Goodbye Old Friend

With Continental Airlines about to become a thing of the past, we felt it was right to give a eulogy, tie up some loose ends in the will (including mileage point custody), and let you know how to prepare for the final moments of the life of Continental Airlines. 

To be fair, this isn’t exactly a eulogy as United and Continental actually merged in 2010. That being said, a merger of this size comes with lots of baggage (pun intended!), so let’s first take a look at who came out on top. After this week, the Continental “name” no longer exists (1 point United); from a technical standpoint, though, Continental ceased to exist on November 30th, 2011 when the FAA issued a single operating certificate to United Airlines.  Pilots have been using the “United” call sign in air traffic control for sometime. While the United name won out, the familiar Continental globe will be the logo going forward (1 point Continental). Headquarters were chosen to be in Chicago (2 points United) but Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport will be the biggest hub (2 point Continental).  United’s window first boarding method was adopted verse Continental’s back to front method (3 points United). As for the coffee pots, it was decided to go with Continental’s slimmer, sleeker metal serving pots (3 points Continental). See, this was a MERGER!  

Familiar but new: United name Continental logo

Mileage: Goodbye OnePass Hello MileagePlus. Members of Continental’s old OnePass system will have an easy transition; their current OnePass number will automatically become their new MileagePlus member number. Members of United, however will notice that the old program lost the space between mileage and plus and that they will receive a new account number (8 character alphanumeric vs. the old 11 digit system). Frequent fliers will have their Mileage Plus and OnePass miles combined, which could be a good thing, as separately you may not have qualified for status but combined you might.  Detailed MileagePlus status requirements can be found here. Before the big computer sync on March 3rd, we suggest you print out copies of your current mileage just in case anything gets lost during the transition.

So, what else can we do to prepare for the final switch, scheduled for March 3rd, 1AM CST? Although we don’t expect a doomsday scenario, if history has taught us anything (cough, cough US Airways, Virgin), you should be prepared for some hiccups. All Continental flights will be renumbered as United Flights (CO now = UA). The Continental website will simply redirect you to United. The reservation system will switch from United’s Apollo to Continental’s SHARES and this might result in lost bookings so we recommend you have receipts and boarding passes printed out.  It might be too late to change a flight, or unavoidable to fly at all, but be prepared with back up plans. Also, don’t check your bags. Chances are higher than normal that something will go wrong and your bag will end up in the wrong location. Not having a checked bag gives you the most flexibility in case some glitch causes flights to be cancelled.  And if something does go wrong, keep calm, everyone yelling at a ticket agent who is most likely using a system completely new to him/her won’t help. 

We are sad to see you go Continental, but excited to see what this marriage will produce. While we hope there are no issues with the final transition, we urge travelers to have backup documentation and even backup plans should something go awry.  

“Work Hard. Fly Right”

Expedited Airport Security: We All Want It, But How Do We Get It?

Last week, it was announced by the TSA and Homeland Security that the new TSA Pre√ passenger-screening program will be expanded from 7 airports to 35 US airports.  As we heard about this program’s expansion, we thought it would be helpful for frequent travelers to better understand all of the options for expedited security. 

Excluding individual airline status or class, there are currently 4 primary unique ways for travelers to access expedited security: Global Entry, TSA Pre√, Black Diamond Self Select and CLEAR.  Below we outline each option, including requirements as well as the pros and cons for each program.  

Global Entry, Nexus, and Sentri: This is a special US Borders and Customs programs meant for frequent international travelers, although there is no minimum amount of travel needed to apply.  These programs are meant to speed up the customs process - Global Entry is for general international travel while Nexus and Sentri are for Canada and Mexico, respectively. These programs allow expedited customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. The process is not for the faint at heart; you need to fill out an application online ($100 fee) and then schedule and pass an interview administered by a U.S Customs and Border Protection officer. 

Airport process: Upon arrival at the airport, a traveler proceeds to a Global Entry Kiosk, presents their passport or U.S permanent resident card, places their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and makes any customs declarations. The passenger is issued a receipt and is able to proceed directly to baggage claim and exit. 

