If you're a frequent traveller, then you'll already be aware of many of the great apps available in the App Store for your iPhone and iPad that try and help you through the process. Before a recent long haul trip, I came across App in the Air, a flight tracking and airport assistant that not only looks fantastic, but backs it up where it matters. It doesn't just keep tabs on your flight checkins and departures, it wants to be your complete airport companion.
Know where to find the best food in the airport and how to connect to free wireless internet. Learn the best ways to spend free time and find the best coffee. Don't be late with online check-in and keep your friends and family updated by sharing your flight status.
The first thing you notice about App in the Air is how it looks; pretty stunning. The app itself is free to download and use, but if you want to take advantage of push notifications for your flights that's where you need to pay. But, if you're a frequent flyer, it's money well spent. It will also sync with Tripit Pro if you're a user of that service, and pull in your travel details for you.
You add your flights using the airline, flight number and date, or by hitting "I feel lucky." If you're OK with a completely random flight the latter may be perfect for you! But otherwise using the first three pieces of information the app will pull in your flight, check-in details, gate numbers, departure times and any delays, and a map of the journey. Perhaps more convenient though is the option to check-in online using the in-app browser. If it's a facility that is available, the app will direct you to the correct website to complete the procedure.
App in the Air also has a sizeable social component. You're able to provide feedback on check-in and all other portions of the flight experience, report delays, engage in airport specific chat with other users and share your trips with friends on social networks as well as access to tips and tricks for some of the worlds airports.
All in all, especially with push notifications enabled, App in the Air is a complete companion to flying. I found the notification reminders particularly helpful, and the information within the app was extremely accurate. With enough to concern yourself with at the airport, this is definitely worth having in your pocket.
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