United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Travel booking by mobile phone enters new dimension
A mobile phone travel booking service utilising GPRS or 3G mobile data connections to avoid calls or website searches has been launched.
The software from Shopqwik.com claims to enable users to book a flight in 90 seconds.
More than 25 mainly budget airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Thomsonfly are available, with British Airways expected to be added.
Thomson, First Choice and MyTravel are also due to offer package holiday sales via the service, according to the Shopqwik website.
Existing content on ShopQwik Mobile includes car rental through Argus Car Hire and hotels through TransHotel.
The company claims users can complete bookings without wasting time on a call centre options or trawling through websites.
Booking details are emailed or sent by text message with payment by credit card made via a secure link authorised by a personal four-digit payment approval number.
Data charges apply for the downloading of live data but the company says a typical booking costs about the same price as a standard text message.
The service is currently limited to users of 19 Nokia Series60 mobile phones and 10 PDAs plus Windows Mobile and Wi-Fi-enabled PCs.
*See TravelMole guest comment, below.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike