DFW Launches Groundbreaking Mobile Integration for Travelers

Aug. 5, 2011
Involves popular programs Foursquare and Facebook Places
DFW International Airport Launches Groundbreaking Mobile Integration for Travelers Using "Foursquare" and "Facebook Places"

PR Newswire

Smartphone users access concessions deals and special offers based on precise terminal locations

DFW AIRPORT, Texas, Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DFW International Airport today launched a groundbreaking new program integrating the popular "Foursquare" and "Facebook Places" location-based mobile applications with the Airport's concessions offerings.  Customers who check in via social networking at any of DFW's five passenger terminals will have access to special concessions deals and discounts offered within a few yards of their location.

At launch, DFW passengers can redeem offers at 85 different concessions locations, such as Starbucks, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Brookstone, Hudson News, Reata Grill and many more.

"This program allows DFW concessionaires to place information directly into the hands of passengers, just when they are looking for it," said Jeff Fegan, CEO for DFW Airport.  "It will give our customers a great snapshot of what is nearby, so they can make more educated decisions about their purchases."

The program is one of the first of its kind in the airport industry to take advantage of the sweeping popularity of smartphones and mobile apps by incorporating concessionaires on an airport-wide basis.  A recent DFW survey shows that 84% of airport passengers use smartphones, and 36% of those smartphone users are utilizing location-based social networking apps to "check in" at certain locations.

"Customers who use smartphones and mobile apps are actively looking for information about their immediate environment, and this is a powerful way to easily share those specifics," said Sharon McCloskey, vice president of Marketing for DFW Airport.  "This program really raises the bar for delivering excellent customer service, in a trendsetting and innovative way."

In support of the social networking effort, DFW also launched a new advertising campaign in the terminals promoting mobile check-ins at DFW shops, restaurants and service providers. The ad campaign can be seen throughout the DFW Airport terminals with the use of static ads including banners and wall clings, flight information display monitors, lighted dioramas, window clings and more. Additionally, the new campaign video will be broadcast on all Airport television monitors in public spaces.

DFW Airport will also send "brand ambassadors" into the terminals for the next several weeks to promote awareness of the mobile app integration program. The brand ambassadors will provide passengers with handouts, giveaways and most importantly, live smartphone demonstrations of how to take advantage of the deals.

The program works on any smartphone platform supported by Foursquare and Facebook, including Apple iOS, Blackberry, Android, and Palm.

About DFW International Airport

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 1,750 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. DFW provides non-stop service to 144 domestic and 47 international destinations worldwide. For the past four years in a row, DFW has ranked in the top five for customer service among large airports worldwide in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com.

(re)defining DFW International Airport

DFW International Airport’s $1.9 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway.  For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.dfwairport.com/redefine.

SOURCE DFW International Airport