What is a data driven airport?

There's lots of talk these days about the "data driven airport", so we thought we'd bring together some resources that tells the story...

It’s all about the data

The more devices passengers carry, the more opportunities airports have to capture their data and put it to good use, improving operations or the passenger experience or both. Five out of seven data sources have become priorities for airport investment, according to the Airport IT Trends Survey:
aircraft movement, business transactions, passengers, baggage operations and resource management... [read the full article on Air Transport IT Review].

Denver's Data Driven Airport

Denver International Airport is mid-way through a five-year strategic program that’s harnessing intelligence and data analytics to improve performance. Robert Kastelitz, Denver’s Senior Vice-President of Technologies and CIO, talks about the airport’s digital strategy... [read the full article on Air Transport IT Review].

It’s in the design – Master System Integration (at Baku, Dublin, Livingstone and São Paulo airports)

With terminal and airport construction booming, it's vital to think about technology at the outset. Enter master system integration, as deployed at Brazil's São Paulo's Guarulhos (GRU) Airport, Livingstone's Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Zambia) and the airports of Azerbaijan-Baku and Dublin... [read the full article on Air Transport IT Review].


Related resources
Data-Driven Screening Accelerates Airport Security - Max Skalatsky on LinkedIn
Data-driven Insights and Understanding Take Flight at Sea-Tac Airport - Tableau Software (YouTube)
A Big Data Driven Model for Taxi Drivers’ Airport Pick-up Decisions in New York City - Research Gate

More from our blog
Brexit and the impact on travel: news stories - IHateTaxis blog
Why we shelved Uber updates - IHateTaxis blog
Ray the Parking Robot Valet (at Dusseldorf Airport) - IHateTaxis blog
Heathrow's Slick New Transport Screens - IHateTaxis blog

Layover Ideas: Cologne

Cologne, Germany in 1411

Have a layover coming up in Cologne? Wondering what you could do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Cologne. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].

Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog • Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

Layover Ideas: Madrid

Madrid's Plaza Mayor

Have a layover coming up in Madrid? Wondering what you could do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Madrid. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].

Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog • Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

New white taxi lanes at NAIA

A white taxi in Manila

On July 18th, Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) began allowing "regular" white taxis to pick up passengers in the arrivals area.

The measure, considered long overdue by locals and international travellers to the Phillippines alike, is an attempt to reduce long lines for authorized taxi at the country's busiest airport.

"While yellow airport taxis are readily available in the NAIA arrival area, commuters prefer the regular taxis with a flag down rate of P30, resulting in long lines in the departure area, the only area where they were previously allowed. Airport taxis have a higher flag down rate of P70". [source]

The change was made by Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)'s new general manager, Ed Monreal. Monreal's objective is:

"...to give the passengers the wide option and at the same time address the insufficiency of cabs to accommodate and ferry the number of passengers that need them." [source]

Exempt from the accreditation process required of other airport transportation operators, the regular white taxis will use new designated lanes at all four NAIA terminals. Meters must be used, and passengers are to be given a slip with the taxi plate number, the driver's name, the operator's name and a hotline number.

Related resources
NAIA allows regular taxis to pick up passengers in arrival area - Inquirer.net
Regular taxis could soon be allowed to pick up airport passengers, says chief - Coconuts Manila
Taxi prices drop in Manila... or do they? - IHateTaxis
Manila's latest colorum taxi scam - IHateTaxis
10 Things to Know About Using Taxis in Manila - Badladz (dated, but still highly relevant!)
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) transportation guide
Updates since the above story was written:
LTFRB suspends processing of new Uber, Grab, Uhop applications - Rappler
A nation of criminals? - The Phillipine Star, CTalk (opinion)

Layover Ideas: Cleveland

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland

Have a layover coming up in Cleveland? Wondering you can fill your time?

It's not hard in the home Of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, but here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Cleveland. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].

Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog • Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

Up, up and away with Uber in China

Now you can call Uber to take a balloon ride over Shanghai

Uber in China is breaking any moulds it has created for itself elsewhere. Now 60 cities strong, Uber is stepping things up to compete with its biggest rival, Didi Chuxing.

