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SkyLounge Intros Platform Upgrade

By Vivek Naik, TMCnet Contributor

SkyLounge has announced that it has upgraded its platform, with enhanced graphic user interfaces and a networked flight tracking information tool that can be accessed by almost any mobile handset device.

 

“The purpose of the network it to make business travel more efficient, profitable and enjoyable,” said Marcel van Gemerden, founder of SkyLounge. “We are very excited to launch our new platform as it has improved networking capabilities, business travel city reviews, flight tracking, news feed and a new trendy design.”

 

Officials say that the new software, when broken down into elements, allows customers to have instant access to live flight status information such as departure delays, trip cancellations, re-checking flight detail correctness, confirming connecting flight timings, and opportunistic discount and related package offerings.

 

“We cover 97 percent of all commercial flights around the world and give members the opportunity to track arrival and departing flights via virtually any mobile phone on the planet,” said van Gemerden. “Premium memberships start at $ 5.95 per month.”

 

The original solution was launched in February 2008 and now has more than 20,000 network connected members that can feed information to SkyLounge’s central server and interconnect to maybe meet fellow members with coincidental schedules around the world.

 

“We have set up flight tracking so you can also copy in an assistant or travel agent by mobile or email who will also be informed of any changes,” van Gemerden said. “The advantage is that they can take proactive action when you are in the air or on your way to the airport with things like rescheduling appointments or rebooking your connecting flight.”

 

The company also encourages signees to share business sensitive information about different companies, cities, countries and cultures across the globe so that travellers are mentally prepared for most, if not all, the nuances that a first time destination has to offer.

 

“You can also send arrival information to anyone you choose which will avoid any unnecessary waiting at the airport and a hefty parking fee,” van Gemerden said. “If the flight is cancelled everyone you choose will know and can avoid a round trip to the airport.” 

 

It is social networking of a specific travel-oriented kind that has successfully leveraged the growing consumer trend, as TMCnet reported, which indicates that a high percentage of people turn to social networks to communicate, recommend and seek advice for all sorts of stuff.

 

“SkyLounge is the only business travel network that gives you all tools in one place,” van Gemerden said. “You can find flight tracking on other sites but then you don’t have the networking opportunities. You can read travel reviews on trip advisor but the probability is that they were written by people who are in vacation mode. You can join a group on Facebook (News - Alert) which we call lounges but then it won’t have trip alerts and list people that are maybe attending the same tradeshows or event. Start networking before you arrive.”

 

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Vivek Naik is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Vivek's articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Michael Dinan