News the other day that Alaska Airlines launched their own mobile ticket platform is probably just a sign of initiatives to come from a great many service providers. Combined withe their roll-out of another service termed Flight Status On the Go, the airline is making a real entry into the stand alone mobile booking space.
Alaska Airlines app on Google Play
Who better to provide a direct connect to such things as booking flights, gate information, flight status, and even low fare notifications than the airlines delivering on flight products? OTAs like Expedia and myriad others have taken a cut of the airline seat pie for years, and with mobile apps gaining momentum as booking channels…
The same technology that banks and credit card companies use to allow shopping online, now allows airline customers to connect and book right from those convenience “smart devices” everyone totes around these days. Alaska’s app for iPhone, iTouch, and even Android devices are certainly not alone, but it is significant to note how independent and regional carriers are adopting new booking platforms. Check in, flight status, even paying for checked bags is now possible without waiting in line or even moving from your seat at the airport lounge, or even your nearby hotel room.
Other regional carriers such as; Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Croatia Air, Korean Air, Turkish Airlines and dozens of others have already jumped onto the mobile service bandwagon. Say for instance you want to fly TAP Portugal to Agadir, Morocco. Just download the app and get hooked up with a flight and info on Frankfurt to Morocco say. Pretty soon just about anyplace on the globe, and route you can think of, will be hooked in to your smart device.
If your company has not gone mobile, the competition dictates your future.