Customer Experience

Delta combats COVID-19 with digital signage

Delta Airlines recently tackled COVID-19 head on by having passengers provide a negative COVID test before flying and then agreeing to a rapid COVID test both before and after the flight. In order to support this effort, Delta deployed three self-contained totems displaying the current queue number being served at the testing facility.

Photo: provided

March 30, 2021 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

COVID-19 has made an impact on every industry, but perhaps none as much as the travel industry. Between travel restrictions and crowded spaces, airports have had to make major adjustments to make ends meet and keep customers safe. Some airports have had to implement quarantine procedures for passengers. Others, however, are finding other ways around this issue.

Delta Airlines for example, implemented a quarantine free flight from Atlanta to Rome and Amsterdam by having passengers provide a negative COVID test before flying and then agreeing to a rapid COVID test both before and after the flight. In order to support this effort, Delta deployed three self-contained totems displaying the current queue number being served at the testing facility. The queue would update in real-time as passengers went through the testing phase.

Digital Signage Today spoke with Maria Moraitakis, corporate communications, Delta Air Lines Inc. to learn more about how Delta is combating COVID-19 with digital signage.

Q. How has the airport experience changed during COVID-19?

Our check-in lobbies, self-service kiosks, gate counters and baggage claim are thoroughly wiped down throughout the day.
Given the success of electrostatic spraying on our flights, the process is occurring in other key locations such as our airport lobbies, jet bridges, gatehouses and clubs.
Plexiglass shields have been installed at all Delta check-in counters, in Delta Sky Clubs and at gate counters across the globe.
We have added social distancing markers in the check-in lobby, Delta Sky Club check in, at the gate, on seats at the gate, and on jet bridges to encourage customers to stand apart. Our employees and messaging throughout the airport consistently remind customers to give each other extra space, too.
You're never more than a few feet away from a hand sanitizer station. They are available for use in check-in lobbies, at the gate, in Delta Sky Clubs and on all Delta-owned jet bridges.
Delta customers and our customer-facing employees are required to wear masks to ensure an extra layer of protection.

Q. How did this solution help address COVID-19?

A. This solution was designed to prevent a long waiting queue at our testing facility. It allows passengers to safely social distance while waiting to enter the testing facility.

Q.What are its features?

A. The displays are custom built for Delta. The displays are mobile, run on battery power and use Wi-Fi connection. They can easily relocate or reposition as they are on wheels. For our COVID-free international flights, we have three displays deployed at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

Customers are able to opt-in to text message updates or view the queue via a mobile device. All communication channels including the digital display are in-sync and update in real-time.

Q. Do you see usage of this technology outside of airports?

A. The displays have previously been used by Delta for assistance with wayfinding at CES 2020, at employee events and in Miami at the Super Bowl.

Q. Do you have any plans to expand on this technology?

A. We continue to look for ways to expand and innovate our technology.

About Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is the editor of ATM Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. He was previously the editor of Digital Signage Today. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing.

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