The long distance walk in airports

Distances people walk in airports sometimes seem endless. Some of these walks may be spurred by business reasons and of course safety remains germane. African airport terminals are being remodelled and made bigger and one outcome of such is that passengers now walk longer distances.  These terminal buildings will have to be operated with an eye on trends and innovations while giving the terminals an African flavour.

To ensure a positive customer experience airports will need to plan the terminal area and carry out an Operational Readiness and Airline Transfer (ORAT), noting the pain points of customers while planning the customer experience. There is still room for innovation with an African flavour especially for food and beverage (F&B) and retail offerings in many African terminals.

There have been observations that added space creates more room for retail and as such more need for people to move around such areas where there are retail offerings. The Sky Harbor International Airport is reported to have a “fitness trail” that allows travellers to view city landmarks from the concourses. So, the passenger journey can be made enjoyable in spite of the distance they have to walk.

Technological advances as well as some other major trends today such as insecurity have significantly impacted on how airports and airlines now operate. Today, airports are paying attention to passenger demographics. Where there is an increasing ageing population, such will have to be paid attention to in the design of facilities. There will still be passengers who will require personal interaction in spite of technological deployments as self-service and mobile technologies. The need for providing information in multiple languages should also not be overlooked.

There are two major sources of revenue in an airport – aeronautical and non-aeronautical. Some of the aeronautical revenues are runway usage fees, parking fees and passenger service charges. Non-aeronautical revenues come from stores, restaurants and bars, car parking, among others. Airport terminals are not just passenger processing points only. Very many needs are now being met because of passenger journeys within the terminal that bring revenue for airports and concessionaires.

Here are some strategies for customers to cope with long distance treks inside airport terminals. Doing a little research on the airport terminal can be very helpful. Meeting someone who has once travelled through that airport and getting an advisory on size of terminal and location of gates will also be helpful.

Look at signages and enquire from airport staff on shuttle buses, moving walkways, trams or trains within the terminal building. Look out for luggage assistance in the form of trolleys and porters where there are heavy or numerous bags.

To minimise discomfort and fatigue from walking distances, travellers should put on comfortable and supportive footwear. Where the distance is particularly long or the traveller is feeling tired, look for seating areas along the way. Periodic rests help reduce the strain of continuous walking and help the traveller regain strength. Also make room for sufficient time before a connecting flight or boarding so one can move at a comfortable pace without rushing.

Other ways are to use airport amenities as shops, restaurants and lounges to break the journey and so enjoy the walk. At the same time drinking water regularly is advised for the traveller to stay hydrated. There are water fountains in airport terminals that can assist with such.

Technology can also be helpful with wayfinding. The airport apps provide real time information on gate locations, facilities and estimated walking time.

Seeking assistance is important for passengers with reduced mobility. One can request for a wheelchair or other form of support in this situation.

So, both the airport and the passenger will need to plan ahead, be prepared and make good use of resources and amenities offered by the airport to make the long – distance trek not burdensome but comfortable.