Registered Traveler Program at CAK?

I’ve been asked by lots of business travel managers about the possibility of a Registered Traveler Program (RTP) at CAK. Business travelers after all, are the bread and butter of the airline industry, coveted by network and low cost carriers alike. Shouldn’t we try to do everything in our power to keep them loyal to flying from Akron-Canton? The answer is yes and no. By all means we should add amenities that business travelers need and want most, like a business lounge, free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, private areas to work and good coffee. Business travelers also like short lines at check-in and at gate screening. It must feel a bit daunting to stand behind the infrequent traveler who has yet to discover the beauty of the 3-1-1 rule (translation: all gels and liquid in a baggie please), and is carrying too much stuff to reasonably get through the screening process efficiently.

The Registered Traveler Program though, doesn’t provide this business traveler much relief. Even if the airport offers an RTP according to the USA Today, the process to get a card is daunting, it costs $100 per application and you still have to take off your shoes, empty your pockets, abide by the 3-1-1 rule and remove your lap top. Needless to say, RTP doesn’t offer the very thing it was designed to provide, a speedy experience at gate screening. One caveat, if an innocent person is unlucky enough to be listed on the “no fly” list, than this program could expedite their screening experience and reduce the hassle of forever being a “selectee”.

Here are a few facts to consider when thinking about the overall efficiency and/or hassle of getting through gate screening at various airports: 1. The CAK average wait time is approximately 3 minutes at gate screening (even at busy times, our waits don’t extend much past 15 minutes). 2. Because smaller airports handle less volume, you are guaranteed of shorter lines and a more relaxing airport experience. Not to knock the big guys… they’re just well… big. 3. Our airport administration and employees genuinely care about your good experience. We often hear announcements from our TSA security folks about a belt or hat left behind at screening. Our information center staff is notoriously helpful and our van drivers offer you a free Akron Beacon Journal and a free ride to the terminal in the morning.

So, we may not be pursuing a RTP at CAK (at least not right now) but we are constantly trying to improve your overall travel experience because we want you to come back. Please feel free to let us know how we are doing.

Comments

Happy New Years to my neighbors out at Akron/Canton. Continue the tremendous work you do at your airport. Most airports are jealous of how well you have grown in just a 10 year span, and will continue growing in the future. I have flown it 10+ times in the last couple years, and will continue using it.

Right now my coalition of Airport Supporters are trying to help out the struggling Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. They have done a successful job with flights to Orlando aboard Allegiant Air (ALGT-Nasdaq), but they have not done much since then.

YNG needs to look at how well CAK has done over the years and perhaps take some tips from you guys. You run a very successful operation and should be commended for IT! You earn my award for the best airport in Ohio and the best operation of any government funded operation in the region.

GOOD LUCK IN 2007!

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