With the start of a new year comes renewed optimism, and travelers can expect several travel technologies rolling out that aim to simplify the journey from booking to boarding.
Airlines are increasingly offering automatic check-in 24 hours before departure when passengers download the carrier’s mobile app and use an electronic boarding pass. This removes one more task from the traveler’s to-do list and speeds up the airport experience for many who prefer a mobile-first approach.
For passengers who still check in at the airport, new customer service robots are being introduced in some terminals to assist with routine questions and basic check-in tasks. One early model appeared at Seoul’s Incheon Airport prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics, and similar robotic assistants are expected to appear in more departure halls as airports and technology companies expand these services.
Security screening is also evolving. TSA PreCheck members may encounter biometric trials that use fingerprint and iris scanning to verify identity, with the goal of making expedited lanes quicker and more reliable. Airlines are experimenting with facial-recognition boarding as well: Lufthansa has continued testing facial-scanning technology for passengers boarding in Los Angeles (LAX) and Frankfurt (FRA) to streamline the boarding process while maintaining security standards.
On the booking side, virtual reality is being explored as a way to give travelers a better sense of what they’re purchasing. European technology company Amadeus is developing VR headsets that would let travelers preview the view from a chosen airplane seat or evaluate the size and layout of a hotel bed before completing a reservation, reducing surprises on arrival.
Together, these advancements promise a more connected, efficient travel experience—faster check-ins, smarter security lanes, helpful in-terminal assistance, and richer previews of travel products—while continuing to balance convenience with safety and privacy considerations.