Lois Larson
There are a plethora of apps that can help you navigate airports and make your journey a little less stressful. From finding a lounge to retreat to during a long layover to bypassing the lines at customs, these apps can help you in many unexpected ways. For instance, the Mobile Passport app lets you skip the regular lines when you are re-entering the United States after travelling abroad. LoungeBuddy is another app that provides detailed information and reviews of airport lounges around the world. Google Maps is also a great tool for navigating airports, especially between terminals. Additionally, apps like FlightAware, TripIt, and GateGuru provide real-time updates on flight arrivals and departures, gate changes, and terminal and baggage information.
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Navigation
Airports can be confusing, especially for first-time travellers or those who rarely fly. Luckily, there are several apps that can help you navigate airports and make your journey a little less stressful.
Google Maps has started mapping the interiors of airports, and while it may not show amenities, it can be useful for navigating between terminals. It has detailed walking directions and timing, as well as access to public transportation schedules and pricing. For example, it can tell you that it takes 23 minutes to get from the TWA Hotel at JFK to Terminal 1 by train.
If you're looking for specific airport amenities, such as lounges, restaurants, or Wi-Fi, there are a few apps that can help. LoungeBuddy, available on iOS and Android, provides detailed information and reviews of airport lounges worldwide. It also notifies you of the lounges you have access to based on your airline status, credit cards, and other details. GateGuru, available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, also provides restaurant information, terminal maps, and estimates of TSA wait times.
For those who want to stay connected, the FLIO app connects you to Wi-Fi in over 350 airports without having to enter personal information. It also offers discounts on food and drinks, tips on getting into town, and live information on arrivals, departures, and gates in 900+ airports.
In addition to these, your airline's app can also be a valuable resource for navigating the airport. Many airline apps provide real-time updates on flight delays, gate changes, and other important information. They may also offer mobile ordering for food and drinks, allowing you to skip the lines and save time.
Lastly, for those travelling internationally, Google Translate can be a handy tool for navigating the airport and understanding signs in different languages.
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Flight tracking
FlightAware
FlightAware is one of the original flight-tracking services, and its mobile app provides many of the same features as its website. It is free to download and use, with several premium tiers available. You can track your flight by entering your flight number and see where your plane is coming from. The app also provides flight alerts for departures, arrivals, delays, and cancellations.
FlightRadar24
FlightRadar24 is the world's most popular flight tracker, allowing users to track planes in real time and get up-to-date flight status and airport information. The app provides detailed information about each flight, including aircraft details, route, estimated time of arrival, actual time of departure, speed, and altitude. You can also use the AR View to see which flights are nearby simply by pointing your device at the sky.
Plane Finder
Plane Finder is a highly ranked, trusted flight tracker app that has been around since 2009. The app allows you to track planes live on a map or point your camera at planes in the sky to see where they are going. You can also use the Apple TV app to track planes live in 3D airspace.
Flightview
Flightview is free to download and use, with subscription options available to remove ads. It includes fine details such as gate information, weather updates, and quick options for contacting the airline.
LoungeBuddy
LoungeBuddy is an app that provides information on lounge areas near you. It uses information such as your elite status with an airline, lounge memberships, and itinerary details to help you find a comfortable place to wait during long layovers.
In addition to these apps, it's worth checking if your airline has its own app, as some airline apps are good about keeping you updated on delays and providing other useful information. Additionally, Google Maps can be a helpful tool for navigating airports and finding your way between terminals.
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Lounge access
Priority Pass is another popular airport lounge access program, offering members seamless, premium airport experiences. The Priority Pass app provides access to over 1500+ lounges worldwide, with additional features such as indoor airport maps and digital membership cards. However, some users have expressed disappointment with the app, claiming that many clubs do not accept Priority Pass, and that the app can be cluttered with ads.
In addition to lounge access apps, there are also apps that provide general airport information, including concourse details. For example, FlightStats allows users to look up information on airports, including current delay indices, delay trends, and weather. Google Maps is also a valuable tool for navigating airports, providing detailed walking directions, public transportation schedules, and timing estimates.
