This is the first pilot program in North America, and it is set to modernize the airport experience at security screening checkpoints by reducing wait times and decrease crowding.
Copenhagen Optimization is piloting its Virtual Queuing Solution at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Copenhagen, Denmark - As Virtual Queuing is starting to generate significant interest at airports around the world, SEA is innovating their seamless travel experience by exploring digital reservations for the TSA general security checkpoints in cooperation with Pangiam and powered by Whyline and Copenhagen Optimization. The pilot went live yesterday, May 4th, and the aim is to improve ease at the airport while also modernizing the passenger experience.
SEA is the first airport in North America to investigate a Virtual Queuing system as a solution for crowded, general screening lines. The pilot powered by Copenhagen Optimization´s Better Airport solution will operate daily through August 31, 2021 at Checkpoint 5 and be dedicated to Alaska Airlines’ passengers. The solution is called SEA Spot Saver, and it is a free, reservation-based system. The pilot program will test if SEA Spot Saver successfully reduces wait times and decreases crowding to better maintain physical distancing.
Security screening zones are one of the most tightly constrained and consistently crowded areas of SEA, which is why testing the benefits of Virtual Queuing is especially relevant here. The program is set to help provide a better screening experience and create efficiency where demand is the highest.
Positive impact on the airport operation
Recently, the implementation of Virtual Queuing at airports has been accelerated by the regulations on physical distancing to fight the COVID-19 outbreak. However, for airports, the benefits extend far beyond the provision of safer environments to passengers and employees.
At the same time, Virtual Queuing will benefit passengers by minimizing their time spent queuing, giving them a higher certainty about their security screening time and allowing them to spend their time elsewhere at the airport.
Following the pilot completion in August, SEA will evaluate usage with passengers, analyze customer feedback, and evaluate increases to line efficiency. If successful, SEA hopes to launch a broader program as they continue to use staffing and technology to make the security checkpoint experience as efficient as possible.
Read the full press release from SEA Airport here.
PRESS CONTACT
Sarah Procter
Copenhagen Optimization
Esplanaden 8A,1263 Copenhagen K, Denmark
Phone: +45 30 91 46 79
Email: procter@copopt.com
About the author
A global software-as-a-service platform with a passion for making airport operations simple and efficient. The software solution Better Airport® is a cloud-based solution that uses data and a combination of AI and advanced mathematical algorithms to bring clarity and confidence to plans, data, and complex decision-making, empowering airports to better predict, operate, and optimize. Better Airport is currently deployed and live in operations in more than 40 medium and large airports globally, spanning across USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and now also Australia.