It’s the 21st century and almost everything is digital. From booking your flight to checking-in to boarding passes and luggage tags, there is almost no use for paper in the airport…… well let’s not forget tissues, they’re made of paper……and paper for passports……and of course toilet paper, I don’t think any of us can live without that.💀😂
Well now that we have established that toilet paper and paper in general have a very long standing and promising future, let’s take a look into what wider range of products and services we now have available at our digital fingertips!📱
Yup, I hope you’re interested in this one because this is right up my field of tech and I love a good app that makes life easier and has a little fun side too!
Disclaimer: None of these are paid promotions and I am not endorsed or sponsored by any of the following companies.
1. Flightradar24:Tracking Your Journey in Real-Time✈️
Ever been at the airport, the flight is delayed and you don’t see a plane in sight, and the gate agent keeps saying: “The flight will arrive soon!”
Those are the words of a helpless worker who has had about 150 other people come up to them and ask the exact same questions. So they just resort to the same line for everyone.
Well this is where my favorite and probably among the most useful aviation apps come in, FlightRadar24.
Flightradar24 is a service that shows real-time aircraft flight tracking data on a map. It includes flight position information, origins and destinations, flight numbers, aircraft types, positions, altitudes, headings and speeds.
The app is extremely accurate, there are so many occasions where I am plane spotting and using the app to check which is the current active runway and where my airplane will be landing. The app is so precise, you can even see where the aircraft taxiing movements are.
One of my favorite features is the aircraft images, all flights include an image of that specific airplane which allows you to see the registration code and you can then use it on SeatGuru to check the seating layout. A really handy tool!
Staying informed on where your airplane is or where your incoming airplane is is super useful when it comes to delays and connection times. It helps you to plan ahead and sometimes get ahead of some airline’s nonsense.
My most recent incident occurred when I was flying from Aguascalientes, Mexico to Cancun and I was set on a transfer through Mexico City. The Aeromexico flight was scheduled to leave Aguascalientes at 17:25, however at 17:00, there was no aircraft in sight.
I went straight to the gate agent to enquire if the flight would still be on time as my connection in Mexico City was a tight 45 minutes. The gate agent reassured me with a smile that everything was running on time and the aircraft would be here soon.
Skeptical and suspicious of that smiley and cheerful answer, I returned to the lounge where FlightRadar24 revealed that the aircraft had not even departed from Mexico City yet and had only lined up behind the runway to take-off 5 minutes prior.
The flight still needed another hour to reach us, deplane, board and an hour to return to Mexico City. Furious, I returned to the gate agent only to find 5 other passengers with connections arguing in Spanish and it was at this point that she finally admitted, the aircraft would be late.
This was the moment I realised the true power and ease FlightRadar24 came with. No other passenger knew what I knew or had even thought of trying to do it. I was able to share the information and even the gate agent was surprised.
Unfortunately this does give a bad rep towards Aeromexico but that’s part of what I do, I stand to share and uncover the good, the bad and all other realities of all services.
That is what I stand for.
2. AppInTheAir: Your Personal Travel Assistant🌍
Next up is your personal travel assistant, AppInTheAir. At first I was sceptical about this one. A family businessman who travels a lot mentioned it to me and it didn’t seem very practical. An app that manages all your travel plans, isn’t that just a calenda?
But as the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover, so I hit download and a new love was found. AppInTheAir is so much more than the calendar I once called it. It makes travelling just a little more smoother and simpler. It also has personality and wittiness which we always love.
Email Automation: AppInTheAir integrates into your email and updates your profile, with all of your flight bookings, travel documents and any special notices to be aware of such as special health documents, weather reports or airport and immigration information.
Calendar Ease: This nifty app automatically sends your flight schedules into your phone/computer calendar. It will also adjust for any delays, cancellations, and trust me, this makes life so easier when planning work or study schedules. I personally have linked it to my Google Calendar and now completely rely on it for planning my months.
Departure times: Probably my favourite feature of all is the pre-flight notifications. The app checks your approximate location a few hours before departure and calculates the time it will take to arrive at the airport with traffic. The app will give off the airport announcement bell sound “Ding-dong-duh” and let you know it’s time to leave. Trust me, this has saved me a couple times, especially when in a foreign country and you’re not aware of the traffic times.
