Air New Zealand has unveiled an industry first ‘airband’ designed to ease the anxiety of parents when unaccompanied minors take to the skies.
Air NZ has been trialling an electronic wristband embedded with a smart microchip which can be scanned at various stages throughout a journey.
It is for young children aged between five and 11 years old flying solo and is able to trigger text notifications to waiting parents.
“This is the first time this type of technology has been used by an airline anywhere in the world for the purpose of providing caregivers greater peace of mind when their child is travelling alone,” said Air NZ’s general manager for customer experience, Carrie Hurihanganui.
“While our staff always take great care of children travelling solo, we identified that there was an opportunity to enhance the experience for kids while at the same time giving further peace of mind and visibility of their journey,” she said.
Trials conducted over several months have proved a success and the ‘airband’ is now available on all flights.
Until February the service is free, and will then cost $15 per child or $40 per child for international flights.
Air NZ says it is aimed at younger unaccompanied children but can be used for anyone up to the age of 16 years.