Since being blocked from China's popular WeChat (an even bigger deal than Facebook here in the West), Uber has had to get creative. As "all in one" apps are how the market works in China, Uber has responded by reinventing its ride-hailing app to be so much more, including:

• UberLIFE - connecting users to nearby sporting and entertainment
• Uber + Travel - unique destination-specific transportation options
• UberPASS - multi-city ride pass
• Uber Boat - the next generation of boat-hailing (already in Istanbul)
• Uber Balloon - yup, you guessed it, hot air balloon rides!

This isn't the first time Uber has gotten creative (think the Uber service for helicopters in New York City). We doubt it will be the last.


Related resources
You Can Get Hot Air Balloon Rides Through Uber Now</> - Time
Uber positions its China app as more than a ride-hailing service - TechCrunch
Hey Uber, Welcome To China - TechCrunch
Uber provides the taxi industry a good kick in the pants - IHateTaxis
Shanghai Pudong International Airport Airport (PVG) transportation guide
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Airport (SHA) transportation guide
Get cooking on your layover: Asia

Brexit and the impact on travel - News stories

Let's face it, no one knows what the impact of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union. The referendum result is only 2 days old, and no one really thought it would happen. But here we are.

There are more questions than answers at this point, but here are some highlights of travel related commentary on the Brexit.

Brits abroad

First, a few surprising stories of a number of immediate travel-related impacts, not all of which will necessarily continue:

• Thomas Cook suspends euro 'click and collect' cash service as panic over pound grows following Brexit - Daily Mail
• Brexit leaves CBA and Travel Money cardholders in the cold (story about actions taken by Commonwealth Bank, suspending some Travel Money MasterCard functions) - Banking Day
• Greek hotels refuse to swap British tourists' money amid Brexit market turmoil - Daily Mail

Speculation is the name of the game, with a range of reactions, which we'll organize loosely within the UK, in the EU, in British Overseas Territories, within the British Commonwealth and around the globe.  Here is a sampling:

Impact of Brexit on Travel - reactions in the United Kingdom

The potential impacts on travel Brits are enormous. The stories coming out of the UK are both alarming and alarmist, but there will be real impacts on the freedom of movement of both British citizens and expats.

• Brexit is terrible news for travelers - QZ
• Shock and uncertainty: travel industry reacts to Brexit - Telegraph
• What does Brexit mean for YOUR holiday to Europe this summer? - Daily Mail
• Brexit risks higher fares and fewer flights for UK tourists - The Guardian
• Brexit and the UK's Hotel Industry - Travel Pulse
• Brexit reaction: 'Third runway at Heathrow now much less likely' - Get West London

Impact of Brexit on Travel - reactions in Ireland

Ireland (as in the Republic of Ireland, a sovereign state that is a member of the EU - as opposed to Northern Island, which is part of the UK) is facing numerous implications, including several that will ultimately impact travel.

• Dublin faces policy crisis over Irish implications of Brexit vote - Financial Times
• Brexit creates uncertainty surrounding maintenance of Common Travel Area - Breaking News Ireland
• Brexit could boost transit traffic at Dublin Airport: Ryanair and Aer Lingus could be hit by fall in passengers - Irish Times
• Post Office RUNS OUT of Irish passports forms as Brits scramble for new citizenship following Brexit result - Mirror

Impact of Brexit on Travel - reactions in the European Union

Reactions and concerns vary among other European Union member countries.

• Brexit Means Trade and Tourism Suffer Most in These Six EU Nations - Bloomberg

Impact of Brexit on Travel - reactions in British Overseas Territories

Speculation is rampant in and about Gibraltar, the tiny British Overseas Territory (think "Rock of Gibraltar", bordering southern Spain). Residents here voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU.

• People are thinking about moving to Gibraltar after BrExit vote - AOL UK
• Spain to seek co-sovereignty on Gibraltar after Brexit - Cyprus Mail

Impact of Brexit on Travel - reactions in the British Commonwealth

Speculation is also taking place in the 53 countries in the British Commonwealth as to the impact of the Brexit. It's early days, but a few highlights...

