Travel 2.0

Published on 26 avril 2017

In this article

1. Technology serving mobility

Whether in the air or on the ground, technological innovations are constantly improving your experience as a leisure or business traveler.

For you, Blue Valet reviews the latest innovations in mobility.

2. Netflix and Instagram in real time!

***You dreamed of it? Finnair, KLM, and British Airways did it for you... @social media aficionados, you will soon no longer have to endure that endless wait (that of your flight, in short) to post your most beautiful selfie, the sunset in the clouds, or your culinary discovery in flight! Wifi is making its entrance in 2017 on long-haul flights. A feat that will eventually be developed on all routes.

More seriously, this internet access will allow you to watch your series and films in streaming, to consult your emails... you will stay connected everywhere in the world thanks to your smartphones, tablets, or computers, which will significantly improve your experience in the air.

However, there are costs to accessing this type of service. For example, starting this month, British Airways passengers will have access to their instant messaging for €5.80 and to video platforms for €9.30. Recall that high-speed 4G is already available on certain lines.

3. Head in the clouds, but feet on the ground...or the other way around, we can't tell you!

In order to promote the culture and tourism of the Spanish region of Cantabria, Vueling equipped passengers on a Barcelona-Santander flight with virtual reality helmets. The goal? To explore the flagship places and monuments thanks to a video filmed in 360 degrees by a drone. A 100% original and unprecedented experience.

In the long run, an immersive and inspiring entertainment... enough to make your mouth water for your stay. The downside? Not sure you'll look very smart in the eyes of your neighboring row when watching.

4. Smartboarding is underway

British Airways makes your departure easier by implementing new fully automated boarding gates. The principle is extremely simple, your face will first be scanned at the security point, then a second time before being able to access the plane. You then scan your boarding pass. All data is compared and cross-checked. After validation, the gates open...and there you go! The objective is to fluidify the circulation of travelers and reinforce their security. Similar programs are being studied at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam airports.

5. It's a match! No more empty seats

To fight against this massive and costly phenomenon, an application, still in beta testing, wants to revolutionize last-minute departures on a principle similar to that of Tinder... I already hear your questions: how does that work? What does it have to do with empty seats? Don't panic, it's not about finding your soulmate during your next trip (although we may have found a goldmine here...) but about making you travel at a lower cost!

Let me explain, via the FLYOFF application, you offer your ideal trip (price, departure city, length of stay, number of passengers) as well as your favorite destinations. The application takes care of crossing the data with the availability of airlines and railways, and voila! When it coincides, you are immediately informed and you will never again be stuck with a last-minute fare that is too expensive.

6. R2D2 better watch out!

No, I'm not announcing the release of a new Star Wars opus but the implementation of a French robot on board idtgv trains. Buddy, as it is called, is 56 cm tall, weighs 5kg, and will soon be a travel companion for idtgv users. Its mission will be to accompany you during boarding, animate the space of the bar car, and collect customer experiences.

Its creators have the ambition to expand Buddy's use to assistance for seniors, security, and learning...

7. Fake News

Finally, it seems that a new recipe for tomato juice is being developed. An unparalleled breakthrough that will undoubtedly satisfy the palates of the most seasoned travelers.

As you can see, whatever their field of activity, mobility actors are numerous in wanting to revolutionize the traveler's experience. The main objective is to make your travels more comfortable and we have understood this at Blue Valet.

Thanks to our valet parking service, it's not a robot that welcomes you but our valets, and they do everything to save you time on the day of departure. Leave with peace of mind!

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