CNN - TravelGuide - Travel info in the palm of your hand

ATLANTA (CNN) -- The United States Transportation Department estimates that more than 100,000 Americans experience flight delays each day, and an average of about 500 U.S. commercial flights are canceled. Such inconveniences are likely to be more pronounced as travelers crowd their way to holiday destinations.

For those who've grown weary of spending more time waiting for a plane than actually flying on one, there's a possible solution. It's a handheld wireless system that allows fliers to access the latest available flight information, including the departure gate, time changes, seat assignments, type of aircraft and even meal details.

"It's really going to benefit the frequent traveler who is on a tight schedule, trying to go from one place to another, and they don't have the benefit of a lot of lead time between flights," says Bill Reeves, of Delta Air Lines.

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PDAs

Smart cell phones

"You can actually see it update on the device itself and actually learn if you have an extra 30 minutes to get to the airport so you're not in a rush."

Travel-assist PalmPilots are now being test-marketed by Delta, American and United airlines. Delta also is experimenting with the technology on Web-enabled cell phones.

Travelers can get real-time updates from the comfort of the office or the back of a cab, without having to contact an airline representative.

Frequent flier Stuart Meyler swears by the new technology. "It's allowed me to check my flights, check the gate where I'm leaving from without having to pick up a phone," he says. "By the time I get to the airport, I already know where the flight is and when it's leaving."

Other travelers are equally keen to get in on the time-saving act. "If I'd had one of these," says one annoyed passenger, "I wouldn't be standing here waiting for my next flight that's two hours (away)."

"I think it would be a great idea," says another man, "especially if it's accurate information. If you try to call to get the information, they don't necessarily tell you the truth."

The system -- free to fliers with Web-enabled PalmPilots or cell phones -- will be available to the general public by early 2000.

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RELATED SITES:
American Airlines Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
U.S. Transportation Department
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