Two weeks from
the busiest travel season of the year, DFW International Airport has
debuted new passenger amenities and shopping options that will accommodate
millions of guests at the AirportSanta Claus debuted the new Zoom Automated Retail Systems
where he chose the newly remastered Apple iPod nano, and costumed Pilgrims
tried out new massage chairs. The initiative is an integral part of DFW’s
new campaign to encourage travelers to make holiday purchases at the
Airport or take a break from the holiday bustle.
  “Our goal is to make the passenger experience as enjoyable and
efficient as possible, which is certainly a priority during hectic holiday
travel times,” said Kevin Cox, DFW’s chief operating officer. “We believe
these new amenities across all five of our terminals will be a real treat
for travelers and make our Airport even more attractive for everyone from
families to road warriors who need to make the most of their airport time.”
  The new high-tech automated retail systems will sell electronics
products, offering travel accessories ranging from iPods to headsets. Zoom
units will also dispense Neutrogena products and items from Proactiv Facial
Care. The 13 machines offer items from $5.99 to $299.00 and are accessible
to passengers at all times, giving after-hours passengers new buying
options.
  “When a customer walks up to a machine, he can drill down and get as
much information on the product as he needs - as if he would on the web -
or within three touches, he can be at a buy decision,” said Mark Mullins,
executive vice president for Zoom Systems. “When he hits buy, he can use a
debit or credit card which makes the transaction very secure and less
cumbersome than cash.”
  Santa delivered his first gift of the season and demonstrated the
machine’s ease of use by giving a brand new iPod nano to DFW guests Juan,
Adrimarie and Christian Santiago of Puerto Rico. Mr. Santiago is in the
U.S. Army and his wife and one-year old son were flying home for vacation.
  If hectic travel has taken a toll on your holiday spirit, new massage
chairs from First Class Seats will recharge your muscles as well as your
laptop or mobile phone. The chairs recline, massage and feature headphones
tuned to relaxing music. The chairs are also equipped with outlets for
charging all electronic devices and are available now in Terminal C with
locations throughout the Airport in the near future.
  “We believe that these enhancements to our Airport will greatly benefit
all of our travelers, and we’re pleased we’re able to get them into the
terminals before the holidays begin,” said Ken Buchanan, DFW’s executive
vice president of revenue management. “We have even more new shopping
options that should be very popular as passengers visit friends and family
this holiday season.”
  One enticing new option is the Buckaroo Tax Free store in International
Terminal D. Once off-limits to domestic passengers, Buckaroo has dedicated
the lower level of the D14 store to all passengers, who can now shop for
their favorite fragrances, cosmetics, fine leather goods and unique gift
ideas. Buckaroo will pay the sales tax on those items.
  “This is an Airport first,” said Steve Flory, one of Buckaroo’s owners.
“All passengers may now purchase many items from Buckaroo’s unique product
line at significant savings, and we’re really excited about the
opportunity. The response from domestic passengers so far has been
outstanding.”
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