Airline apps improve the passenger experience

In the old days, passengers had to use phones and computers to handle most of the travel functions when booking and tracking airline service.  But now, carriers have spent the money to invest in apps on the major smartphone and tablet platforms. These apps do myriad tasks, including flight and fare searches, show route maps, allow users to check in for flights and download mobile boarding passes.  Below are six airline apps for your review.

1. Air Canada

The iOS app for the iPhone and iPad allows users to track their flights, receive messages from the airline, handle mobile check-in, do flight searches, choose your seats and share your itinerary. The Blackberry 10 app allows users to track flights, check in, follow flight status and view flight schedules. The Android app has just been released in beta, and has features similar to the Blackberry.More »

2. Alaska Airlines

The Seattle-based carrier has apps on the iOS, Android and Windows platforms. The app allows users to book a flight, check in, track flight status and follow frequent flyer miles.More »

3. American Airlines

The Fort Worth-based carrier has apps on the iOS, Android and Windows platforms, along with Nook and Amazon. Users can do a lot with this app, including checking in for flights, viewing flight schedules, check in with a mobile boarding pass, choose seats, view terminal maps, check upgrade and standby lists, track frequent flyer miles and status, have flight status automatically pushed and set a parking reminder.More »

4. British Airways

The UK’s flag carrier has apps on iOS, Android and Windows platforms, along with Blackberry. Users of this app can instantly access next flights and upcoming bookings, book flights, view frequent flyer miles, check in and choose seats and download and store mobile boarding passes. The iOS version also allows users to browse for the lowest prices and view recent searches.More »

5. Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong’s flag carrier has apps in iTunes, Google Play  and Blackberry. Features on the first three platforms include check in, news and offers, flight schedules and status, flight booking, airport information and city guides.More »

6. Delta Air Lines

The Atlanta-based carrier has apps on the three major platforms, with functions specifically for the iPad, the iPhone, Android and Windows. Features across the three apps include booking flights, checking flight status, domestic check in and customer service. See the complete list of features on each platform here.More »