The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 led to a need to minimize physical contact, which resulted in multiple advancements in the virtual world of business. Companies have adopted remote work technologies, with one-fifth of the workforce working remotely now, and businesses have shifted to online sales. As a result, the business world, including the travel industry, was reshaped. This shift prompted the rise of contactless travel, a concept designed to improve traveling experiences. This article explores innovations in contactless travel and how they can optimize your journey.
What is Contactless Travel?
Contactless travel refers to making travel arrangements that require minimal contact with others. You use digital apps rather than physical interaction to book flights and pay for in-destination expenses. This shift addresses health concerns by minimizing physical interactions and streamlines travel processes, making them more efficient and user-friendly.
Innovations in Contactless Travel
Over the years following 2020, there have been many developments in contactless travel to increase efficiency:
1. Passport Scanning
A passport scan is a digital process that involves reading and capturing information on a passport using special technology. It does this by reading the machine readable zone (MRZ) on your passport. It is a two-line code at the bottom of the photo page containing critical details such as the traveler’s name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and expiration date. The technology then converts this data into a digital format, which the travel services verify and process.
With passport scanning, you no longer have to wait hours at the airport for your passport check-ins, speeding up the check-in process. This makes your travel more comfortable and convenient. You will also no longer need to go through manual checks, reducing the risk of human error.
By simplifying verification processes, you can focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about its logistics.
2. Mobile Passport Applications
Mobile passport applications enable you to manage your passport-related processes directly from smartphones. They have the following features:
- Passport scanning: You can scan your passport using the device’s camera, allowing quick data capture.
- Digital storage: the application will store your information, making it easily accessible in the future. Digital storage serves as a backup option in case you lose your physical documents. Having your passport details available can also speed up identity verification processes during your journey.
- Pre-approval for entry: some mobile passport apps allow you to submit your information to customs in advance, speeding up the entry process when you arrive. This reduces wait times so that you can move quicker through the airport.
- Updates: You will receive all essential notifications directly through the app in real-time. This will keep you informed throughout your journey and reduce stress.
With these applications, all your data will be in one place, making document management easier. Everything will be organized and readily available when needed. They also protect your information using encryption and secure storage methods, ensuring sensitive data remains safe from unauthorized access.
3. Smart Luggage
Smart luggage is a bag with various features to make traveling more enjoyable. The most popular ones include GPS systems, built-in chargers, and Bluetooth connectivity. These enable you to track the location of your bag in a crowded area, charge your phone when you’re waiting at the airport, and receive notifications and alerts on your phone if you stray too far from your bag.
Some models have remote locking mechanisms that can be controlled through an app on your phone, allowing you to lock or unlock your bag remotely. This can be a source of relief as you can make sure your belongings are secure even if you are not close. You can also customize alerts and set them up to inform you when your bag has been tampered with, giving an extra layer of protection.
Additionally, smart luggage can come with built-in weight sensors, which let you know if your baggage exceeds the airline limit. This reduces the need to weigh your suitcase again and again manually and helps you avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
4. Automated Self-Service Kiosks
A self-service kiosk is a device that allows you to independently manage your traveling tasks like seat selection and baggage tagging. You won’t need the help of the airport staff. Airports have kiosks with advanced passport scanning capabilities, allowing travelers to check in swiftly. Some are also equipped with facial recognition systems, facilitating verification.
Kiosks can give updates regarding flight statuses, gate changes, and boarding times, helping keep you informed and reduce anxiety. Many of them offer language options so that they can cater to a diverse range of travelers. Advanced models can offer personalized recommendations based on your travel history. Consequently, you can make well-informed travel decisions and plan your next trip. Kiosks often integrate with airline apps. This way, you can access your boarding passes directly from your smartphone, creating a well-connected travel process.
Endnote
Traveling is a joyful experience that can often be spoiled by waiting in long queues, carrying bulky documents, and constantly worrying. With contactless travel, however, these challenges can be reduced significantly. Embrace the convenience of digital solutions and enjoy every moment with greater ease.
Photo by Atoms on Unsplash
