DFW International Airport Improves Customer Experience With New 'Tag' Technology and Personal Touches

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas , Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport has rolled out an innovative new series of technology initiatives to enhance the customer experience at DFW in time for the holiday travel season. Highlighting the initiatives, DFW has adopted Microsoft Tag technology into its holiday signage, enabling passengers who scan a barcode with a smartphone camera to receive a special offer from nearby concessionaires. In addition to unveiling a host of new technology initiatives, DFW is also opening over 1,000 new parking spaces and plans to hold a Customer Appreciation Week to thank customers for their patronage.

"We are seeing more and more passengers actively using their internet-capable mobile devices, and this tagging technology allows us to place some consumer-friendly information right at their fingertips," said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport. "By offering attractive and nearby discounts using location-based technology, we are continuing our efforts to enrich the travel experience for DFW passengers."

The signage available for tagging can be found in the parking garages, entryways and ticketing halls, as well as throughout the terminal gate areas and on Skylink people mover cars. Some of the most visible barcodes for scanning include large holiday gift boxes in various gate areas.

The Microsoft Tag initiative is DFW's second trendsetting use of location-based services this year. In August, DFW launched its Check-In Program, which offers concessions discounts for passengers who "check in" via Foursquare or Facebook applications. That program has proven to be very popular with passengers in its first few months, with over 7,000 redemptions so far.

Other technology enhancements available for the first time to passengers this holiday season include:

• New interactive touch screens in Terminal D, to guide passengers to terminal concessions and service locations
• DFW Airport's newly updated mobile web site, featuring real-time parking availability information (www.dfwairport.com/m)
• Remote pre-pay system at Remote North and South Parking to allow consumers to pre-pay their parking bill and bypass the exit lines.

"The great majority of our passengers are becoming very savvy about mobile devices, and how you can use them to manage your traveling experience," said Sharon McCloskey, DFW's Vice President of Marketing. "The new tag initiative, along with our Check-In Program and our new mobile site, gives passengers information on what is right around them, which is something they may not see from the gate area."

The 11 new touch screens in Terminal D are the first wave of DFW's planned deployment of digital signage, which will occur in the other terminals as part of the Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP). The 70-inch interactive screens direct passengers to any of DFW's available amenities.

Highlighting the launch of Customer Appreciation Week, DFW has also opened over 1,000 new covered parking spaces in its Express North parking lot in time for the holiday travel season. The new spaces are intended to supplement the loss of spaces due to the closure of the 'Section A' parking garage at Terminal A (Gates A1-A15) for TRIP construction. The DFW Board this month approved a plan to replace the Terminal A garage, with demolition work to start in January.

Customer Appreciation Week will also feature DFW employees distributing small gifts to passengers throughout the week of November 14. During the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving holiday period, DFW will also have workers in the parking garages and check-in areas to assist families with children.

Also available for the holidays is a new pet hotel, which opened over the weekend on DFW grounds. Paradise 4 Paws is a full-service "premier resort" for cats and dogs, where travelers can leave and retrieve their pets on a 24/7 basis. The pet hotel features wading pools, a monitored environment for pet play, overnight suites, web camera capability, veterinary services, grooming, training and a parking/shuttle service to the terminals.

"At DFW, we are continually looking for ways to improve the offerings available in our terminals," said Fegan. "And our recent international award for customer service shows not only our success, but our resolve to maintain our status as of the world's best airports."

This month, DFW was one of the first 14 airports in the world named to the Airports Council International Director General's Roll of Excellence, for being among the world's top five airports for customer service in its category for the past five consecutive years.

Microsoft Tag reader is available for free download at http://www.gettag.mobi/

About DFW International Airport

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's fourth busiest, offering nearly 1,750 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. DFW provides non-stop service to 145 domestic and 47 international destinations worldwide. For five consecutive years, DFW has ranked in the top five for customer service among large airports worldwide in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, visit www.dfwairport.com.

(re)defining DFW International Airport

DFW International Airport's $1.9 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway.  For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.dfwairport.com/redefine.

SOURCE DFW International Airport