Travelers through Terminal 4 of John F. Kennedy International (JFK) will now be able to monitor processing times for security and Customs.
JFKIAT, the company that operates the terminal, has installed a queue-measurement system that uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to track wireless devices as travelers move through the lines. The gathered information is then used to calculate the median time from the entrance to the exit. These times are then displayed on monitors at the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, Customs and Border Protection, and the indoor taxi queue.
The system can also analyze passenger movements to identify congested areas, allowing the staff to cut the processing time for security and Customs lines. It does not collect data to identify device owners, mobile numbers or other personal information.
“This new service will ensure the tens of thousands of air travelers who pass through our doors every day a more stress-free and efficient travel experience, not only for passengers moving through airport security to catch their flight, but also for those who are arriving from abroad or catching a taxi out of the airport,” says Gert-Jan de Graaff, president and CEO of JFKIAT. “One of our key goals is to reduce the amount of time passengers will be in the queue. This new system will help us manage and eliminate problem spots within the facility, and sharing the processing time with our travelers will provide them with the peace of mind so they may continue to expect a pleasant travel experience.”
JFK is the only airport in the United States utilizing the system at security and Customs.
