Travellers on United Airlines flights can now use a new United skill for Amazon’s voice activated digital assistant, Amazon Alexa, to check-in and get flight information.
This is the first time a US airline has enabled travellers to use their Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Dot to coordinate their travel.
Flyers can use their devices to ask questions regarding their flights using the command “Alexa, ask United…”. This includes flight status and the availability of specific on-board amenities such as in-flight wifi and power outlets. Travellers can access this functionality by enabling the United skill in the Alexa app.
“Every day we connect nearly 400,000 customers to business meetings, loved ones and new adventures,” said Praveen Sharma, United’s vice president of digital products and analytics. “Introducing the new skill to check-in and receive flight information with Alexa is an innovation that gives customers extra time to prep for a business meeting, play with their children or relax as they get ready for their upcoming flight.”
Alexa can also be used to get information through the United app and on the airline’s website.
