Technology has an impact on every travelers’ life—often in ways we don’t even stop to recognize. That’s because the products changing the way we travel often do such an effective job that it’s hard to imagine how we traveled before these innovations existed. Remember the days of traveling before a smartphone? The years of spiral-bound maps, internet cafes, and calling cards? While there was a certain charm to directions scrawled on the back of scratch paper and a freedom to being wholly inaccessible while abroad, the ability to travel with unlimited connectivity and a research vessel in our back pocket is a privilege.
Tech is top-of-mind when discussing the products that change the way we travel—the phrase “there’s an app for that” has never been more poignant. These honorees have gone from concepts you didn’t believe would ever exist to necessities you couldn’t imagine traveling without. They have disrupted the travel space, expedited nearly every step of the transit process, and on the whole, made our journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.
Courtesy JSX
JSX
Jet travel becomes attainable for the everyday flier with JSX. JSX currently flies from private terminals at seven airports: Burbank (BUR), Oakland (OAK), Napa/Concord (CCR), Orange County (SNA), Las Vegas (LAS), Seattle-Boeing Field (BFI), and their newest addition as of August, Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). You’d book much the same way you’d reserve a flight through your preferred airline or credit card—the difference is, you jet to your destination in style and can arrive for your flight 20 minutes before departure.
Courtesy AWAY
Smart Suitcases
From the zipper-free suitcase to the suitcases charging our appliances when every lounge outlet is occupied, smart suitcases provide a travel ease we didn’t know we needed. Arlo Skye rolled out The Polycarbonate Carry-On which has two TSA-approved locks in place of zippers for maximum storage and a more seamless (demi-pun intended) user experience. Away’s The Carry-On also comes with an ejectable battery, and their newest addition to the toting family is The Weekender, which fits perfectly atop their suitcases and complies with carry-on regulations.
Courtesy Uber
Uber Travel Products
Uber has a suite of travel products, but this year launching their first foray into Uber’s long-term urban mobility plan, Uber Elevate. Uber Elevate’s NYC product is Uber Copter, which allows travelers to heli-commute from downtown Manhattan to JFK in eight minutes. Their travel suite also includes Uber Boat in Croatia, and Uber Wine in some of the best wine regions in North America.
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Mobile Passport App
Mobile Passport App expedites the immigration and customs experience for U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, and Canadian citizens visiting the U.S. Now up and running in 27 airports and four cruise ports, you can download it while sitting on the tarmac and sail through security minutes later. There are no interviews or legwork in advance and the app is entirely secure—sending your info directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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American Express Centurion Lounges
With at least six new lounges coming soon, including at JFK and LAX, American Express Centurion Lounges have changed the long-layover game for good. Many of the lounges offer private shower suites, meal programming by award-winning chefs, and spa services like massages, manicures, and facials.
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Subscription-Based Luxury Travel
Inspirato rolled out a subscription-based booking service this year, specifically for luxe accommodations. Inspirato Pass allows frequent travelers to book at their favorite hotels or Inspirato’s off-the-beaten-path villas. For $2,500 a month, members can essentially subscribe to unlimited stays. As soon as they check out, they can make their next reservation.
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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Smart Headphones
Perhaps the most game-changing in-flight invention since the neck pillow, Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Smart Headphones cancel out the sound of a plane unlike any piece of technology before it. It silences the aircraft, allowing travelers to (finally) fully immerse themselves in work, music, or their movie selection. The strength of the noise-canceling tech is most noticeable when you take off the headphones mid-flight and are bracingly reminded of how loud (with good reason) Boeings really are.
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Global Entry
The biggest if-you-don't-know-now-you-know moment in the travel industry is undoubtedly Global Entry. And to say it has transformed the travel process is an understatement as it cuts time spent at customs down to mere minutes. Travelers can apply for Global Entry through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.
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British Airways Biometric Boarding
Biometric boarding means showing your face at the gate rather than your passport and boarding pass. In 2019, British Airways used the tech for domestic flights and for flights from the U.S. to the U.K. to dramatically reduce boarding time.
