In recent years, theme park enthusiasts have become accustomed to waiting in line virtually. Airports are now exploring similar technologies to use at TSA security checkpoints.This summer, virtual queuing trials will be held at Boston Logan and Seattle's SeaTac Airport.The trials are being conducted by the airports and the vendors who are working with them. They claim that the deployments will make the airport experience more pleasant for passengers. As Covid-19 continues its threat, virtual queuing may also help reduce crowding. Virtual queuing allows passengers to have more time to shop and eat at restaurants, which in turn increases airport concessionaire revenues.Jared Evers is the director of content communications at VHT. The Tennessee-based company is partnering in a virtual queuing test at SeaTac’s TSA checkpoint 2. This serves Delta and other airlines. It's so relaxing to be able just to sit at a table waiting for our turn.The Seattle trials started in May and will continue until August 31. TSA Checkpoint 5 is the airport's second trial. This checkpoint serves Alaska Airlines passengers. Both airports operate under the name SEA Spot Saver.The Virtual Security Line trial in Boston began in April and serves American Airlines passengers in Terminal B. It will continue until July 7.Logan Airport officials declined comment to discuss the pilot program's progress. Accesso Technology Group (Logan's virtual queueing technology partner) said that 96% of respondents to a survey said the virtual line made traveling easier.Get digital travel delivered to your inbox every day. Subscribe below. I agree with the Terms and Conditions.Perry Cooper, SeaTac's spokesperson, said that it was too early to determine if the systems are reducing physical line. However, there are positive signs. He said, "We'll know as the volume continues to rise over the summer."Virtual queuing is not something Accesso is unfamiliar with. Sebastian Hinds (Director of Product Management for Queuing), said that Accesso's solutions are used at all Six Flags properties, Legoland locations, and other theme parks.Accesso's technology allows Boston flyers to scan a QR code using their smartphones at screens near the airport entrance. The user is then directed to a web interface where they can make a reservation for security lines and are informed how long it will take before they can get in line.The browser will display a countdown, which will allow passengers to see how long they have to wait before being notified when their turn is to enter the line.To verify the reservation, staff at the airport scan the QR code from the flyer's mobile phone. Hinds stated that passengers have a 15-minute window in which to honor their reservation.Accesso plans to expand the capabilities of its Qsmart platform so that flyers can make advance reservations. Hinds stated, "A future without queues, that is where we are going."VHT, a leader of call center queuing technologies, has also centered its airport virtual queueing technology around QR codes. Users scan the code using their smartphones and communicate with the system through texts. Users receive updates on their status via texts and can also ask for additional information via text.VHT stated that it started trialing advance reservations in June.TSA PreCheck has not yet integrated the virtual queue pilots with TSA PreCheck. This means that all users will need to remove their shoes and go through the entire screening process.TSA declined comment on this story.* This article appeared first on Travel Weekly
