Some of the major technology enablers for achieving these results include electronic commerce, electronic tickets, smart cards and self-service kiosks. Airline ticket reservations can now be made and paid for online. Electronic ticketing is gaining popularity as many airlines offer fliers the option of booking flights with electronic tickets. Air Canada successfully implemented electronic ticketing in December 1995. Smart card technology adds another dimension to travel.
Smart cards look like credit cards and contain an embedded computer chip.
Lufthansa has used smart cards for frequent fliers on German domestic routes. American Express Company and IBM began piloting the world's first multipurpose corporate smart card in October 1996. The two companies are utilizing this smart card technology combined with electronic tickets in 21 United States' airports using American Airlines' enhanced gate readers. Self-service kiosks deliver fast and direct services to travelers right at the point of service. While airlines recognize that the adoption of new technologies can achieve higher levels of service, they have a difficult time quantifying service level and economic impact of the interactions between new technologies and process changes.