  Pros: Avoid border control lines, Great for frequent international travelers                                                                 Cons: Cost, Upfront time investment

TSA Pre√: The concept of TSA Pre√ was born out of the philosophy that not all travelers pose the same level of risk. By moving away from the one-size fits all concept, to a more risk-based system, the hope is an improved airport experience for all.  Currently the program is opt-in only. If you were eligible via airline status, a participating airline (currently only American Airlines or Delta Air Lines but soon to be Alaska Airlines, US Airways, and United Airlines) would have contacted you with an invitation. If you accept the invitation, TSA will be notified and you will undergo a pre-screening process. Upon passing the pre-screening, you will be issued a PASS ID. Members of Global Entry, Nexus, or Sentri are also eligible to opt in to the TSA Pre√ program. For detailed information on roll out dates and participating security checkpoints for the TSA Pre√ program please check here.

Airport process: When you book your flight you will submit your PASS ID in the ‘Known Traveler Number’ field on the booking website. Upon arrival at the airport, participating travelers will walk through a dedicated lane at airport security checkpoints. TSA Pre √ boarding passes will be specially encoded and recognized by the TSA officer’s machine as low-risk.  This will allow the passenger to skip having to remove belts, shoes, and jackets and leave laptops and liquids in bags when being searched. 

 Pros: Free, Dedicated security line, No need to remove shoes, belt, laptop, and liquids                                      Cons: Invite only unless you go through US Customs and Borders programs. 

Black Diamond Self Select: Modeling itself after ski icons and coloring scheme, 51 airports have implemented self-select lanes.  The lanes aim to both decrease wait times and the anxiety of the process.  

Airport Process: As you approach security at a participating airport, the three different lanes will be clearly marked and a passenger decides which to take. Green is for families with small children and strollers, passengers with special needs, and passengers not familiar with TSA procedures. Blue is designated for passengers familiar with TSA rules but not exactly an “expert”. Lastly, Black is for those who know how to get through security quickly and efficiently. 

  Pros: Free, No upfront time investment                                                                                                                             Cons: Traveler confusion over lines, Larger pool of travelers could impact the speed of even the Black lanes

CLEAR : CLEAR is a non-affiliated TSA program that has eliminated not the security clearance, but the verification check (when the TSA agent initially asks you for your boarding pass and identification). CLEAR members have opted to automate the verification check process using biometrics such as fingerprints and iris scans through an upfront registration process (1 time, prior to traveling).  

Airport Process: When you arrive at the airport (having already done the upfront biometrics registration) you use your CLEAR card at a designated CLEAR kiosk. After verifying your biometric information, you have access to exclusive CLEARlanes that will bring you straight to screening. The cost of such convenience? $179 a year. Although only at MCO and DEN currently, they are expanding to SFO and we hope others!

   Pros: Skip ID check line, which is often the longest part of the security process                                                   Cons: Cost, Upfront time investment, Still go through regular security screening lane, Only available at 3         airports

So, speed through identity check or potentially speed through security. The new TSA program is definitely a step in the right direction but take us back to the days where we didn’t have to take our shoes off and we’ll be even happier campers.  

Airports: Prepping for the Super Bowl & Other Big Events

It’s a big deal. It’s the biggest deal. Last year 111 million people watched. Economic impact of $350 million. Living Social deal at $5,550. Jetsetter deal at $12,500. Airline prices tripling, hotel prices doubling.   

This weekend will be Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium is projected to hold 75,000 people. An estimated additional 50,000 non-ticket holders are expected to show up as part of the festivities. The city has implemented a dizzying array of traffic changes. Of the attendees, 85% are from another state with 70-90% arriving by plane, equating to at least 1,200 planes expected to land in central Indiana.

Given our love of all things airports, we thought it would be fun to learn about how airports prepare for big events.

All those VIPs

 The influx of fans is one thing, but the special accommodations for the athletes require real finesse.

-       At London Heathrow International Airport, in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, a dedicated Games Terminal will be set up for the athletes, offering bag collection straight from the Olympic village to the airport.

-       Jacksonville International Airport, for Superbowl XXXIX opened Air Cargo 4 as a makeshift satellite passenger terminal to handle the 210 buses, 2,400 limos, 3,400 taxis, and 7,200 rental cars.

