DSA Signage
Airports are some of the busiest, most bustling hubs of activity. Departing passengers need clear directions and up-to-date information to find their way to their gates, and those who are arriving need the same to make it to baggage claim.
Airport signage plays a crucial role in providing such information. The question you must ask, however, is whether static signage meets the needs of your customer base or if it is time to upgrade to digital airport signage.
Here is a head-to-head comparison between the two so you can decide when and how to use each option throughout the airport.
Static Airport Signage: Pros and Cons
Static signage has been a staple in airports for decades. Even as digital airport signage has gained ground as a modern alternative, static signs still offer value. Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using traditional signs in your airport.
Pros
Static signs are cost-effective, especially when you need to display long-term, unchanging information, such as the locations of and directions to the following places within the terminal:
- Restrooms
- Baggage claim
- Security checkpoints
Perhaps the biggest perk of using static signs, though, is their reliability. They are simple and pretty straight forward. They won’t require software updates or troubleshooting.
Once installed, static signs provide a consistent and uninterrupted source of information. So long as you source yours from reputable providers that use quality materials, you can maximize the lifespan of your signage.
Cons
Static signs have three primary limitations, which are as follows:
- Lack of Flexibility: Static signs cannot be updated in real-time, making them less adaptable
- Can Become Outdated: Static signs may become outdated if the graphics aren’t consistently updated.
- Limited Engagement: Compared to digital airport signage, static signs often fail to dynamically grab attention or engage customers
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of static signs when deciding how to incorporate them into your airport. If you need to label an area that won’t change often, static signs are a good choice, but digital airport signage might be the better option if you need to engage audiences with up-to-date information.
Digital Airport Signage: Pros and Cons
Pros
Digital airport signage offers three key benefits. The most notable of these is their ability to update content in real-time. From a practical sense, you can provide updates about flight statuses, deliver emergency alerts, and inform passengers of terminal changes or closures. From an advertising perspective, you can change out your advertisers ads in real time and exchange for updated content or add in a new advertisers content seamlessly.
Additionally, digital airport signage offers dynamic visuals that attract attention, and that is an attribute that makes digital signs valuable for wayfinding and increasing engagement with advertisements. You can make the most of their vibrant, eye-catching capability by offering targeted advertising space to brands.
Digital signs can also offer interactive options that further enhance and improve traveler experiences. Many displays come equipped with touchscreens for wayfinding or looking up important information. Travelers can use these features to save time and easily make their way through the airport.
Cons
Digital airport signage includes two notable drawbacks, which are as follows:
- Higher Upfront Cost: The cost of implementing digital signs includes hardware, software, installation, and maintenance
- Dependence on Power and Internet Connectivity: Digital displays require a constant, reliable power source and network connection
Don’t let these cons discourage you from investing in digital airport signage, though; the benefits drastically outweigh the potential disadvantages. With digital signs, you can create more engaging and frictionless passenger experiences.
Key Use Cases: When to Choose Digital Over Static
The key to maximizing your return on investment (ROI) on the signs you use is knowing when to choose between digital airport signage and its static counterpart.
In particular, you should consider digital signs when you need to provide the following:
Flight Information Displays (FIDS)
Flight schedules change often due to delays and cancellations, but even things like gate adjustments can make things undoubtedly confusing for passengers. Static signs, therefore, simply aren’t a good fit for displaying updated and altered flight information.
Digital signage ensures you can deliver real-time updates to passengers. Providing customers with accurate, up-to-date information reduces any disarray and improves the overall travel experience. Additionally, you can reduce the risk of missed flights and help protect the airport’s reputation.
Emergency Alerts
Every second counts in an emergency. Digital signs allow you to display emergency alerts about security threats or severe weather. The sooner you can notify guests of a potential emergency, the more time they will have to get to safety.
Furthermore, digital airport signage not only facilitates these timely notifications but is also capable of relaying important guidance about how passengers should respond (i.e., directing customers to emergency exits).
Key Use Cases: When to Choose Static Over Digital
Wayfinding & Navigation
Large airports can be difficult to navigate, especially for less well-traveled customers. Static signage can help them find their gates, as well as shops, restrooms and other amenities that they may need to use before boarding. Since the locations of amenities rarely change, static signs can save the airport money while remaining a clear, easy option for wayfinding.
Advertising & Retail Promotions
Static signage is a common sight in airport storefronts due to their vibrant, attention-grabbing qualities. They can also be seen as tools used to generate greater attention toward amenities within the airport, such as restaurants and shops themselves. Promoting these offerings benefits retailers, travelers, and the airport itself. It also educates travelers about local deals and services they can take advantage of.
Upgrade Your Airport Signage With Static and Digital Solutions
DSA Signage offers custom sign solutions for transportation industry clients. Our team has provided signage equipment to numerous airports throughout the country and can deliver the solutions you need to improve travel experiences for your customers. Whether you need indoor or outdoor digital airport signage and kiosks, contact our team today to learn more or to obtain a personalized quote.