In Flight tracking: this app just keeps getting better, AppInTheAir has an inflight tracker which will sit on your lock screen and let you know how far into your journey you are and how much time is left. I love this feature, especially on flights without wifi or in flight entertainment systems as I often forget how long it’s been or what time we left and I always just lift my phone to see a beautiful timeline on my lockscreen. It really is that convenient.
Flying Hours and Map: Okay, this is for the Avgeeks out there. AppInTheAir has this lovely profile page along with a map that displays all past routes, airports and countries visited. It also gives you a breakdown of the amount of time in hours, days, weeks or months you have spent flying in the air. At the end of each year, it will give you a little breakdown on all the trips you made, the airlines you used the most, the locations you visited the most and create a really cute video for you to share on social media. My personal favorite is the flight hours counter. I think it’s an awesome little statistics to keep track of and it’s fun to compare with other users and their travels.
3. Google Maps: Navigating Unfamiliar Territories🗺️
Navigation, we’ve all been there, we all need it and we all rely on it. Now I know a lot of my Apple Users followers are guilty of saying “Apple Maps is Great”….and I am sure it is……when you’re in your home city. When you’re travelling in a new city or country for that matter, there is no navigational aid better than Google Maps.
Up to date: In my experience, google maps is always the most up to date navigation database. It’ll know traffic patterns, construction areas and show you active bus stops, terminals, parking areas and so much more. Try it for yourself! I bet it will surprise you in your own city.
Search function: You can search for a booger on google maps and it’ll probably find one for you. I’m just kidding, but seriously, the amount of times I have used the app to search for bathrooms is unbelievable, and it never fails. I often use it to search for the most random things, I’ll type in “Luggage” or “Coffee” and it always has what I’m looking for.
Retracing steps: Okay, if you turn on the live tracking feature, it’s great for retracing steps. The app can collect ping location data which you can look back on and find out where and at what times you visited. This is really useful should you get lost, lose an item or need to retrace a place you visited.
Save offline: Really handy for countries with poor internet access is being able to save chunks of maps offline. I have been able to explore areas with low internet signals simply by having an offline map. 9 times out of 10, your GPS signal is able to locate you on that offline map and you can always figure out approximately where you are.
Live camera locating: while in walking mode, google maps offer the live camera feature which identifies your surroundings and is able to navigate you with 3D floating arrows through your trip. Be careful with this one though, I don’t think you would want to use this in a city where thieves are common.
Bus and Train: Bus and train routes/lines can be a little too confusing sometimes and this is an absolute breeze with google maps. It’ll plan out your entire route and show the exact steps of when to get off, on and the cost of each trip. AND it’s all LIVE!
Reviews: Finding reviews on places you don’t know is a big plus, the community on google maps is always updating with the latest updates and detailed reviews. I have also found that open and closing times are most accurate with businesses on google maps. Even if that is inaccurate, there is always a website link along with the businesses phone number to contact them directly and verify any information. It’s simply convenient having it all in one app.
4. Google Translate: Breaking Down Language Barriers🌐
A lot underestimate how much convenience there is in having this app downloaded. The accuracy and features of Google Translate are the most useful as I have found. I have tried a few a other translator apps while living in Mexico for a few months and Google translate was always my go to, for the following reasons:
Camera: Google translate comes with the ability to snap a photo of a sign, restaurant menu or any text that you can capture and it instantly translates the image captured to the desired language. This is the stuff when you’re at a restaurant with a foreign menu.
Offline: Downloading languages offline is a must. I swear it’s when you least expect it that your internet will give up on you and you need a translator.
Audio: So there’s a few apps with this feature but it’s just a bonus to the versatility of Google translate. The app is able to listen to your conversation and translate line for line with another person.
A recent encounter where Google translate saved me was while exploring the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara. I was visiting a street shopping market when I needed to know if a certain snack contained pork lard. Unfortunately the street vendor did not speak English, but fear not for I whipped out my trusty Google Translate app and lo and behold, the day was saved. The kind man spoke into the app listing all ingredients and I happily enjoyed a delicious Chaska! Do try it yourself should you ever visit Mexico.
5. Uber: Hassle-Free Transportation Worldwide🚖
Uber, I am sure most of you already use this service and keep it on your phone, however for those of you who don’t have it, IT IS A MUST!
