Tech Skills for Travelers

 Online Booking & e-Tickets

✈️ What Is Online Flight Booking?

Online flight booking allows you to purchase airline tickets through official airline websites or trusted booking platforms — without visiting a travel agency.

After completing your purchase, the airline sends a digital confirmation and an e-ticket, which has fully replaced the old paper tickets.

---

✅ How to Book Flights Online Safely

1. Use trusted websites

Stick to:

• official airline websites (Lufthansa, AirSerbia, Turkish Airlines…)

• reputable platforms (Skyscanner, Expedia, Kayak)

Avoid links received through random emails, messages, or social media ads.

---

2. Look for HTTPS and security indicators

Before entering any payment information, check:

• the website URL starts with https://

• a padlock icon is visible in the browser address bar

If not — stop immediately.

---

3. Use safe payment methods

Recommended:

• credit/debit card

• virtual (one-time) bank card

• PayPal (if available)

Security tips:

• avoid public Wi-Fi when paying

• enable transaction notifications

• use a card with a controlled online spending limit

---

4. Booking confirmation and your e-ticket

After payment, you will receive:

• a PNR / booking reference code

• full itinerary details

• a PDF e-ticket

• a link for online check-in (usually 24 hours before departure)

Always:

• save the PDF offline

• take a screenshot of the ticket

• store a spare copy in cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive…)

---

🧠 Required Tech Skills

• recognizing secure websites

• online payment basics

• working with PDF files & QR codes

• using airline mobile apps

 Online Check-In & Mobile Boarding Pass

✈️ What Is Online Check-In?

Online check-in is a digital process that allows you to confirm your flight, choose your seat, and receive a mobile boarding pass — usually 24–48 hours before departure.
It saves time at the airport and prevents long check-in lines.

---

✅ How to Complete Online Check-In

1. Open the airline’s app or website

Simply enter:

• your last name

• your booking code (PNR)

Your reservation will appear instantly.

---

2. Choose your seat

Depending on your fare, you can:

• select or change your seat

• upgrade to extra legroom

• add hand or checked baggage

All digitally, before arriving at the airport.

---

3. Download your mobile boarding pass

The system will generate a QR code, which you will use at:

• security screening

• passport control

• boarding gate

Save it as:

• Apple Wallet / Google Wallet pass

• PDF file

• screenshot (highly recommended)

---

4. Offline access (critical)

Your boarding pass must work even if:

• your internet connection drops

• the app crashes

• your battery is low

Keep:

• the PDF downloaded

• a screenshot stored offline

---

5. At the airport

Simply show your QR code.
If the scanner can’t read it:

• increase screen brightness

• zoom in a little

• clean the screen

These simple steps usually solve all issues.

---

🧠 Required Tech Skills

• using airline apps confidently

• saving files offline

• understanding QR codes

• basic phone settings (brightness, screen rotation, battery mode)

🛰️ Airport Navigation & Smart Travel Apps

Navigating a large international airport is much easier today thanks to smart apps and real-time digital displays. Airports now offer interactive maps, live gate updates, and notifications about delays or boarding changes.

🔧 How to use airport smart apps:

• Download the official airport app (e.g., Heathrow, Frankfurt, Dubai).
• Enable notifications for gate changes and delays.
• Use interactive maps to navigate terminals more efficiently.
• Locate restaurants, lounges, shops, bathrooms, or charging stations.

📡 Airport Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Most major airports offer free Wi-Fi. For safety, use a VPN when accessing personal accounts, booking details, or anything involving payment information.

🧠 Required Tech Skills:

• Using map-based apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps, airport maps)
• Connecting safely to public Wi-Fi
• Understanding push notifications and live updates

🛂 Security Screening & Passport Control – eGates, Biometrics & AI

Modern airports rely on automated scanners, biometric systems, and AI-driven analysis to improve safety and speed. Travelers now typically pass through two digital checkpoints: security screening and automated passport control (eGate).

🔍 1. Automated Security Screening

Next-generation scanners can detect electronics, liquid containers, and batteries without removing items from bags. AI analysis identifies potential threats using 3D imaging.

• Present your mobile boarding pass (QR code)
• Remove metal items and place them in the tray
• Keep your phone ready for scanning

🤖 2. eGate – Automated Passport Control

The Automated Passport Control area of the Atlanta International Airport(ATL) (source)

eGate systems use facial biometrics to match your face with the passport chip and photo stored digitally.

Steps:

• Insert your passport into the scanner
• Look directly at the camera (no hat, no sunglasses)
• Wait for the green light and proceed

🧠 Required Tech Skills:

• Using QR codes on smartphones
• Understanding biometric verification
• Basic camera adjustments (brightness, no filters)

💺 In-Flight Technology — Wi-Fi, Seatback Screens & USB Power

Modern aircraft cabins are equipped with advanced digital systems: seatback entertainment screens, USB/AC charging ports, on-board Wi-Fi, and touchscreen controls.

📺 1. In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)

Most long-haul flights provide personal screens with movies, shows, games, flight data, and sometimes food ordering features.

• Use standard 3.5 mm headphones
• Bring an adapter if your airline uses dual-pin audio jacks
• Download your own content before departure — Wi-Fi may be slow

📡 2. On-board Wi-Fi

Many airlines offer Wi-Fi (free or paid). Speeds vary, but are usually suitable for messaging and light browsing.

Important rules:

• Always enable Airplane Mode, then turn on Wi-Fi
• Avoid sensitive apps (banking, payments) on unsecured networks
• Expect lower speeds than on the ground

🔌 3. USB charging

Most modern aircraft provide USB power ports, and some include full AC outlets.

• Bring a reliable charging cable
• Don't expect fast charging — ports are low-power
• Carry a small power bank as a backup

🧠 Required Tech Skills:

• Managing Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi settings
• Using offline apps and content
• Understanding basic network limitations

🔁 Connecting Flights — Staying Informed & Keeping Your Luggage Safe

Connecting through busy airports can be stressful, especially with tight layovers. Modern apps and automated baggage-transfer systems make connections easier and more predictable.

📱 1. Real-time gate updates & notifications

Airline and airport apps send instant updates when:

• your gate changes
• your flight is delayed or departs earlier
• boarding begins
• your luggage is delayed in transfer

Always enable push notifications — they can save your connection.

🗺️ 2. Navigating transit zones

Large international airports offer digital tools with:

• walking-time estimates
• interactive 3D terminal maps
• terminal-to-terminal shuttle info

🛄 3. Automatic baggage transfer (RFID tracking)

RFID-enabled baggage tags ensure your luggage is automatically routed to the next flight. Most airline apps will show if your bag has successfully reached the connecting aircraft.

🧠 Required Tech Skills:

• Using airline apps
• Understanding notifications and alerts
• Reading digital maps and navigation tools