NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Airport and in-flight networking is now easier than ever with the help of Skycheckin (http://www.skycheckin.com), a new, free app now available on the Appstore. The app allows air travelers to virtually "check in" to their flights, see a list of who's on board, and strike up a conversation with anyone – a potential client, or just someone who shares an interest in rock climbing. Skycheckin's database totals more than 5,000 airlines around the world: the sky is literally the limit.
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"We spend hours in airports, followed by more hours soaring above the clouds, but miss out on the chance to get to know the person next to us," explained Skycheckin development partner Charly Wa. "Now that the airlines have lifted restrictions on using the Internet in-flight, it's the perfect time to extend our social networks into the stratosphere."
"Many flights feature Wi-Fi in the cabin," said Skycheckin development partner David Abitbol. "Skycheckin takes full advantage of this new frontier with its emphasis on interaction and meeting new, interesting people."
Using Skycheckin is as easy as signing in (manually or via Facebook) and browsing for a flight. Search options include browsing all flights or narrowing the list to specific routes with the Skylocator tool. Once a user finds their flight, they simply "check in" to enable a host of options.
After checking in to a flight, users can browse other passengers, send emails to inquire about a public meetup or other networking opportunity, or just converse on the publicly viewable wall. Users can even filter fellow passengers based on age, gender, nationality, activities and interests, ensuring they find just the sort of person they're looking for during a long trip. A real-time email notification system informs users when they have new messages or when a potentially interesting person checks in to their flight.
Airline flights, especially the lengthier ones, have traditionally been an excuse to catch a few Zs, if possible, or to stare absentmindedly at whatever passes for inflight entertainment. Now, long trips, delays, extended layovers and canceled flights don't have to be tragic. Skycheckin turns all of that down time into productive time, even it that only means socializing with like-minded travelers.
Skycheckin has plans to partner with and promote several notable destination events, from Fashion Weeks to music festivals. Similarly, the developers believe the app will be a great tool for students on spring break, enabling them to make even more connections and perhaps even lifetime relationships.
Skycheckin version 1.0.3 is available on the Appstore: https://itunes.apple.com/app/skycheckin/id744293890?mt=8.
About Skycheckin
Welcome to Skycheckin.com: an innovative social network for business travelers and vacationers to connect and create new social opportunities by checking into airline flights. It's all about airlines, people and real connections.