Modern technology is radically changing how travelers find their way to their destinations. Vehicle mounted navigation systems and smart phone applications are rapidly changing travelers’ level of comfort through the often-unfamiliar landscape and processes associated with large airport properties. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern that examined needed changes in the approach to wayfinding for both the ground access and terminal components of passenger processing at modern airports. Presenters examined the role of personal communication devices in reducing delay and potential anxiety.

This webinar was based on ACRP Report 25: Airport Passenger Terminal Planning and Design, ACRP Report 52: Wayfinding and Signing Guidelines for Airport Terminals and Landside, ACRP Report 40: Airport Curbside and Terminal Area Roadway Operations, and ACRP Research Report 177: Enhancing Airport Wayfinding for Aging Travelers and Persons with Disabilities.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. An overview of wayfinding: Techniques for enhancing landside and airside operations and experience – Gideon D’Arcangelo, ARUP

2. The evolution of airport terminal wayfinding technologies – Bonnie Powell, National Renewable Energy Lab

3. Wayfinding: Lessons learned and looking ahead – Michael Erhart, Apple Designs

4. Question and answer session moderated by I. Richmond Nettey, Kent State University

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Enhance airport terminal and groundside operational performance through better passenger guidance and information techniques

2. Explore the potential to use modern personal communication devices to optimize flows and reduce passenger stress

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.

Continuing Education Units for Accredited Airport Executives

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) provided 1 Continuing Education Units (CEU) to accredited airport executives who attended this webinar. Claim CEUs by visiting www.aaae.org/ceu. For questions about AAAE continuing education units, please contact accreditation@aaae.org.