• Brexit referendum: Australians to enjoy cheaper British holidays - Sydney Morning Herald
• Brexit decision may cut flow of much-needed British tourists - Queensland Times
• Travel agents welcome Brexit, say it's good for Canadian travellers - News 1130
• Cypriots told to “keep calm” over Brexit - In Cyprus
• No impact of Brexit on Tourism, says Thomas Cook chief - Hindu Business Line

Impact of Brexit on Travel -  reactions around the globe

Reactions are mixed around the globe, from airline stocks in the USA dropping 9-11% to enthusiasm for travel bargains in both the UK and the EU.

• Airlines exposed to Brexit volatility - Gulf News (Dubai)
• Brexit a possible boon for China, say analysts - Live Mint
• Impact of BREXIT on the Caribbean’s tourism industry - St Lucia News
• Tourism industry reaction after UK votes to leave the EU - Tornos News (Greece)
• Airline stocks drop on fears Brexit could depress trans-Atlantic travel - Dallas Star Telegram
• 'Brexit' vote means travelers to Britain may get more for their money - LA Times
• Here’s How Brexit Will Affect Your European Travel - Time
• Thanks to the Brexit, the U.K. Just Went on Sale - Travel + Leisure
• U.S. bargains to Europe may follow 'Brexit' - USA Today
• With Brexit, the UK just became a great travel bargain. So did a whole lot of other countries - VOX
• Priceline: 'Brexit' Doesn't Change The Long-Term Story - Seeking Alpha
• Brexit, and how it might impact golf travel - Golf Digest

More perspectives will emerge in the weeks ahead. We are particularly looking forward to perspectives by travel bloggers, so stay tuned for a follow-up post soon.

Related resources
Fateful O'Hare Airport pizza meeting sealed Brexit vote deal: British media - Chicago Tribune

What is The Commonwealth? - World Atlas

What's the Difference Between Ireland and Northern Ireland - Choose Ireland
London: Closest Airports to LHR Heathrow Airport - IHateTaxis


 

Layover Ideas: Lisbon

Iconic Lisbon tram

Have a layover coming up in Lisbon? Wondering what you could do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Lisbon. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].

Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog • Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

I was scammed by an Uber driver

Let we get accused of only focusing on scams by unscrupulous taxi drivers, here is a new category of travel cautions: scams by Uber drivers.

It's hardly surprising. Despite the best designed systems, there are unscrupulous people out there in the big, bad world, and some of them drive for a living. Some drive taxis, some drive for Uber - heck, some even drive for both!

While both environments are also home to plenty of honest and kind drivers, the stories of scams persist - and we share them, so that you can be aware and protect yourself.


I Was Victim of an Increasingly-Popular Uber Scam - Angelina Travels

"The good thing about Uber is that both drivers and passengers are rated at the end of the ride to help weed out 'bad apples'. We all know how important maintaining a good rating is, and I always make sure I rate honestly and accurately to encourage good service... Sadly, it looks like I’ve encountered a bad apple 2 days ago when my husband and I rode home from Newark airport. It was 1:30 in the morning.. [read the rest of the story on Angelina Travels]

Please Help - I think an Uber driver is trying to scam me - dinosaurenthusiast on Reddit

"Some friends and I went out to a bar, had 1-2 drinks, then got an Uber home. The next morning, I got an email from uber saying I was being charged a cleaning fee for an incident during our ride. I immediately submitted a complaint, saying there were no liquids or cigarettes with us in the vehicle, so I could not imagine what they could possibly charge several hundred dollars for. Two days later, they finally responded with photo "evidence" saying we vomited all over the back seat and door. This is absolutely false... [read the rest of the story on Reddit]. (Read more on the Uber Vomit Scam).