-       Houston Airport System, in preparation for hosting the Final Four, worked closely with the hosting convention center and visitors bureau to best coordinate the arrivals of the teams via chartered planes. Special procedures and months of planning are required for such a tremendous undertaking.

-       Indiana will set up temporary terminal towers at three regional airports to help direct the heavy air traffic.

Welcoming Spirit

Signs. Banners. Videos. Give-a-ways. Hosting airports are the first impression visitors get and it’s important to make it a good one.

 

-       Houston Airport System hung banners, elevator decals, floor decals, roadway banners, and column wraps. The airport was appropriately staffed with “point guard volunteers” to answer fan’s questions. Trinkets such as mini basketballs and luggage tags that said “see you in 2013” were given out.

-       In Indianapolis International Airport, Super Bowl changes can be seen everywhere. Between banners hung up high, to special kiosks on the ground offering information, fans will be greeted and welcomed by a significant amount of Super Bowl and NFL décor. In Super Bowl Village, look for the blue and white scarves worn by the 8,000 volunteers. Possibly being a once in a lifetime event, these eager volunteers are giving a taste of Hoosier Hospitality that they hope will linger long after the guests have left.

-       “When I arrived at my terminal shortly thereafter, I thought I was in a country club. This was not your average, boring airport terminal– the people in Jacksonville transformed the waiting area into a fun place you almost don’t want to leave” said Gil Brandt, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys and now NFL.com senior analyst (had attended 36 of 39 Super Bowls at time of quotation). 

 

Game Day Tech

Lastly, we’d like to share a few cool pieces of technology that have gone into the Super Bowl experience.

-       Enhanced wireless coverage. Corning MobileAccess’s distributed antenna systems is delivering extra wireless coverage at major Indianapolis venues. With large structures and massive amounts of people competing for bandwidth, cellular networks often drop calls and provide slower data access. Lucas Oil is the fifth Super Bowl stadium to utilize this technology to bring outdoor cellular signals indoors and distribute them throughout the facilities to improve coverage for voice, texting, and data services. 

-       For the first time, the Super Bowl will be available on a computer and a phone. Collaboration between the National Football League, Comcast Corporation’s NBC, and Verizon Wireless, will mean that on a TV is no longer the only place to watch the Super Bowl.

Giants arriving in IND

 

Travel Tech and Trends to Get Excited About in 2012

WiFi while traveling is a game changer and we all know it.  In 2011, there sure was lots of excitement in this area, and we expect the ante to be raised in 2012. More and more flights will have this, as it no longer is seen as an “extra”, but rather internet at 30,000 feet above ground has become considered a necessity (as crazy as that sounds!).  For hotels, it’s not a question of just offering WiFi, but more what level of bandwidth should be available. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, the always-connected traveler is starting to demand superior connectivity.  Also, increasingly, WiFi hotspots are even coming to cars, having already been announced for the 2012 Chevy Silverado and 2012 Ford Focus. And how can we forget this awesome little product: the Apple Airport Express

 

Smartphones will continue to change the way we travel. Whether it’s ordering cars in an unfamiliar city (via Taxi Magic, Groundlink or Uber) or ordering food in an airport (B4youboard) we’ve seen some amazing innovation in 2011, but there is still room for improvement. One area we would really like to see improvement in (and predicting there will be) is the mobile boarding pass. We have started to see the promise of this technology but it isn’t quite there yet.  We can’t wait for the day when all airports and all airlines have mobile boarding pass screeners (and they actually work!).  While simple, the ability to book and receive our tickets on our phones will greatly enhance the seamlessness of day of travel.

Our favorite to research and predict though are gadgets for travel. After looking through hundreds of new travel gizmos, it’s impossible to predict which will have the biggest impact. One clear trend was in the innovation of extending the life of our precious electronics. Whether it’s solar powered, AA battery powered, or just an extra case, we are always trying to squeeze a bit more juice for our devices (and then smugly look at those hovered over the electrical outlets at the airport).

 

Lastly, we came across two AWESOME products for those that enjoy traveling in comfort.  Firstly, no longer do you have to leave your trusty Tempur-Pedic set at home. Secondly, are you one of those wine lovers who are never totally comfortable leaving home without your favorite bottle of wine? What better way than having a bag specially designed to carry and protect those bottles.  This bag will let you sleep easier up in the cabin, as you know those bottles you wanted to share with a friend are safe. 

