Flyers embrace travel technology

A new survey has revealed that a significant proportion of air travellers now use e-tickets and self-service options when flying overseas.

Almost nine in ten passengers stated a preference for e-tickets over their paper counterparts in the poll by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), while over two-thirds said they had used self-service kiosks at the airport.

More than half said they had used internet check-in facilities in the past, while 54 per cent indicated that they wished to see more self-service options become available.

Calls were also made for the ability to select and change seats online, as well as for being able to amend bookings and obtain last-minute upgrades at the departure gate.

"The consumer has spoken and the message is clear," commented Giovanni Bisignani, director-general and chief executive of the IATA.

"Self-service is part of full-service expectations. And airlines are responding with technology that gives travellers greater convenience and more options to control their travel experience."

Earlier this month, a survey by air transport IT and communications firm SITA found that over half of airports around the world have installed dedicated self-service check-in kiosks, with a further 20 per cent intending to do so within the next five years.

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