Entertainment & Connectivity

Wearable Technology Makes for Smooth Passenger Experience

November 26, 2014 | Written by Jenn Wint

Sabre’s TripCase app

Wearable technology, defined as clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies, is lessening our load and putting access to information closer to our fingertips. We’ve come a long way since the wrist calculator of the 1980s and with the Apple Watch set to hit the market early 2015, the idea of wearing our technology as a fashion statement, is gaining momentum. In September at the Future Travel Experience Global conference, the SITA/Air Transport World Passenger Survey proved that passengers are ready for wearable technology to play a role in their travel process.

Earlier this year, Virgin Atlantic demonstrated the personalized service available by incorporating wearable technology. At the Airport Operators Association Annual Conference this month in London, Craig Kreeger, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, confirmed that Google’s glasses were moving into permanent usage in the Upper Class Wing at Heathrow. He credited the devices as a step towards a seamless customer experience.

Virgin Atlantic isn’t alone. In the next three years 16 percent of airports intend to implement wearable technology says Kevin O’Sullivan, lead engineer at SITA Lab, in a recent op-ed. Kevin will be sharing the latest updates in March 2015 at The Wearable Technology Show in London.

: Casio C-80, the original smartwatch

With baggage restrictions getting tighter, the switch to wearable technology is becoming popular with passengers as well as crew. Sabre is working to make their travel itinerary management app, TripCase, compatible with wearable technology. TripCase users with wearable technology “will receive real-time flight alerts, gate changes and other travel information conveniently on their wrists.”

Wearable technology options are becoming far more aesthetic, some even look stylish. With the Apple Watch available in a sport model or 18 karat gold, this technology is set to become a fashion statement as well as a convenient gadget.