Oneworld travel stations launched for 'smartphone generation'

The oneworld airline alliance and guidebook publisher Lonely Planet have teamed up to launch a number of information and advice stations for business and leisure travellers around the world.

Aimed at owners of smartphones and other technology-savvy travellers, the installations allow users to access information before boarding a flight and transfer this data to their own phones, laptops or other devices.

The travel stations, which use interactive, touchscreen technology similar to the Apple iPhone, provide language guides and audio casts, as well as advice on places to stay, where to eat and things to do in particular destinations.

This week saw the unveiling of the first stations in Amsterdam, Brussels and Milan, where the facilities will be based for an initial three-month period.

Ushma Patel, Lonely Planet's head of business development, said: "The travel stations are exciting new installations for travellers that can serve a number of their needs while biding time before or between flights.

"Travellers are increasingly relying on technology to enhance their trips and now they can get up-to-date practical information about a destination just before departing as well as authoritative reviews which you'd only find in our guidebooks."

Oneworld, which counts British Airways, American Airlines and Qantas among its members, has also announced that it is rolling out charging stations at selected airports, starting with Amsterdam and Brussels, that will allow travellers to power up their phones, laptops and other devices for free.

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