New technology aims to help airport users

Ever rushed through an unfamiliar airport trying to find your gate?

New technology may help hapless travellers who get lost in airports.

British Airways announced this week that it is trialling a new digital wayfinding tool to speed up passenger flows through London Heathrow.

The new tech offers maps of both London Heathrow Terminal 5 and Terminal 3, helping customers to quickly locate their departure gate, Travel Mole reports.

It also gives passengers instructions on how to find shops, lounges and restaurants. So money is the real motivation.

But the new wayfinding tool also allows customers to save time and reduce the chance of missing a flight.

Through an interactive map, customers can click on areas including shops and view information about their exact location, opening times, and a description on items on sale.

It also shows bathrooms, seating areas and information points.

Customers connecting between flights, can input their inbound and connecting flight details to be given step-by-step instructions to their designated gate.

The trial is available to all customers travelling through London Heathrow, and they can access the tool through QR codes on digital screens.

As part of the trial, links to wayfinding have also been sent to all customers travelling into London Heathrow and connecting from destinations including New York JFK, Dubai, Mexico City and Houston.

Calum Laming, BA's Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The interactive map is simple to use, allowing our customers to easily locate their departure gates.”