Ten years ago I wrote a book called “The end of airports“that digital technologies and business air travel were on a collision course. At the start of the summer, my opinion was confirmed.
In July, a cybersecurity software outage brought airports all over the world to a standstill. It took airlines weeks to return to normal operations. Delta was particularly hit hardwith some 7,000 flights cancelled and delays well into August.
As an air travel expert who considers flights from a humanities and cultural studies perspectiveI believe that the brand new technologies being integrated into air travel management are a double-edged sword. While they improve safety and efficiency, they can even disrupt all the system more fragile and vulnerable.
The dark side of digital technology
Truth be told, aviation will depend on technology. Without it, humanity would never have taken to the skies. But latest technologies can create latest problems at the same time as they solve old ones. The latest digital technology inevitably offers imperfect ways of managing an unlimited, complex network of places, machines and folks.
And as computer systems turn into more finely tuned and integrated, they can even result in catastrophic failures, precisely due to the interconnected nature of technology. And we don't even need to talk in regards to the weather.
Last summer Software error event It won't be the last time an unexpected variable brings air travel to a halt. Fortunately, travelers don't must rely solely on airport technology systems or our own smart devices for a smooth journey. Here are six analog strategies travelers can use to take care of air travel debacles:
Old-school flight suggestions
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Pack correctly to be prepared for possible delays. Make sure you’ve gotten all the things you would like in your carry-on luggage for an unplanned overnight stay in a hotel or, worse, on the ground of an airport. Take Transportation Security Administration-approved toiletries and enough clothes to survive a stopover in an unexpected place. And wear comfortable shoes.
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Be kind to airline and airport staff who haven’t any control over delays or cancellations. Remember that if there's a software glitch or a freak storm grounds flights, no airline worker can robotically fix the issue. But in the event you're kind and patient, an airline worker might just offer you a hotel room or give you a more generous rebooking arrangement. Besides, it's the human thing to do.
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Buy your tickets directly from the airlines. It's not price saving $20 or $50 on a third-party ticket deal. With delays and cancellations, the airline can be less concerned with helping you if you’ve gotten such a ticket. Buying tickets directly from the airline can get you back within the air faster.
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Have a plan B. In case your connecting flight gets canceled mid-trip, have you ever contacted anyone you recognize in town? Or have you ever searched for hotels which can be easily accessible from the airport? What would it not take to get a snug place to remain for an evening? A bit research can go a good distance in the event you find yourself stranded.
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Bring healthy snacks and other supplies. It is smart to pack vitamins, zinc, hydration packs, a reusable water bottle, medications, hand sanitizer, or anything that can boost your health during a visit. If you're stuck for just a few hours or overnight, planning ahead for just a few self-care items can aid you avoid contagious diseases and general fatigue.
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Have fun on the airport. It is an enchanting place where so many individuals come together. If you stuck on the airport If you're there for several hours, use the time to find interesting things within the airport halls. You might discover art exhibits, an ideal bookstore, a yoga room, or a movie show. It could be tempting to only stand around within the gate area and laze around. But it's more fun to maneuver across the airport and explore what's there.
image credit : theconversation.com