Spreading the Holiday Cheer— Airports and even TSA participate

Holiday travel can be tense for everyone so we’d like to highlight the extra distance certain airports go to keep with the true spirits of the holidays. As mentioned in our previous blog post, having a positive attitude can go a long way. Beyond just decorations, these efforts ensure that our spirits aren’t crushed on those long lines.    

For staters, the Transportation Security Administration and the Los Angeles International Airport have organized choir performances by local middle schools, choir groups, and even the TSA employees themselves. These flash-mob style performances are sure to transform the stressful airport environment into a scene straight out of the jolly factories of the North Pole.  Talk about a non-typical TSA experience!

Houston Airport System is taking part in a few nationwide programs. At HOU and IAH you can access free WiFi to use Skype to call your loved ones and friends while you wait (or you can just use the WiFi to get online). Another awesome thing offered at HOU is at the Central Concourse - Gate 40 where Microsoft has joined with Southwest Airlines to offer free holiday photos. With the help of a “Windows 7 Elf” you can get your picture with Santa right at your gate.  How fun is that!

San Diego Airport is offering complimentary gift-wrapping for passengers post-security. Cheerful volunteers wrap those gifts that you were too scared to wrap yourself before going through security. Exact information on location and times can be found here.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor, along with festive decorations, product demos, and food samples, a food drive has been organized in Terminal 3 by HMS Host to benefit a local charity. So if you have some extra food in the house before you leave for the holidays, bring it with you to the airport!  Nothing spreads the holiday cheers like a donation to those in need.  Also, like San Diego Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is offering free gift-wrapping past security (through tomorrow, 8am-4pm) in Terminal 4. 

Toronto Pearson Airport has several initiatives focused on delighting travelers. Mrs. Claus will make her way through the terminals reading stories to children waiting for their flights. Taking the concept of carolers one step further, anyone with family or friends travelling through Pearson can send a tweet to @torontopearson and the carolers will greet them with a holiday song (um, yes please!).   Very innovative and a great way to pass the time!

So while the next few days are going to be packed at the airports be on the lookout for fun, engaging programs these airports (as well as many others around the country) are running.

Happy Holidays!

Want to Survive The Holiday Travel? Follow These 5 Tips!

Traveling through the airport this season to visit family, friends, and loved ones sure can cause lots of headaches and anxiety. The list of potential hurdles is seemingly insurmountable: brutal security lines, disappearing luggage, flight delays, lost children – the list can almost go on forever.  That being said, we here at GateGuru want to make the holiday travel experience as bearable as possible so that you can stay in the holiday spirit. So while we can’t stop American Airlines from throwing you off the plane for playing Words With Friends, here are the 5 most useful tips you will receive to make your holiday travel as smooth as possible.

Travel light:

This will help you avoid those pesky baggage fees that no one can actually keep track of (though if you are checking bags, here is a great list so you know fees by airlines). In order to travel light, have your gifts sent directly to where you are going. If you chose to carry gifts, be weary of wrapping them as the airlines and TSA have the right to make you open them. In general, our rule is that if you can avoid checking a bag altogether, do that.  I mean, if you are going home, you have some awesome old high school sweaters to wear, right?

Arrive early: Sure, this seems like a no brainer. The holiday travel time is so unpredictable that your typical airport arrival times go out the door.  If the travel through security is smooth, have your entertainment (laptop, books, iPods) handy to keep you entertained (although nothing beats airport people watching) while at the gate.  If all else fails, you can even try those new pick-up lines at the airport bar.

Knowledge is power: Mobile apps have really changed the game for how you can experience your day-of travel.  If you have a smartphone, you can get all of the information you need on your day-of travel from apps.  In many cases, apps can actually give you more up to date flight information than what the gate agent is telling you about your flight, especially when there are delays.  Apps can also tell you the wait time at security, where the best food is in the airport, where the closest lounge is or where to find the gift shop to buy that last minute holiday gift. GateGuru actually does all of this btw J.

Have a Positive Attitude: Remember, we are all in this together. Traffic, long lines, delayed or cancelled flights; at the end of the day everyone wants to get home to celebrate the holidays. It’s easy to get frustrated at the airport, but adding a little humility goes a long way. You’d be surprised at how far a smile at the TSA agent or even the airline booking person can go.

