Venues Offer Real-time Flight Info for Travelers

Flying the friendly skies is less appealing all the time, and became more so during the last few weeks. First, Aloha, ATA and Skybus airlines declared bankruptcy and abruptly canceled their schedules. Then, in the midst of that headache, the Federal Aviation Administration mandated inspection of wiring that caused the grounding of thousands of flights, most notably at American and Southwest airlines.

All of this is on top of the normal stress that comes with the unpredictable weather, flight delays and packed planes that have become the norm for business travelers.

But there is one tiny bit of good news regarding convenience. At a handful of centers (so far), tradeshow attendees now have access to real-time flight information so, if there is bad news about flight delays or cancellations, they can get it before they head to the airport.

The Chicago Department of Aviation and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority have teamed up to install a flight information display system (FIDS) at McCormick Place. The display duplicates flight information monitors at the city's O'Hare and Midway international airports.

“McCormick Place is always looking for ways to improve customer service, and this is another valuable amenity we can now offer,” said David Causton, McCormick Place's general manager. “Up-to-the-minute flight information allows attendees and exhibitors to maximize their length of stay at McCormick Place.”

The FIDS unit is located in the McCormick Place Grand Concourse between North and South halls.

Another company, Flyte Systems, is offering a similar service at another Chicago-area venue. In February, the company partnered with digital signage provider Digital Minds to install the FlyteBoard, a real-time airport travel information display screen, in the lobby of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

“The addition of Digital Minds' TouchQuest FlyteBoard ... enhances our visitors' experience and ensures the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is at the forefront of integrated technology in the industry,” said Christopher R. Stephens, the center's general manager.

According to Flyte Systems, what makes the system valuable to travelers is its ability to post accurate real-time airline flight arrival and departure information, not FAA-regulated scheduled departure times that do not list delays caused by air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, crew availability or weather.

In November, the Jacob K. Javits Center of New York also provided Flyte Systems for the first time to attendees of the Intl. Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show.

“Providing IH/MRS attendees with updated flight information for all three major airports serving New York City is a first for the Javits Center,” said Doreen Guerin, Javits' vice president of sales and marketing, “and a great service for business travelers.” The system covers flights at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark international airports.

Flyte Systems also can be found at The Westin Boston Waterfront adjacent to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. General Manager David Connor said, “Our business is mostly convention and business people who are locked up inside all day. When they get out of their meetings to head to the airport, the last thing they need to do is waste precious time sitting in a crowded terminal waiting for a flight that is weather-delayed.”