Air passengers want to use their devices at every point of the journey, including during the flight, according to the latest research from airline technology specialist SITA.
The research shows 97% of passengers carry a smartphone, tablet or laptop and 20% carry all three when travelling with the balance now tipping in favour of being able to use their devices up in the air.
According to the SITA/Air Transport World Passenger Survey 54% want the ability to send emails and text and make and receive calls during the flight.
In addition, 45% say they would use their device to purchase food and drinks as well as browse duty free items.
The research, which surveys more than 6,000 passengers across 30 top airports, also shows the majority of passengers, 72%, are now happy to share data to get more personalised services. However, less than a third are interested in sharing their data for commercial offers.
The survey also shows an increasing demand for services delivered to their devices while on the ground with half of passengers wanting to use their phones for boarding.
More than three quarters of passengers say they are using airline apps and 43% say they have improved the travel experience. More than half of travellers, 53%, also say they want personalised alerts and 57% want airport maps and directions delivered to their phones.
Travellers are also widely accepting of wearable devices with 77% saying they are comfortable with airport and airline staff using the technology to help them with their journeys.
SITA has been involved in trials of wearables including a Google Glass headset pilot at London’s Heathrow Airport and a second trial at Copenhagen Airport. It has also developed an API enabling the use of smartwatches for boarding.
NB: Airport image via Shutterstock.
