Brain Waves: Westin’s “bedtime calls”, Lufthansa’s high-tech business class, and more…

Westin to offer “bedtime calls” to guests

Guests at Westin hotels can now receive a “bedtime call”, telling them when they need to go to sleep. The new service is a reminder of when guests should turn-in and power-down, ensuring they get a good night’s sleep. The timing of the bedtime call will be based on what time the guest needs to be up in the morning, as recommended by the World Sleep Society.

Rimowa develops digital baggage tag

Luggage maker Rimowa has revealed a new suitcase that can be tracked using an electronic tag. Developed in partnership with Materna, the technology enables travellers to use their smartphone to send a digital baggage tag to their suitcase, replacing the traditional paper tag. Passengers can check-in from home and then leave the case at a baggage drop station at the airport.

Lufthansa unveils high-tech business class

Lufthansa is developing a new high-tech business class seat for its Boeing 777-X aircraft. Unveiled at ITB, the new seat will enable passengers to control their in-flight experience directly from their smartphone or tablet, including both the position of the seat and the in-flight entertainment content. Lufthansa has ordered 34 777-X aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2020.

US airport equips staff with smartwatches

Staff at San Diego International Airport have been equipped with smartwatches. The Samsung Gear S3 and S2 devices have been issued to IT staff members, who will be alerted to any problems when they occur. When they receive the alert, the staff member can accept it as a task and then report it as having been dealt with using a voice command or text message.