Disrupting Travel Disruptions And Helping Stranded Passengers

New flight cancellation solution from Switchfly helps airlines assist stranded passengers in need of re-accommodation

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug, 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite many advances in airline systems over the last decade, there is one problem area in airline operations that technology hasn't yet solved: cancelled flights and stranded passengers. Known as "irregular operations" (IROP), flights cancelled for non-weather reasons disrupt travel plans for hundreds of millions of US passengers each year.

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For airlines, flight cancellations are a logistical and costly ordeal. Finding available hotel rooms for thousands of stranded passengers takes a toll on airline profits, employee satisfaction and customer retention. Fortunately, airlines and their passengers now have relief with Switchfly's Airline IROP Management solution.

"One in three cancelled flights in the US were due to IROP during the first quarter of 2017, and with over 3 million passengers in need of immediate re-accommodation, we knew our IROP solution could address this issue right away," said Daniel Farrar, CEO of Switchfly. "Our Airline IROP Management will radically improve airline communications and customer service for stranded passengers, while creating opportunity for airlines where previously there was only liability."

Switchfly, a travel commerce platform with the most robust global network of activity, air, car, hotel and insurance products that transforms travel experiences, launched the IROP solution earlier in the year and has been trialing the product in several markets.  

For airlines using Switchfly's Airline IROP Management solution, stranded passengers are immediately alerted by SMS or email if their flight is cancelled and requires re-accommodation. Switchfly's comprehensive hotel supplier network and inventory of close to half a million unique hotel properties gives stranded passengers hotel choices, while airlines save with deeply discounted rates, and can integrate business rules to configure hotel options based on passengers' loyalty program membership and status.

Passengers can view available nearby hotel rooms and make their selection using a mobile device or laptop without ever having to approach the airport kiosk. Passengers can also purchase optional ancillary upgrades using cash or loyalty points (or cash + points), giving them more flexibility and choice during a stressful time.