Innovations In Travel

Emirates Airlines' Newest Innovation In Customer Service 

     On my latest trip to Dubai, I came across a couple of really amazing and truly innovative ideas.  Have you ever landed in a strange airport and have no idea where to catch that connecting flight.  Well, The Dubai International Airport has come up with a great solution to this daunting task.  They have several smart maps on each concourse.  At first glance, these maps appear to be the standard diagram of an airport, yet as you look more closely, you will quickly notice that it is completely interactive.  By the touch of a finger, it will highlight and show you the most direct path to any amenity you can think of.  If you would like to know how to get to the McDonald's, then push the button for restaurants, select your eatery of choice, and it will show you the shortest path to get there.  Or if you are interested in finding the closet mosque for morning prayer, then select mosque and it will direct you to the nearest one.  This seems cool right, but how about finding your departure gate before your connecting flight takes off?  That's the best part of this computerized map.  You place your airline ticket under the laser reader and it will highlight your departing gate.  It will also show you the quickest way to get there, so you can avoid missing your flight.

     Are you one of those people who wants to get some sleep on your flight, but is worried that you are going to miss out on that delicious free meal or drink service? Well, Emirate Airlines has created a solution to this difficult dilemma.  They have stickers with directions to the attendants printed on them.  If you want the flight attendant to wake you up for meal or drink services, then you can peel off the green sticker and place it on the back of your seat.  This way you can catch a catnap and not have to worry about when your pasta dish will arrive.  Emirates Airlines also has a purple sticker that will notify the flight attendants to leave you alone.  This is great, if you need to catch up on some well needed sleep.

     So, I hope that these new innovations will spread to other airlines and airports respectively.  These great ideas will make traveling easier on  everyone.