9 innovations changing the world of travel
Like any industry, travel is one that is constantly moving and evolving. Here are nine innovations changing the world of travel today.
1. Digital check-in
Your smartphone can now be your room key as hotel chains launch digital apps that let guests manage their whole check-in process from start to finish. You can also organise your own check out and order extras, like room service or pay per view movies, so you never have to queue at reception again.
2. Track your luggage
The danger of lost luggage used to be a persistent nightmare for travellers. Not anymore. A new range of digital trackers connect your luggage with your smartphone, so you can see exactly where it is at all times. Airlines are also upping their game with better luggage processing systems that virtually guarantee your bag will turn up in the right place as quickly as possible.
3. Inflight wifi
Today’s travellers want to stay connected at all times, so airlines are coming onboard with good quality, reasonably priced inflight Wi-Fi. High speed service is provided by cutting edge satellites, so you can stream movies or TV shows, browse the net or catch up on emails.
4. Rental car guarantees
No one wants to be stuck with a dud rental car or hit with exorbitant fees. To give customers greater transparency, companies like Avis are launching apps that show you exactly what cars are available, calculate the total cost, let you make a booking and even unlock the car for you.
5. Popular premium economy
There used to only be three options when flying – first, business or economy. Now, many airlines are recognising the benefit of adding a premium economy class to give travellers more choices within their budget. Premium economy can range from simply larger seats with more legroom to a sort of business class light experience with great food, lounge access and upgraded amenities.
6. Last minute deals
Traditionally, booking a flight or hotel room at the last minute meant paying a premium. Now, travellers can sign up to a number of sites or apps that will send you an alert when there’s a price drop on a fare and let you book it right away. There are similar apps for hotel rooms, so you can be sure you’re getting a great deal on your whole trip.
7. Check in round the clock
There’s nothing worse than arriving in your destination early in the morning after a long flight and not being able to check in to your hotel room until 2pm. Recognising that travel is a 24 hour a day business, some hotels are implementing check in policies that work around the clock, so you can check in when you need to and have your room for the full day, regardless of the time.
8. Help to use your points
Many travellers complain that they accumulate plenty of airline points but are unable to redeem them due to restrictive policies or limited flights. A new plug in for Expedia called 30K lets you see how many points are needed for flights, as well as the price. You can also calculate how many points you could earn for a flight and compare multiple reward programs at once.
9. High-speed transport
This one is still a little way in the future, however travellers can look forward to high-speed trains and planes completely revolutionising the way we travel. Supersonic commercial planes are currently in development that could make a flight from London to New York in just one hour. Within the next 10 years, bullet trains will connect capitals in Asia and carry passengers between hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in just 90 minutes.
What do you think of this list? Are there any innovations we’ve left out? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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