Other useful airport apps include Mobile Passport, which streamlines the entry process into the United States, and SpotHero, which allows users to reserve airport parking in advance and find lower rates at off-airport lots.
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Food and drink
One example of an airport food app is Grab, which has been around since 2015 and is available in 24 airports across the US and UK. Grab can be found on the American Airlines app, as well as the Heathrow and DFW apps. Recently, they also expanded to Stansted Airport. With Grab, users can order food in advance and have it delivered right to their gate, eliminating the need to wait in line or search for alternatives.
Another option is Airport Sherpa, which offers an exclusive service at BWI Airport. With Airport Sherpa, users can track their itinerary and order food up to a week in advance, ensuring a fresh and convenient meal during their travel. For those flying from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's E concourse, Deliveroo is also an option for food and drink delivery to their gates.
In addition to these specialised apps, some airports are partnering with food delivery services to enhance their offerings. For instance, Portland International Airport has signed up with AtYourGate, an airport-focused app that delivers food and drinks from participating restaurants to passengers' gates, even those on opposing concourses. This means that travellers can enjoy their favourite meals without having to leave their concourse, saving time and providing a more enjoyable dining experience.
While these apps are still new and not widely available at all airports, they are rapidly expanding. In the future, we can expect to see more airports partnering with food delivery services or developing their own apps to provide convenient and varied dining options for travellers. Until then, travellers can also utilise general food delivery apps like Deliveroo or Starbucks' app, which often include airport locations, to order food and beat the lines during their next trip.
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Customs and immigration
The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a great option for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA. MPC is available at 53 sites, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. With MPC, you can scan your passport, take a self-photo, and answer a few questions about your arrival and declarations ahead of time. This speeds up your interaction with the CBP officer when you arrive, and your passport information will be saved in the app for future use.
Another option is the Global Entry mobile application, which is available for active Global Entry program members. With this app, you can choose your arrival airport, submit a photo of yourself for verification, and receive a receipt that you must present to a Global Entry officer upon arrival, along with any other requested documentation.
The CBP Home mobile application serves as a single portal to a variety of CBP services. It currently allows travellers to apply for and view their I-94s and check land border wait times.
The myCBP app provides a login for users to access CBP information, such as Frontline magazine, public messages, and social media posts. It also has useful links in the Resource section, such as Border Wait times, and allows you to customise your profile and preferences in the Settings section.
Additionally, some airports, such as Washington Dulles International Airport, offer specific programs like Enrollment on Departure for conditionally approved Global Entry applicants departing on international flights. These programs can help expedite the customs and immigration process, so it's worth checking what specific programs your airport offers and taking advantage of them to streamline your travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Google Maps, GateGuru, and LoungeBuddy are some apps that can help you navigate airports. Google Maps provides detailed walking directions and timing, as well as access to public transportation schedules and pricing. GateGuru provides terminal maps and estimates of TSA wait times. LoungeBuddy provides detailed information and reviews of airport lounges.
Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps are useful for finding places to eat at the airport. Yelp and TripAdvisor provide reviews and information on airport restaurants, while Google Maps allows you to search for restaurants within the airport and view their locations on the map.
FlightAware, FlightBoard, FlightView Elite, and FlightTrack are useful apps for flight tracking and delay information. FlightAware allows you to track your flight's inbound plane and see if it's on its way to your airport. FlightBoard provides real-time information on flight numbers, destinations, gates, and departure times for over 3,000 airports. FlightView Elite and FlightTrack offer detailed tracking features, including maps, aircraft speed, altitude, and arrival times.
Mobile Passport, SpotHero, and Starbucks are some other useful apps for the airport. Mobile Passport streamlines the entry process when re-entering the US, allowing users to join a dedicated and faster line for customs. SpotHero helps users reserve airport parking in advance and find lower parking rates at nearby off-airport lots. The Starbucks app allows users to order ahead at airport locations, saving time when grabbing a coffee before their flight.
