Technologies can improve the entire customer travelling experience. Frequent travellers demand speedier check-in processes and a higher degree of flexibility and control over their own travel arrangements. eTicketing and paperless communications are expected to improve customer service by reducing the level of bureaucracy, by increasing flexibility, and by speeding up all processes. Self-service kiosk applications will increasingly support travellers make travel reservations, check-in, receive boarding passes, select seats, check frequent flier miles, request upgrades, purchase a ticket, print e-ticket receipts, or check bags - all without waiting in-line for an agent. Providing self-services through kiosks and wireless technologies can provide benefits including: operational and productivity gains; reduction of check-in times; support of flights to depart and arrive on-time; minimisation of check-in unit costs; improved customer satisfaction; and reduced costs. In-flight entertainment, communications and constant interaction will also be critical in future. ICTs will therefore be used dynamically before, during and after the travel experience to serve passengers and to reinforce the airline brand.
The ability of travellers to connect from virtually anywhere with their wireless devices and adapt their itinerary is expected to be one of the most widely used services [10]. Wireless solutions will empower airlines to communicate with their passengers virtually anywhere, anytime. Wireless and mobile devices, such as Mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and laptops, are already used for searching and booking flights, altering flight arrangements, retrieving updated arrival and departure information, checking-in, and selecting seats. The Star Alliance allows members to download timetables and booking agents to their PDAs. Gradually, airlines will have to integrate their Internet presence with mobile portals whilst they will communicate flight alerts through a short message service or mobile email. Wireless networks are currently being implemented in several airports and airlines will need to work with ground operators to integrate their service.