I got Scammed by an Uber Driver in Los Angeles going to the Airport - Points Summary

"I took an Uber to LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) for my trip to San Pedro Sula, Hondruas. It was late at night around 9:30pm and I told him I was leaving out of Delta Terminal 5. When the Uber driver took me to the “Arrivals Levels”, I knew I was going to be scammed. Why would he choose to go to the arrivals level other than the departures level? Because he knew that every flight on Earth was arriving at 9pm and that we would be stuck in traffic going from Terminal 1 to 5..." [read the rest of the story on Points Summary]

Related resources
Uber fraud: Scammer takes the ride, victim gets the bill - CSO Online
The Uber tip dilemma - IHateTaxis
Why we shelved Uber updates - IHateTaxis
Uber provides the taxi industry a good kick in the pants - IHateTaxis

Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources

This guy is definitely a target - are you?
creative commons image waldopepper on Flickr

Are you a target for mugging? You might be surprised.

Trust us, you don't want to lose your money, credit cards, identification, camera or anything while you travel. So read on...
`
Here we share stories from seasoned travellers who have been duped and robbed -- along with 10 resources to help keep you and your valuables safe.

Lessons learned from Being Mugged Abroad - Yvonne Ivanescu
Just because you've travelled a long time with no major problems doesn't make you less vulnerable, it can make you more so. Here's a telling story from ThePlanetD:

Last month I celebrated the one year anniversary of an event that made a significant impact on my life and molded me into a more savvy, independent and conscientious traveler. In July 2012, I was mugged by thee individuals on a sunny afternoon while I was walking around in Valparaiso, located around 2 hours away from Santiago de Chile. After the event, I recounted my story to numerous eager ears only to be welcomed with blank expressions coupled with snide remarks that my actions had made me an easy target... [read what Yvonne learned].

After 62 Countries in 5 Years, We Were Robbed - Jeremy
Jeremy and Angie  have been travelling the world for years, and thought they had escaped the thieves, but, alas, it happened to them too. Here's their story from Living the Dream:

After 550+ days of travel since 2008, being gone for almost a whole year on this trip, and visiting hundreds of cities in 62 countries, our day finally happened in Puno, Peru. And we nearly lost everything. As we were in the bus station getting ready to leave for Cusco, I looked down and noticed something odd.  My bag containing a computer, expensive SLR, camera gear, passports, and emergency money was nowhere to be found. It didn’t take long to figure out what happened and we soon determined that we were victims to one of the oldest techniques in the book: the diversion... [read what Jeremy learned].

How NOT to Get Mugged on the Paris Metro (By an 8-Year-Old) - Down the Wrabbit Hole
The woman behind the wrabbit has travelled a lot, and thought herself pretty savvy, until she was outsmarted by a little kid. Here's her story from Down the Wrabbit Hole:

My story goes back to my Europe 2010 trip. I was with my 23 junior high students, 10 parent chaperones, and our fearless Explorica tour guide - and a partridge in a pear tree.  Or so it seemed.  Navigating that massive group through the streets of Paris without losing anyone had already proven to be a challenge, but not impossible.  Now we were headed for the underground Metro system, moving from the Eiffel Tower to our restaurant for dinner... [read what this traveller in Paris learned].

So... if it happened to them, it can happen to you!

Here are 10 resources to help protect yourself:

Warning in the Frankfurt Zoo
creative commons image sunixzs on Flickr

1. How to avoid being mugged - WikiHow
2. Theft by pickpockets in Naples, Rome, Florence and Milan, Italy - Bella-Toscana (GREAT RESOURCE)
3. Outsmarting thieves and pickpockets in Europe - Rick Steves
4. Tips for Not Getting Mugged in South America - Going Nomadic
5. Surefire Ways to Get Mugged on Vacation - HuffPost Travel
6. Anti Theft Travel Gear: 6 Ways To Keep Your Valuables Secure - IndieTraveller
7. Top 5 Anti-Theft Travel Bags for Women - Travel Fashion Girl
8. Make A Secret Pocket In Your Pants! - The Expert Vagabond
9. The Dummy’s Guide to Packing a Theft-Proof Backpack - Packsmiths
10. Seven Ways to Keep Your Stuff Safe When You Fly - Independent Traveler

Related resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels! - IHateTaxis
Dealing with touts - IHateTaxis
Airport arrival advice - IHateTaxis
The world-wide bad reputation of Bogota taxis - IHateTaxis