable with use of wearable tech to help them on their journey.

The global survey, which sampled passengers travelling through top 30 airports, highlights growing importance of the tech-savvy passenger. Among passengers interviewed, almost every passenger (97%) carries a smart phone, tablet or laptop when they fly, and one in five travels with all three.

Passengers want to be able to use technology at every point of the journey, and many already do. In total, 76% are using airline apps, and 43% say this has made a definite improvement to their travel. More than half (53%) want personalized alerts about any delays sent directly to their phones, and 57% want airport maps and directions. Half would like to use their smart phone for boarding.

Francesco Violante, chief executive officer, SITA, said: “Travel is better with technology. And tech-savvy passengers expect more personalized apps and services consistently. As new technologies such as wearable tech, NFC and iBeacons become commonplace, they present a great opportunity for airlines and airports to engage directly with their passengers to provide efficient services throughout the journey.”

The ninth annual SITA-ATW Passenger Survey was conducted across 15 countries worldwide with nearly 6,300 participants. The 15 countries involved in the survey represent 76% of total global passenger traffic.