- Some airlines are using artificial intelligence to improve travel.
- United Airlines uses ConnectionSaver, an AI-powered tool to help manage connecting flights.
- Smart gate technology also helps American Airlines flights find the closest available gate.
Artificial intelligence may take your job. But at least you're less likely to miss your connecting flight.
Industry leaders like United Airlines and American Airlines are using AI tools to create a smoother travel experience. This is a welcome initiative for passengers who experienced flight delays of 53 minutes on average last year.
According to the New York Times, one of the most impactful ways airlines are leveraging AI is to help determine whether planes should wait for connecting passengers.
For example, United Airlines uses AI-powered ConnectionSaver to better manage connecting flights. The company told Business Insider that the technology helps about 2,000 travelers make transit connections every day.
ConnectionSaver “identifies departing flights that can be held for connecting passengers while ensuring customers already on board the aircraft reach their destination on time,” the first version of the software was first released. the company said in a 2019 press release.
The tool can also send personalized texts to passengers who choose to receive notifications detailing the gate location of their connecting flight and how long it will take them to get there.
“United's Connection Saver technology automatically scans flights for highly connected customers and determines whether connecting flights can be held without disrupting other customers,” the press release said.
American Airlines is also getting into the AI game, developing smart gate technology.
Smart gate technology automatically assigns arriving American Airlines flights to the closest available gate with faster taxiing times, reducing the amount of time aircraft spend on the tarmac.
The tool is intended to avoid gate conflicts, reduce ramp congestion and limit late-night changes, according to a December 2023 press release.
American Airlines first introduced smart gate technology at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in 2021, and has since rolled it out at six other airports, according to the Times.
The Department of Transport announced last month that airlines must offer automatic refunds to passengers in the event of flight delays or cancellations.
Passengers who return their baggage late or pay for additional services that are missed are also eligible.
“Without this rule, in order to request and receive a refund, consumers would have to search the airline's website to find out how to make a request, fill out additional 'digital documentation' or, in some cases, online You have to go through a cumbersome process, such as waiting for hours on the computer. Phone,” the press release says.