The travel industry has caught mobile fever and is rapidly developing tools and apps for the savvy traveler. While quick to provide basic mobile solutions, the industry has been somewhat lagging behind others in implementing truly engaging and useful mobile solutions. Now planes, trains and even hotels are quickly catching up to provide convenience while building customer engagement and loyalty through a slew of new apps.
Below we break them down for you and show how each is making travel easier and even encouraging repeat trips.
Promotions and Rewards
Realizing that a majority of people are traveling with a smartphone or another mobile device, hotel brands, Marriott and Wyndham, are capitalizing on this. Both companies recently updated their mobile apps to better serve customers and keep them engaged. Wyndham also launched a mobile loyalty rewards program that reveals incentives to mobile users checking in at properties worldwide.
Ticketing
Say goodbye to paper tickets. With United’s improved mobile app, not only is checking in easier but if there’s a delay you can find out how to re-book. The airline carrier is now utilizing its existing data better to assist customers. In Europe, mobile bus and train tickets are on the rise. And while it’s been slow to catch on here, new ways of paying, like Apple Pay will pave the way in acceptance and understanding of mobile payments on these forms of transportation.
Overall Experience
As the future of travel continues to evolve, the use of technology will likely only make it easier. Whether it’s rewards that pop up on your smartphone giving you a free night’s stay at a hotel or the ability to effortlessly check-in to your next scheduled flight or train trip, mobile has enhanced the way we travel. In the future, even airports will be more efficient utilizing beacons and facial recognition software to move you through security lines quicker.
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