What advantage is there to an airline if people use an app?
Jan 30, 2018, 11:54 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
What advantage is there to an airline if people use an app?
We are dinosaurs. Do not have a smart phone. But we may be forced into one soon.
However, my question is serious...why do so many hotels, airlines, etc., want you to use an app? I'm speaking specifically to the new order your food in advance thing on AS...you cannot do it from a home computer. Why? What difference does it make?
Honestly, I'm an old lady and I really don't understand what the difference is between a smart phone and a computer - I thought your phone was like a tiny computer.
And if we do get a smartphone, how hard is this app business?
However, my question is serious...why do so many hotels, airlines, etc., want you to use an app? I'm speaking specifically to the new order your food in advance thing on AS...you cannot do it from a home computer. Why? What difference does it make?
Honestly, I'm an old lady and I really don't understand what the difference is between a smart phone and a computer - I thought your phone was like a tiny computer.
And if we do get a smartphone, how hard is this app business?
Jan 30, 2018, 12:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,610
Apps are easy to use if you get used to it, and my parents in their 60s-70s have actually found using phone apps much easier than websites, so you'll be fine if you're forced into it.
As for why airlines want to do it - its typically two completely different teams in the company (one building the website, one building the app), and each team will get around to a functionality as they have time. When the web-team has time, they might add food ordering. Its not the same people writing the code.
As for why airlines want to do it - its typically two completely different teams in the company (one building the website, one building the app), and each team will get around to a functionality as they have time. When the web-team has time, they might add food ordering. Its not the same people writing the code.
Jan 30, 2018, 12:21 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Hilton/Marriott Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 2,036
Apps are easy to use if you get used to it, and my parents in their 60s-70s have actually found using phone apps much easier than websites, so you'll be fine if you're forced into it.
As for why airlines want to do it - its typically two completely different teams in the company (one building the website, one building the app), and each team will get around to a functionality as they have time. When the web-team has time, they might add food ordering. Its not the same people writing the code.
As for why airlines want to do it - its typically two completely different teams in the company (one building the website, one building the app), and each team will get around to a functionality as they have time. When the web-team has time, they might add food ordering. Its not the same people writing the code.
And I agree that mobile devices are generally far easier to use than desktops. My 62-year-mother manages to use iOS devices fairly well despite being an absolute disaster on a Windows box.
Jan 30, 2018, 1:14 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Thanks for the explanation that it comes from 2 different departments, had no idea.
I have no trouble with a PC (obviously, since I'm here) but doing stuff on that tiny screen intimidates me.
I have no trouble with a PC (obviously, since I'm here) but doing stuff on that tiny screen intimidates me.
Jan 30, 2018, 2:05 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
I'm not questioning why they have apps, my OP was questioning why they want you to use an app exclusively (case in point the meal ordering). What if they said you HAD to use an app to book a flight - people like me could never fly again?
Jan 30, 2018, 2:16 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,387
Airlines don't do paper tickets with actual physical coupons any more, either, because business needs change. When it comes to what gets you the most bang for the buck, you follow the crowd of your customers.
Jan 30, 2018, 2:23 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 2,206
If you are patient and shop around, you can probably get an Android phone for as low as $10 if you don't want to use it as your main phone. You wouldn't need to actually use it as a phone, just use it when you'd like to use any apps.
Jan 30, 2018, 3:36 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: EUG
Programs: UA Silver, AS
Posts: 115
Yes - as long as you have access to a wifi network, you don't even need a phone contract or SIM card. Or get a tablet (iPad or Android tablet), works just as well in terms of installing the apps and the bigger form factor might be helpful if your eyes are getting a bit old (like mine are :-) ).
Jan 30, 2018, 4:57 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,843
I don't know if the motivation is the same for airlines (I have never booked a ticket with a smartphone app), but Hilton last year offered bonuses for reservations booked on their app. I did my research first in a browser (often iPad), then booked in the app. Why would they pay bonus points? Perhaps to condition people to just use the app when making a reservation, vs. using a booking channel that has competition.
Jan 30, 2018, 5:39 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
I don't know if the motivation is the same for airlines (I have never booked a ticket with a smartphone app), but Hilton last year offered bonuses for reservations booked on their app. I did my research first in a browser (often iPad), then booked in the app. Why would they pay bonus points? Perhaps to condition people to just use the app when making a reservation, vs. using a booking channel that has competition.
I think it's time. I was afraid of my microwave when I first got it, too.
Jan 30, 2018, 5:45 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NorCal
Posts: 658
I don't know if the motivation is the same for airlines (I have never booked a ticket with a smartphone app), but Hilton last year offered bonuses for reservations booked on their app. I did my research first in a browser (often iPad), then booked in the app. Why would they pay bonus points? Perhaps to condition people to just use the app when making a reservation, vs. using a booking channel that has competition.
Jan 30, 2018, 6:23 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,124
I use a smart phone for the internet, but don't use apps. Businesses want you to use their apps because they have no competition on the app. If you are conditioned to use the app then you will by default be booking with them.
Some apps also gather data about you. Pay attention to the permissions they request. I have yet to encounter an app that is easier to use than a web site.
Some apps also gather data about you. Pay attention to the permissions they request. I have yet to encounter an app that is easier to use than a web site.
Jan 30, 2018, 6:36 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,933
And many people find tablets more convenient than laptops for viewing movies/whatever on cramped airline trays. I thus see lots of people on planes using tablets.