How a Modern Network Transforms the Travel Experience

Airports have undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the integration of cutting-edge technology. The significance of a modern network for airports extends beyond convenience today; it is a pivotal factor in enhancing airline operations, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. A recent travel experience survey by J.D. Power offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of air travel, reflecting a rising trend in overall customer satisfaction and increased airport spending. Modernization is critical for airports today, creating simple and enjoyable experiences for travelers, from real-time flight status updates and contactless payments at retail locations to self-service kiosks and guest-facing Wi-Fi.

Harry Reid International Airport, ranked in the top 3 mega airports regarding passenger satisfaction, exemplifies the transformative potential of modern technology in airports. Harry Reid International Airport leverages Extreme Networks as the backbone of their IT infrastructure, allowing them to manage various aspects of their operations seamlessly. The popular airport has a strong network to provide flexible support for both airlines in the facility and passengers. Maintaining connectivity across multiple airports and monitoring network performance ensure high customer satisfaction. Fabric technology has improved the speed, dependability, and analytical capabilities, streamlined their processes and enhanced performance.

A Deep Dive into What is Possible in Airports with a Modern Network

Connectivity plays a vital role in enhancing travel experiences for both passengers and airlines. It enables a range of technologies that enhance services and increase employee efficiency. For travelers, robust connectivity provides access to real-time flight information, allowing them to stay informed about delays, gate changes, and bag status. It also enables passengers to connect to the internet, access entertainment, work remotely, or simply stay in touch with loved ones while waiting for their flights.

Airlines benefit from connectivity by improving operational efficiency through real-time communication with ground staff, ensuring better resource allocation and access to necessary information. Additionally, connectivity facilitates seamless bag tracking, reducing the risk of mishandled luggage.

Gate Management

Gate management is crucial to creating an efficient and seamless traveler experience. A modern network is essential to managing gate traffic and updates, enabling real-time updates on flights and remote gate assignments, facilitating passenger flow management, and informing airline resource allocation.

Automated Display Signage

Another way that airlines communicate with passengers is the digital signs located throughout the airport. To ensure the most up-to-date information is accessible to passengers, it is important that these signs are connected and automated to populate the latest gates and departure times for all flights.

Luggage Tag Tracking

Luggage tag tracking ensures that all checked luggage is transported efficiently and successfully gets from point a to point b. When luggage goes missing or is mishandled during transfers, it not only causes inconvenience to passengers but results in operational inefficiencies for airlines. Modern networks enable the RFID technology to improve luggage tracking capabilities to minimize the risk of bags getting lost in transit or misdirected, improving passenger satisfaction and saving airlines considerable costs associated with luggage mishandling. Passengers also benefit from the peace of mind that comes with tracking their bags throughout the journey as most airlines have apps that let them track where their bag was last scanned to ensure that it is following them on their travels.

Visitor-Facing Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi has become a necessity in airports today. The digitization of travel, from mobile boarding passes to online restaurant orders, has revolutionized the passenger experience. Travelers now expect to seamlessly navigate through terminals, stay updated with real-time flight information, and even get work done or indulge in entertainment, all of which require a strong connection.

Biometrics

Biometric technology has emerged as a game-changer for airport operations, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency. This technology uses unique physical and behavioral characteristics to streamline the security process, expedite boarding, and shorten lines by keeping them moving efficiently. Passengers benefit from a quicker, more seamless journey through the airport with reduced stress and wait times. The effectiveness of biometrics is dependent on a robust network infrastructure, enabling a reliable, high-speed network essential for real-time data processing, seamless communication between different systems, and secure storage of sensitive information.

The Airport of the Future is Here Today

Modern network technology has transformed airports, making travel more efficient and passenger-centric. To stay competitive and continue to create a better travel experience, airlines must embrace innovative technologies and find new ways of using network data to ensure they remain at the forefront of delivering a seamless, convenient experience for travelers.