I just wanted to emphasise how useful it is on trips.
It really is a must. Uber is available in almost every country in the world, it’s simple, easy, convenient and from my experience, has been cheaper than any other service out there.
Another reason I love it is there is no cheating. I have experienced in countries like India, Egypt and Mexico where local taxis are charging exorbitant prices for a short trip and Uber is a fraction of the price.
Plus, the price is controlled, I cannot stress how annoying it is dealing with taxi drivers trying to scam you at the end of a trip.
Especially being a young traveller, some local taxis seem to think they can take advantage of us and try to rob us of all our money, in this case, I find Uber most reliable and safe.
Another thing I love and I may get criticised for this, but I enjoy ordering a Luxury vehicle. Uber is perfectly affordable and why not ride in style if we’re flying in style! (wink emoji)
6. Skyscanner: Finding the Best Deals on Flights🌄
In the bustling realm of travel apps one of my go to’s as I explore the world – Skyscanner. Boasting an array of features and an intuitive interface, Skyscanner has earned its reputation as an indispensable tool for globetrotters. Here’s why:.
1. Flight Search Simplicity:
Navigating through the myriad of flight options can be a daunting and tiring task. The app’s interface allows users to effortlessly search for flights through numerous airlines and online travel agencies, presenting users with a comprehensive list of options to choose from. I usually use Skyscanner as a guide to which airline is the cheapest and go directly to the airlines site to book as sometimes the airlines site is slightly cheaper and you can save a few bucks to use somewhere else.
2. Budget-Friendly Options:
Skyscanner understands that every traveler has a unique budget. The ‘Everywhere’ feature is particularly popular, allowing users to explore destinations based on their budget rather than a fixed location. This is one of a kind and super fun for those last minute trips!
3. Flexible Date Searches:
Skyscanner is very flexible, the app’s flexible date search feature enables users to discover the most cost-effective days to travel. By simply selecting the flexible dates option, travelers can save significantly on flights, making your dream destinations more accessible.
4. Real-Time Price Alerts:
One of Skyscanner’s standout features is its ability to keep users informed about fluctuating flight prices. By setting up price alerts for specific routes and dates, travellers can rest easy knowing that they will be notified promptly if there’s a drop in prices, enabling them to snag the best deals.
5. Innovative Travel Insights:
Skyscanner doesn’t just stop at booking flights and accommodations; it goes the extra mile with insightful travel information. From destination guides to travel trends, the app provides users with valuable insights to enhance their travel experience. Users can stay informed about the best times to visit a destination, local attractions, and more. It really has it all!
In conclusion, Skyscanner has successfully carved a niche for itself in the travel app sphere by combining simplicity, flexibility, and innovation. Its ability to adapt to give users with a wealth of options and information makes it an indispensable companion for any globetrotter. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, Skyscanner’s brilliance shines through, making your journey a seamless and enjoyable experience.
7. SeatGuru: Choosing the Best Seat Every Time 💺
Okay so not really an app but a website, although one that is necessary for all flights.
SeatGuru is a necessity for choosing seats on a flight.
This awesome site has a database full of almost all airlines’ aircraft and their seat configurations. This is especially great for when checking in and you’re interested in snagging those extra leg room seats or you want a specific type of business class seat. Yes! With all the new configurations, there are some who score and some who lose out, take for example the Swiss Airlines Business Class. If you look closely enough, you will see that the majority of the cabin is arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, however in certain rows, the seats are in a 1 -2-1 configuration. Now who wants to miss out on those single seats whose space is equivalent to two seats!
And that, my friends, is why you need SeatGuru in your life!
Embracing the digital era has significantly enhanced the travel experience, making it more efficient, enjoyable, and stress-free. From ensuring flight punctuality with FlightRadar24 to managing itineraries seamlessly with AppInTheAir, navigating unfamiliar territories with Google Maps, overcoming language barriers with Google Translate, securing reliable transportation with Uber, finding the best flight deals with Skyscanner, and optimizing in-flight comfort through SeatGuru, these tools collectively empower travelers to navigate the complexities of modern journeys with ease. As technology continues to evolve, these digital companions stand as indispensable allies for globe-trotters, promising a smoother and more informed travel experience.
That concludes our Tech talk for today, thanks for reading this far and I wish you all many more fulfilling and exciting adventures ahead!