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Google announced yesterday on Google+ that not only will Google Now show you your boarding passes and flight status but also tell you when it is time to leave to the airport, so you won't miss your flight. It has had this feature for a while, I believe.
The ironic part is, about an hour before Google posted that on Google+, a frequent flyer posted a complaint on Google Web Search Help that Google Now's reminder was way too late.
It gave this flyer an hour to drive to the airport, go through security and catch the flight. This is what he had to say:
For my flight today I'm looking at Google Now and it's telling me to leave at 5:53 for a 7:10 PM flight. I know that it takes just under 20 minutes without traffic, but given that its rush hour, I know that drive will be more than 40 minutes. PLUS I need to park my car. If I make it and TSA Precheck saves me life, I can see that I'll still be bolting to the gate during the end of boarding.So please Google, your 1 hour arrival makes no sense, even for frequent travelers.
So if you miss your flight, can you blame Google Now and they will put you on the next flight free of charge?
Forum discussion at Google+.
Comments:
Mike Weaver
04/11/2014 12:37 pm
What a whiny douche. Does anyone take responsibility for themselves these days? "Wah, I couldn't leave my house until Google told me to and I was late!"
timf
04/13/2014 03:53 am
I take responsibility for my actions, but depend on accurate information to help me take action. I had the same situation. It might be a good idea for them to pad the time as they might be taken to court for incorrect information. Many of us depend on Google for accurate info like translation, currency calculator, navigation and many others. Though I agree that we all need to be informed consumers, I believe that guy brought up a valid concern they should consider fixing...
Durant Imboden
04/13/2014 02:58 pm
The feature obviously would be more useful if it told you when to ARRIVE at the airport. Even then, it would have to be very conservative, because there are days when the security lines are long and other days when you can breeze right through. Other factors, such as whether you're checking a bag and how far the gate is from the security check, also come into play. If and when airports were able to supply datafeeds for things like security-line delays, gate distances, etc., a "when to arrive at the airport" feature might be useful. Until then, travelers are better off relying on their own judgment.