The 5 Best Updates in Airport Technology

Technology in airports is changing, finally! We’re sharing the 5 best updates in airport technology in this post. Discover them here!

The Transportation Administration Security (TSA) recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights. And 3 hours before international flights.

Still, you’re bound to be in long lines at various checkpoints: check-in, security, you name it.

This often leaves passengers feeling tired and overwhelmed. Not to mention, associating flights with a trip to the dentist.

However, there’s good news.

New airport technology may make these waits shorter and overall experience better.

Yes, we already have free Wi-Fi at the Clinton National Airport in Arkansas. And robot helpers at Tokyo Haneda Airport.

But there’s more!

Read on to find out what this specific technology is.

1.  Tag Your Bag

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) bag tags will be accessible in all major airports by 2017.

In case you don’t know, RFID tags track your luggage. This means lower loss rates for luggage. Which is especially important, given airlines such as Delta track roughly 120 million bags.

In fact, Delta states they’ve invested $50 million into this tag technology at 344 stations.

2. Check-In Kiosks

You know self-checkout at the grocery stores? Yes, we are going more towards “self-trends.” Airports are no exception.

Already 90% of airports have check-in kiosks. Out of this, more than 25% are self-bag-drop. (61% of airports have assisted bag drop.)

This entails more line options and possibly less wait times.

3. Facial Recognition Technology

You should plan on seeing this airport technology soon. Japan already uses this technology in 2 of its airports.

Charles De Gaulle Airport (France) also has enabled this as well.

But what exactly is it?

Facial technology scans your face. The biggest advantage of this is the lower rates of identity fraud.

The downsides though are probable job cuts. Not to mention, more information about passengers.

This isn’t so much a con for airports and airlines. But more so to the passengers themselves. Since we already have so much information about us via technology.

Nonetheless, facial technology could increase security. And the lines won’t be longer.

4. Wait Times

You know how you can see wait times for rides at amusement parks? Well, airports will have their own version of this.

Airport technology will combine analysis systems with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology. From doing this, the goal is to produce an algorithm for line predictions.

These wait times should be posted for all lines, not just security.

That way, you’ll know exactly how long it will take to go through various checkpoints.

5. Hello Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is commonly associated with Bitcoin.

Essentially it’s a digital, public ledger that records transactions and agreements.

The thing that makes this technology so enticing is the security.

In other words, blockchain technology is very secure.

Because of this, airports are considering its use. This would reduce cyber-attack risks. And put passengers in less danger of identity theft.

More technology you’ll see in airports

Besides this technology, plan on seeing:

• Artificial Intelligence (This is already extensive in other industries)
• Robotics (Especially in regards to directing you to security and terminals)
• ePassports (This is already in effect)

Want to know more about airport technology?

Check out our blog for the latest, most up-to-date flight news.