4A

I believe there is an unmet need in regards to airport security checkpoint hold-ups. All frequent travelers like business executives and future travelers would find this to be interesting and handy. I believe I could provide an app that allows travelers to link their flight information to my system three hours prior to going through security and one hour prior to going to security. By having two alerts, travelers will be able to know the average time it will take them to go through security and make it on their flight. According to Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2018/06/26/one-of-every-seven-travelers-miss-their-flights-because-of-long-airport-security-lines/#1d1940c52e1d), one out of every seven travelers has missed their flights due to long airport security lines. By concurring this need, the prototypical customer on his/her way to a flight will avoid having to pay for another trip as well as having to miss being at a destination. In 2018 Capitol one conducted a survey that revealed this issue.  

#1: Spontaneous Traveler in college

• How often do you travel?

I travel two or three times per year and that's not enough for me. It is only what I can afford right now. I am 23 now. I would want to travel five or six times per year as I grow older.

• Have you ever missed a flight and if so, why?

I did. I was socializing with my ex-boyfriend when we went to New York. We didn't realize the time was near, By the time we noticed we only had 20 minutes to get to the airport. When we got there they were boarding and we had to wait too long at security for two hours and ended up catching the next flight. Our tickets included coverage so we didn't have to pay for the next flight. 

• How does airport security effect getting to your destination?

Sometimes the people traveling take too long to remove their garments and sometimes it's the petty stuff when security guards want to pat you down. Instead of patting you and letting you go, they make you wait. One time they made me remove my wig to make sure I had nothing and pat it. 

• What factors have made you run late to a flight if it has ever happened? 

Running my mouth, not packing early and not paying attention to the flight. 

• Has airport security hold-ups prevented you from catching your flight? How did you feel?

No, not at all. Now I know to go at least an hour or two early. 

• What is your favorite airport and why? 

Fort Lauderdale airport because the flights are usually cheaper. It is easier to navigate through and Miami's airport is on some bullshit. 

• If you had an app that helped you know your average time you will spend in the airport if you got there at a specific time would you use it and how often?

I would use it, especially if I am running late. 

REFLECTION: Prototypical customers probably do not include many college students because they are often nowhere near financial freedom. There are some college students who either have their own small businesses and can afford to take flights or have relatives who are willing to fund their experiences. Preventing a missed flight can help anyone.

#2: Young black male, corporate worker

• How often do you travel?

At least once per month. If it's not a company trip, it's me linking up with family or friends to just go have fun. 

• Have you ever missed a flight and if so, why?

I never did. I always make sure my flights are on my phone's calendar. Every time I have a trip, I get alerted at least five hours prior.

• How does airport security effect getting to your destination?

It doesn't. I feel like its all about being on time and being responsible. My mom always told me, the bus doesn't wait for you, you wait on the bus. The same thing applies for a flight.

• What factors have made you run late to a flight if it has ever happened? 

I guess I can't answer this.

• Has airport security hold-ups prevented you from catching your flight? How did you feel?

No, and I hope they never do.

• What is your favorite airport and why?:

Definitely the Orlando airport. There's literally trains in the airport that brings you to your flight destination and security check-ins. I feel like all airports should have that to prevent people from having to run too often when they are late.

• If you had an app that helped you know your average time you will spend in the airport if you got there at a specific time would you use it and how often?: I really would use it, to be honest. It would be like a back-up plan if I were to ever be late.

REFLECTION: There are some people who are responsible enough to always be on time for everything and there are other people who don't mind being late and can't help being late. It all depends on what people's routines are.

#3: Mother of two, business owner

• How often do you travel?

Probably twice per year. My job and having two kids kind of holds me back from traveling more often. 

• Have you ever missed a flight and if so, why?

I did miss a flight once. My son, who was four months old at the time, could not stop crying. I was going on a trip to see my brother in New York from Florida. I actually cried cause everyone was staring at me alone with my child who was uncontrollably crying before I could even get to the bag check-in. I wasted a good hour trying to feed him and change him. Your first child is always a learning experience. 

• How does airport security effect getting to your destination?

They take too long. I hate when they throw away unnecessary belongings which makes lines take even more long. 

• What factors have made you run late to a flight if it has ever happened? 

Mainly just my children or forgetting something at my house.

• Has airport security hold-ups prevented you from catching your flight? How did you feel?

Not at all. I try to get to the airport at least three or two hours before boarding. 

• What is your favorite airport and why?:

I really don't have one. 

• If you had an app that helped you know your average time you will spend in the airport if you got there at a specific time would you use it and how often?: I really would. Anything that makes my life easier, I will use.

REFLECTION: Older women often have one main distraction: their kids. Having to worry about other people traveling with you can sometimes make you forget about time passing by and deadlines to reach.

SUMMARY:

I believe the opportunity is present here for sure. Airport security checkpoint hold-ups can truly be avoided if travelers have access to average time expectancies. My interviewees made it clear that it would help them. Whether they have children, usually on time or simply face an emergency, meeting this need would help every traveler.