Helsinki Airport security queue times tracked by Bluetooth

[sn26567]

A new queuing time tracking method has been adopted at Helsinki Airport. Beginning in August, passengers can keep track of certain security control queue times on monitors.

The scheme is currently in the testing phase, but by the end of next month passengers will be able to see just how long the queues are. The plan is to eventually display all security control checkpoint queuing times on monitors. This will allow, for example, busy passengers to decide whether it would be better to move to another security control checkpoint.

The tracking method is based on Bluetooth technology. Sensors that pick up Bluetooth signals from passenger mobile devices are located near security control checkpoints. When a passenger passes through security control, the system calculates the time taken to queue and be served based on time stamps registered by the sensors. The airport encourages passengers to leave their Bluetooth function on, so that the sensors can gather enough data, thus making it possible to display the average queuing time.

The privacy of passengers using Bluetooth is fully protected. The sensors cannot identify the passenger's telephone number or the name given to their Bluetooth device.

Source: AERBT and www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/home

This would be useful at Brussels too at some times...

[Outsync]

Actually BRU already has this measuring tool in place, except the information is used (for now) for internal use.

And as there is only one security checkpoint there is no point in guiding them to another direction

[speedbird1]

I believe this is in use at Manchester Airport also.

Speedy