Frustrated by waiting at the check-in line at the airport? Now, there's a solution that offers the time-starved road warrior and weary traveler greater convenience by bringing the check-in agent to the passenger.
Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE: TSG), the leading provider of technology and marketing services for the travel industry, American Airlines (NYSE: AMR) and Symbol Technologies (NYSE: SBL) announced today a wireless mobile computing solution that equips airline airport agents with a handheld computer that is integrated with wireless local area network communications to access passenger flight information and check-in travelers anywhere in the gate area.
Called Sabre(R) RovingAgent(TM), the system is currently being used by American Airlines at the San Jose International Airport. Passengers are calling it "Amazing!"
American Airlines, citing the successful test during the ultra-busy summer travel season, is planning to roll out the technology to other highly trafficked airports, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the world's busiest airport, New York's La Guardia Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The RovingAgent is centered around a Symbol SPT1740 web-enabled handheld computer that integrates Sabre's global distribution system and Symbol's Spectrum 24(R) wireless LAN solution to create a mobile travel application, which performs airport tasks that are typically executed at a fixed counter. A tiny bar-code laser scanner and pen access screen gives Roving Agent the capability to check in travelers, confirm arrival and departure times, access frequent traveler information and change seating. A mini Comtec printer produces boarding passes on the spot.
"As the volume of travelers using airports increases, airlines will be faced with finding alternative means to process passengers. RovingAgent is just one of several products Sabre has developed to help airlines meet this need," said Joe Saliba, acting president of Outsourcing and Software Solutions for Sabre. "This innovative technology decreases the time it takes for ticket agents to assist customers, helping to increase passenger satisfaction and expedite the boarding process."
"We're seeing an explosion of mobile computing opportunities, especially involving customer service, and we're in a great position to take advantage of them," said Tomo Razmilovic, president and CEO, Symbol Technologies. "Our technology solutions don't end with passenger ticketing and check-in. There are vast opportunities providing a wireless infrastructure in major international airports and even in the aircraft itself."
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