This month’s app roundup includes entries from: JetBlue, AwardWallet, GroundLink, Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder and LodgeNet.
By Samantha Worgull
February 29, 2012 | 6:13 P.M.
In a 24/7 world, face-to-face connection almost seems passé. More often than not, I’m hearing the phrase “there’s an app for that.”
In this monthly blog, I will be highlighting some of the best apps out there for hotel owners, operators, guests and whoever else might find them useful. Here is February’s roundup:
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JetBlue
Not only did JetBlue redesign its website recently, but they also launched an app. This mobile application is only compatible with the iPhone, for now, but an Android app will be available soon. The app introduces on-the-go ease for booking travel, flight check-ins and flight status. But that’s not all, folks. JetBlue expanded its presence with geo-location and push notifications to help customers stay informed about important real-time travel info. Thought JetBlue outdid itself? Well the app also features an array of extras including virtual postcards, itinerary sharing and access to the airline’s in-flight amenities, including snack and beverage offerings, movie previews and DirecTV schedules for the duration of the flight.
Cost: Free
Markets: App Store
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AwardWallet
Let’s talk numbers: The AwardWallet app is tracking a total of 17,515,544,958 miles and points for its members across 461 loyalty programs. Did I mention this app is free? All right, so now you probably are wondering what this app does, anyway. If you’re a business traveler, juggling all your reward programs can become bothersome, especially when serious jet lag hits. AwardWallet tracks and monitors your reward programs and itineraries. Notification of when your balances change and before your points expire is another feature. So stay on top of your assets before they dwindle off into space with the other 10 trillion unused frequent-flier miles in circulation. And for you skeptics, AwardWallet is not affiliated or related to any of the loyalty programs offered by the airlines, hotels or credit cards identified on the company’s website or tracked and monitored using the AwardWallet service.
Cost: Free
Markets: Android Market, App Store
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GroundLink
Welcome the first global, mobile and online private car service. When you’re traveling on business and need a ride to your next location, GroundLink will help you put a face to a name and offers complete price transparency. Here’s how it works: You can order a car for pick up now or later. You will know the price before you book, and that’s with tip included! GroundLink will then send the closest car, and it is at this point that they give you the make of your driver’s car, a photo of your driver, the estimated time of arrival and your total. It also tracks your driver as he makes his way to get you. The down side? Immediate pick up is available only in New York at the moment. But the service can be scheduled anywhere in the U.S., as well as in 5,000 cities and 110 countries around the globe. Not bad for a first timer.
Cost: Free
Markets: App Store, Android Market
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Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder
Now that we’ve taken care of business, let’s skip to the fun. This app can help entertain in 20 different ways with just the entry of a city or ZIP code. The free Oh, Ranger Park Finder app enables users to find parks nearest to them with a list of activities to do. The app includes a comprehensive database of every national park, state park and federal public land in America. Each location is cross-referenced with information about available activities at these parks. Say you’re in San Francisco, you can search for parks with bicycling (although I don’t know who would want to bicycle through all those hilly streets). Other activities include bird watching, hiking, caving, tennis, golfing and more. It is perfect for finding places to unwind when traveling. Or maybe you want to find a park close to your hotel to do your daily workout. This app helps you be less of a slacker in the fitness department no matter where you are.
Cost: Free
Markets: App Store
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LodgeNet
Most travel apps only focus on a certain aspect of the travel experience such as booking trips or looking up rates, but LodgeNet’s mobile app focuses on the overall trip experience. According to Todd Kelly, VP of mobile for LodgeNet, when developing this app the company had three major areas in mind: In-Room, In-Hotel and In-Area services. LodgeNet allows hoteliers and operators to fully modify and customize the “My Hotel” section of the app with brand logos and property-specific shots to promote the brand. A real-time hotel and area overview can be produced and maintained digitally, and guests can use the app for mobile check-out through the property management system. Before guests check out on their mobile, they can order some breakfast using the app, as well.
Cost: Free
Markets: App Store, Android Market
Want to share an app you find useful? Send your apps to Samantha Worgull.
