The mobile device is overhauling the travel industry to the extent that within two years the passenger experience at airports will be almost totally digitised.
Airport and airline IT company SITA says in its latest report (The Future Is Connected) that by 2018 some 60% of passengers will use a mobile device self-service check-in, with 90% of airports offering assisted bag drop services.
The mobile evolution will also begin to shift into other elements of the passenger journey as an estimated 52% of carriers will use self-service tools to solve disruption and other problems with a trip.
Nigel Pickford, director for market insight at SITA, says:
"The air transport industry has already embraced self-service and now it is turning to the ‘Internet of Things’ to deliver a more connected experience to travelers.
"Half of airlines expect to have IoT initiatives up and running over the next three years meanwhile airports are building out the infrastructure to support IoT. Together these will deliver improved operations and will lead to a step change in the passenger experience."
Here is the infographic (click for a larger version):
NB:Full report is here.
NB2: Airport mobile image via Shutterstock.