US. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has introduced a new take on passenger wellbeing in the time of COVID-19.
As communities throughout the world are fighting the spread of the virus by staying at home and avoiding non-essential travel, LAX has introduced a ‘Lax at Home’ programme to connect with passengers and to share an airport experience at home.
While many airport media are sharing their latest COVID-19 updates and news, LAX has continued to engage with its community, from the youngest to the oldest, with activities designed to create a sense of wellbeing from home.
LAX is adamant that, during a time of uncertainty, wellbeing is what everyone needs. It points out that an intense focus on airport survival during this unusual crisis has caused a critical issue to be overlooked; and that is the traveller.
Case in point: An airport that shows empathy and humility can make a difference to your wellbeing. And how LAX communicates matters because it shows it cares even when its passengers are not travelling.
An airport communicating wellbeing has a chance to lead the industry and set the bar. And travellers are expecting more from airports than ever. The simple gesture of checking in with travellers, asking how they are feeling can make a difference.
Since most people are staying home, LAX has created a range of innovative content to be enjoyed at home. The content is engaging, educational and includes fun activities that capture the spirit of LAX during a time when most people can’t travel through the airport.
Case in point: An airport that shows empathy and humility can make a difference to your wellbeing. And how LAX communicates matters because it shows it cares even when its passengers are not travelling.
LAX PUPs at Home: Keeping in touch with therapy dogs
All of LAX’s volunteers are staying safer at home, and their LAX Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) canine teams are no exception.
For now, the PUPs and their handlers are connecting with people at home, providing updates on how they are spending their time and gearing up for visiting the airport again. LAX Pups at Home videos are available on the airport’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts. New content is being added weekly.
LAX PUP Programme Director Heidi Huber said: “Passengers love seeing warm, wet noses and wagging tails that create a friendly, ‘pawsitive’ experience at LAX. So why not share the PUPs virtually during this time?”
LAX Art at Home: Celebrating showcased artists
The Los Angeles area is home to some of the most creative people in the world, and LAX is home to a collection of innovative and powerful public art. The LAX Art at Home video series features some of the newest artists at LAX and gives viewers a deeper look at the process and meaning behind art now on display inside LAX terminals.
LA-based artist Luciana Abait is the first to appear in this occasional series and talks about her mixed-media exhibit, A Letter to the Future, which is on view in Terminal 7 until the autumn of 2020.
New videos will be available on social media and further details on the LAX art programme are available here.
Airport-themed educational activities for the whole family
For those looking for fun activities at home LAX is offering a range of downloadable airport-themed colouring pages.
Options include the iconic Theme Building, the forthcoming Automated People Mover, a commercial aircraft, and the LAX pylons. Puzzles and word searches are also featured for travellers of all ages and skill levels. Click here to see the activities.
LAX At Home Board Game: The LAX Experience without the traffic
This printable board game challenges players to make the fastest circuit of the famous LAX horseshoe. Some 50 Boarding Pass Cards offer advantages and setbacks as players move towards the airport exit, experiencing the world-class restaurants, performances or even spotting a celebrity on the way.
Players, who can experience all the fun of a real LAX trip from the comfort of their homes, are warned to watch out for traffic, paparazzi and to leave two hours before their ‘flight’. Click here to download the game.
Airport Love playlists celebrate LAX destinations
Music and airplanes both help connect the world, so LAX has created a number of playlists. Airport Love is designed to help reconnect travellers with the many places that they can’t visit at the moment. The playlists are available on Spotify and new listings will be uploaded on LAX social media sites as they are released.
It used to be that customer experience was the only way to differentiate an airport brand. However, during a time when most people can’t physically visit the airport, LAX has found a way to connect beyond retail.
Cristina Alcivar is the Founder of Vane Airport Media: cristina@vanemag.com
