British Airways may know more about you when you board a flight than you think they do. This may be due in part to their new initiative to search Google images of VIP customers before they flight.
According to this CNN Business Traveller article:
The program works by pulling together information on frequent travelers — including seating location, previous flights and meal choices — into a streamlined database which, along with Google Images, is accessed on iPads issued to staff on all BA flights and in the airline’s lounges.
Jo Boswell, from British Airways customer analysis team, states the following:
“recreate the feeling of recognition you get in a favorite restaurant when you’re welcomed there, but in our case it will be delivered by thousands of staff to millions of customers.”
So what do you think? Is this a case of an airline trying to go above and beyond for it’s most valued customers, or is it going across the line into stage 5 stalker territory?
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This is not cool. I would prefer to just be anonymous.
I think this would be a fantastic approach for elites, assuming that it’s done right and consistently.
Everybody already knows who you are and what you’re doing… the credit card company and the bank knows you’re traveling (because you purchased the ticket), the airline knows where you’re going and when, when you get to the airport, where you’re sitting, and more.
Just like if you walked into a hotel that you frequent and they recognize you, this would work as a “nicety perk” for frequent flyers. You’re not “Mr. 3A”… you’re Mr. Smith, you like coconut ice cream and your PDV choice is diet coke with lime and cashews.
I vote for creepy.
I agree with Viguera – The elite travelers they are targeting might expect and appreciate the personalized service.
creepy