"Checking-in" with social media enthusiasts is the Virgin America San Francisco Terminal, an airport that will surely grab attention from jet-setting digital natives.
Virgin America is leveraging the Foursquare and Facebook platforms at its new international terminal to keep social networking travelers connected in the air and to reward the frequent fliers. Aside from the usual Arrival/ Departure screens are also leaderboard check-in screens too, to display who's checked in at the airport. There is also a Facebook page and Twitter feed streamed live on the screen. The airline will keep track of points and badges that are earned by these location-based users and award them with t-shirts and flight vouchers, straight from the Virgin America flight crew themselves.
The Virgin America San Francisco Terminal definitely takes flight in elevating a social media flying experience for digital globetrotters.
Social Media Airports
The Virgin America San Francisco Terminal Checks-In on Foursquare & Facebook
Trend Themes
1. Location-based Social Networking - The use of platforms like Foursquare and Facebook to connect and engage with travelers at airports creates opportunities for targeted advertising and personalized experiences.
2. Gamification of Travel - Introducing leaderboards, points, badges, and rewards for checking in at airports taps into the trend of gamifying experiences, encouraging customer loyalty and engagement.
3. Integration of Social Media in Physical Spaces - Incorporating live social media feeds and displays in physical locations like airports merges the online and offline worlds, providing real-time updates and increasing brand visibility.
Industry Implications
1. Airline Industry - Airlines can leverage location-based social networking to enhance customer experiences, offer personalized rewards, and gain valuable insights into traveler behavior.
2. Digital Marketing Industry - Digital marketing agencies can assist airports and airlines in designing gamified experiences and creating targeted advertising campaigns based on location data and social media interactions.
3. Airport Management Industry - Airport operators can explore the integration of social media feeds and interactive displays to enhance passenger engagement, provide real-time updates, and create a unique airport experience.