Today marks day one of CES, the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the grounds for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.
Travel technologies are no stranger to the CES conference and today, Delta came to show up and show out.
Delta Air Lines’ CEO Ed Bastian delivered the keynote today and announced numerous upgrades coming to the travel experience this year and not one disappointed.
Here are a few of the Delta Air Lines announcements made at CES:
Delta’s mobile app will be undergoing a complete haul of out with the old and in with the new.
Pre-boarding:
The app will house new features like TSA checkpoint wait times, airport parking information and an integration with Lyft for arranging rides to and from the airport. The Lyft extension through the Delta app will automatically take into consideration flight delays and traffic using real-time data.
Later this month, Delta will be adding a new feature, Virtual Queuing. Virtual Queuing’s purpose is to lessen the amount of those annoying people who can’t help but crowd around the gate during boarding. The app will send a direct notification to your phone letting you know not only when it’s time to board, but when it’s time for your specific group to board which comes in handy for when you need a few minutes to grab that last-minute snack!
Also part of the pre-boarding experience, Delta will be introducing a new technology that identifies operational disruptions like severe weather. It will analyze possible decisions and predict outcomes to help dispatchers minimize delays and cancellations and reroute passengers.
In-Flight:
First and foremost, Delta is working on making WiFi free for everyone as well as making their entertainment systems Bluetooth accessible. I mean, it IS 2020, right? “Where else do you pay for Wi-Fi but on a flight these days?” said Bastion. “It should be free.”
While on the topic of in-flight entertainment, Delta’s app will allow you to start your show of choice from your phone before you board with the option to continue once seated. Good for those unruly toddlers or your dwindling attention span.
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Delta is also adding a “binge button” to its in-flight entertainment screens. This selection lets passengers watch all available episodes of a television show without interruption. Content from Disney Plus, Hulu Originals and Spotify will be available on flights, along with a channel dedicated to films and shows written, directed or produced by women or with women in lead roles.
Delta is practicing a commitment to highlighting more diverse/inclusive entertainment choices and they’re off to a great start.
While in flight, you can also order meals to meet you at your arrival gate, sync your phone to your entertainment screens, and use a chat feature to communicate with other passengers to get suggestions of things to do during your trip!
Post-flight:
Delta will be offering permanent luggage tags equipped with GPS. Sounds redundant? Think into a future where Delta has your luggage dent straight to your hotel so that you can kick off vacation as soon as you land.
We can’t wait for all of the new additions Delta has planned for 2020! For more information, you can visit the Delta website.
Happy traveling!