Don’t worry about being “that person” 

Success favors the well-prepared right?  So get the noise canceling headphones, the neck pillow and the eye mask. While we personally are not “flight pillow people”, this is the one time of year that we won’t cast judgment on you.  Also, package your snacks and toiletries to the exact amount allowable amount in nicely compartmentalized bags. Have a bright yellow bowtie attached to your luggage for quick identification at the baggage claim.

Finally, what list would be complete without a few things to avoid:

Jewelry that can’t be taken off (looking at you Cartier love bracelet)

Weapons (even accessories with weapons on them!)

Words with Friends

Garlic (and other strong smelling herbs)

What are you waiting for?  GO WEST YOUNG MAN (WOMAN)!

- Your Friends at GateGuru

GateGuru 2.4 – Taking the Day-of Travel Experience to the Next Level

The History

Two years ago we launched the initial version of GateGuru, which revolutionized how you, the traveler, experienced the airport.  All of a sudden, your airport experience was completely transformed.  No more aimless wandering, guessing about pre or post security food options, or blindly walking into a restaurant, shop or lounge without having an idea of the level of service it would provide. 

In December of last year, we upped the ante for our users again, adding security wait times as well as itinerary management.  For our users, this elevated GateGuru from a fantastic tool if you were in an airport you were not as familiar with, into the most immersive mobile application for airport information.   And the results were strong – in just under a year we doubled our userbase. 

But That is Just the Beginning

While we are proud of the product we have delivered to date for our users, this is just the beginning.  We are not close to being done building our vision – the ultimate travel app for travelers on their day-of travel.  A big step towards that vision was the inclusion of flight status information. 

Since the launch of the initial version of GateGuru, we have been inundated with requests to add flight status information to our application.  While there are probably 30 – 40 mobile flight status apps, the combination of our incredibly popular airport information data plus flight status information will create an unrivaled tool for travelers. 

A Brief Walk-Through GateGuru 2.4

To familiarize our users with the new features and functionality to GateGuru, we wanted to give you a brief walk through of GateGuru 2.4. 

When you first open the app, you will notice that we changed a few things within the bottom tab bar.  We created a new tab called “Flights”, this is the main page for flight status information. 

Tapping the “+” button in the top right brings up a screen where you enter your flight information.  Entering your date, flight number and airline creates your FlightCard – a beautifully designed screen that has real-time flight status information. 

 

The FlightCard gives you, the traveler, immediate and dynamic (automatic updates FTW!) information about your flight including departure and arrival time and gate as well as real-time flight status.  As the flight status changes (from On-time to Delayed for example) your FlightCard updates with the latest status.

Tapping on the card pulls up additional details about your trip such as flight length, estimated arrival and departure, seat number and plane type.

An even more enjoyable and magical user experiences happens if you use TripIt or KAYAK’s itinerary management products.   Simply connect your GateGuru account to either of these services and sit back as your itineraries are loaded into GateGuru, with each of these trips automatically becoming monitored for any updates in flight status. 

While the FlightCards give you a wealth of information through a beautiful, innovative user experience, we recognize that our users should not have to open GateGuru to retrieve updated flight status information.  As such, we developed push notifications to alert you to important information or changes about in your flights. 

The GateGuru push notifications cover a broad spectrum of information.  For example, we have automatic reminders such as a 24-hour check-in / flight reminder or a 30-minute flight departure reminder notification.  

The GateGuru push notification system also covers any changes to your flight status.  So if your flight goes from On-Time to Delayed, GateGuru will send you a push notification.  Additionally, as your flight gets closer to Arrival (or once it arrives), we send a push notification with updated times, which often differ from scheduled times. 

GateGuru 2.4 was a big step in revolutionizing the day-of travel.  By adding flight status information, real-time updates and push notifications to our already powerful and useful travel app, we believe we have created a truly transformative tool for our users that vastly improves the day-of travel.  We have a lot more in the pipeline for 2012 and we couldn’t be more excited to have you along for the ride. If you haven’t downloaded GateGuru 2.4 yet you can do so here http://bit.ly/ggitu

Dan

GateGuru Co-Founder and CEO