Smart Solutions to Reduce Airport Wait Times

Airports are the focus of many complaints related to the quality of service provided. One issue is lengthy queues where passengers wait in line before reaching security screening checkpoints, immigration desks, or boarding gates.

Airport queues frequently occur because airport authorities fail to deploy enough resources to handle peak traffic demand during holidays and weekends. It can be due to unforeseen events such as a flight delay. To avoid long queuing times, the following are innovative solutions to help:

Deploying Bots To Manage Queues

Changi Airport has employed several robots in Singapore to ease the queuing times at security screening checkpoints. The bots can perform tasks such as greeting passengers at the boarding gates, guiding visitors around the airport complex, or helping passengers to find their way.

In addition, the bots can answer simple questions such as where a duty-free shop is located in the airport.

AI Based Queuing System

For New Zealand-based airports, an AI queuing system has been developed to analyze data collected from airport security screening checkpoints and automatically calculate approximate wait times experienced by passengers daily.

The system is accurate within four minutes (on average) for peak arrival periods during the day. Airlines can use it and other travel companies to plan flight schedules appropriately.

Parking Sensors

Airport authorities can install parking sensors to help ease traffic congestion at the airport. The sensors measure vehicle density and traffic flow 24 hours a day. If you have been to Fort Lauderdale Airport, you know how tiresome Parking at RDU can be.

When the parking capacity is reached or when there is a high rate of vehicles entering and exiting an area, drivers approaching that part of the airport will receive a warning, e.g., “Attention! The parking capacity for this part of the airport is almost reached.

Please consider utilizing another facility.” The warning increases convenience for drivers and reduces waiting times significantly.

Virtual Walls

When an unauthorized person accesses the tarmac, airports can utilize virtual barriers called “barriers” to keep intruders away from the aircraft. To reduce the risk of accidents, airplanes should park at remote stands or aircraft gates separated from passenger terminals with robust fencing.

These barriers can be placed anywhere around the airport, including at boarding gates, preventing unauthorized people from entering restricted areas.

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Zone Control Systems

Another intelligent solution is called the zone control system, where access to certain areas is restricted to authorized people or vehicles only. The system uses sensors placed at the entry points of airports that are connected to a control room.

When traffic density builds up at any part of an airport, zone control system administrators can close certain access points temporarily based on real-time data collected by sensors about traffic flow and prevent delays. Some airports have used this intelligent system to respond to any significant issues quickly.

Better Packing Systems

Passengers can reduce the time spent at the airport by reducing the number of items they carry on board and pack as many items as possible into their check-in luggage. Airports usually provide lockers that passengers can store things they consider too bulky to take on board. Some airports offer baby strollers for parents with small children or wheelchairs for the elderly.

We recommend installing a combination of intelligent solutions to reduce congestion and maintain operational efficiency for any airport. However, the long-term solution is expansion so that airports can accommodate more passengers and flights.

Some smart solutions such as virtual walls and parking sensors require runway construction which may not be possible in some locations. Nevertheless, using a combination of different systems will provide airports with a quick and efficient response to congestion issues while maintaining safety for both passengers and staff.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

Planning your next adventure?

Here are some of our go-to resources that we’ve personally tested over the years.

Find Your Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for hotels or hostels Booking.com is ideal for finding great hotel deals worldwide, with a wide range of options to suit any budget.

Book Your Flights

For unbeatable flight deals, we also recommend Booking.com Flights as they search across airlines and travel sites to ensure you get the best prices. It’s our favorite tool for finding affordable flights, no matter your destination.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must-have! Protect yourself from unexpected events like illness, injury, or cancellations. Here’s what we recommend:

* TrueTraveler (only EU citizens): Perfect for long term travelers looking for comprehensive and affordable coverage.
* SafetyWing (for everyone) Great for digital nomads, long and short term travelers.

Rent a Car for Your Trip

Need the freedom to explore at your own pace? Renting a car is a great way to travel off the beaten path. We recommend Discovercars.com a fantastic comparison website that helps you find the cheapest rates from all the major rental companies worldwide.

Book Your Activities

From guided tours to skip-the-line tickets, use Get Your Guide to plan unforgettable experiences wherever you’re going. It’s one of the best platforms for activities and tours.

Try Housesitting

If you love animals and you prefer going local during your travels, try housesitting, which is an amazing way to travel the world while taking care of the pets whose owners are on vacation. If you use TrustedHousesitters with this link you’ll get $25 discount on annual membership.

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