Wait times at TSA checkpoints became a hot topic this summer, especially when passengers stuck in screening lines began missing flights after arriving hours before their departure times. As lines grew, so did the frustration, and U.S. airports redoubled ongoing efforts to keep passengers happy while maintaining high security levels.
Collaboration and ongoing improvement are guiding principles at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (YOW). Recent enhancements to the airport's high-tech operations control center demonstrate how important both are at the Ontario facility.
As airports become increasingly complex environments to navigate, guests need more help from wayfinding aids. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is doing its part to relieve travelers' stress by installing digital LG directories throughout its two terminals.
When Uber burst onto the scene several years ago, using a smartphone app to arrange rides from privately owned vehicles struck a chord with select customers. Early adopters bragged enthusiastically about the money they were saving, other companies launched similar services and a new business model was born: transportation network companies (TNCs).
When disaster strikes, airport staff must react quickly and decisively - almost instinctively. That's why annual emergency training is so important. It helps employees perform appropriately and safely by providing opportunities to practice their particular roles in prescribed response procedures.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is adding a touch of Hollywood to its nature-friendly culture with a customized television network. The project is not about red carpets and entourages; it's simply another program to engage passengers and make their travel more enjoyable. A national media company provides specially modified programming for travelers and ultra-targeted advertising is expected to boost non-airline revenue - another ongoing effort at the busy hub.
Mowing an airfield requires an organized process - especially in Florida, where grass grows quickly thanks to never-ending sun and ample moisture. Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), situated on 1,700 acres of land between Tampa and Orlando, enhanced its approach last summer by changing from one-dimensional paper recordkeeping to a more integrated cloud-based software system.
There's no denying it: cell phones, laptops and tablets are officially ubiquitous. According to SAP, there were more mobile devices than people on Earth at the end of 2013.
Commercial airports certainly know where their travelers are going; but many don't know where they are coming from. Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) in Florida has been tracking such information for about six years, and officials enjoy the rewards that come with being in the know: more targeted advertising campaigns and stronger appeals for additional airline service.
In February, customers at Miami International Airport (MIA) began using a new mobile app designed to ease long lines at U.S. Customs stations. Although data is still being collected, preliminary reports indicate that wait times have been cut in half.
Ten years ago, McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas became one of the first U.S. airports to offer passengers free Wi-Fi inside its terminal. Now, the airport is beaming Wi-Fi outside, to passengers sitting on its ramps in arriving and departing aircraft.
Midway International Airport (MDW) is upping its game when it comes to tracking and maintaining assets both inside the terminal and on the airfield. Skyline Management Group, the Chicago airport's property management firm, purchased a Web-based system for managing preventive and on-demand maintenance in late 2012; and company officials report that it is saving time and money alike.
