This means companies have to build simplified sites and connect them to a wireless system. The travel industry is angling for the growing number of travelers using mobile phones and wireless hand-held computers with Web browsers. Calif. Internet booking agent Datalex of Dublin, Ireland, says it was among the first to successfully test the booking of an airline reservation through a cell phone in December. It says airline, hotel and car-rental booking services should be available to consumers by the second half of 2000. It expects to begin taking reservations from wireless devices with Web browsers in the first quarter.
Travelers also can register personal preferences and send instant messages.
Nokia and Sabre . A wireless locating system will allow travelers to search for hotels near their locations. The company says later this year its guests will be able to book rooms and check in through wireless phones and PDAs with Internet access. Personal concierge services through mobile devices will follow. Some companies are already providing online flight information via wireless devices.