Airports Start Mobile Phone, E-Mail Messaging Services
A number of US airports have started cellphone and e-mail messaging services to passengers.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Boston-Logan International and Seattle-Tacoma are among the airports which are now sending messages and alerts for e-mail, mobile phone and PDA users.
Passengers subscribe to receive the free alerts and messages, which provide them with the very latest updates on a range of information including flights and security waiting times.
Boston's service, known as Flight Alert, began last week. It includes messages alerting passengers to cancellations, or delays which will be greater than 30 minutes.
The services can also provide passengers with details of whether there are last-minute gate changes.
Airport E-Mail Alerts
Taking advantage of the rising popularity of mobile e-mail and PDAs, Seattle-Tacoma and Chicago's two airports at O'Hare and Midway also allow travellers to register for airport e-mail alerts.
At Chicago O'Hare and Midway, the e-mail updates also cover the state of parking conditions around the airport, with updates sent whenever the status of parking spaces change.
Users of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International's "Trak-A-Flight" are able to tailor their messages to their specific flight, and choose whether it is delivered to their mobile or PDA or their computer.
Atlanta's service also includes an option for messages featuring waiting times at security checkpoints.
Airport Mobile Phone Alerts
Airlines have sent electronic alerts to passengers for some time, but airport officials say their airport mobile phone alerts and emails are better because they provide comprehensive to passengers beyond flight information, such as security waiting times.
They believe that they can improve the customer service experience offered by airports.
Certainly, some passengers think they are useful. David Mazzotta, a marketing consultant who subscribes to Seattle's service, told USA Today: "I think it's great, and it helps me immensely. It allows me to stay longer with a client when a flight is delayed".
The information used for the services is derived from a variety of sources, such as airlines themselves and data from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Source - Airport International's US Correspondent
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