35+ prime airport touchpoints for promoting travel eSIMs

Airports handle passengers in highly predictable ways. This provides airport operators with a production line of passenger touchpoints; each one an opportunity to offer travel eSIM mobile plans.

In this post we look at the 35+ airport touchpoints on the end-to-end journey from departure to arrival, and how each is suited to promoting travel eSIM offerings at every step.

By strategically positioning eSIM advertisements and promotions throughout the passenger journey, airports can optimize passenger engagement and drive service adoption.

Prior to trip

Engage passengers as they schedule parking, pre-order duty free, and research lounge and retail options.

• Airport website: Run ads on your main website offering “travel eSIMs before you fly” as a valuable and convenient service.
• Airport parking booking flow: Parking booking data gives you passenger destination (flight numbers) and trip duration, allowing you to offer them tailored travel eSIM offers as a follow-on option.
• Parking booking confirmation email: Add a banner to these emails offering a discount on their first/next travel eSIM order.
• Parking booking reminder email: See above.
• Click and collect duty-free service: Place eSIM promotions alongside duty-free prepayment options, positioning it as a useful ancillary service.
• Duty-free confirmation email: Reiterate eSIM offers in the confirmation email for duty-free purchases.

En route to the airport

Signpost your travel eSIM offers as passengers enter the airport grounds, parking areas and main terminal buildings by car, public transport and on foot.

• Roadside billboards: Drum up excitement as car, taxi and coach passengers approach the airport.
• Branded floor tiles in the drop-off zone: As passengers check that they have everything before entering the airport, remind them to buy mobile data the easy (and affordable) way.
• Parking ticket QR codes: Attach QR codes to parking tickets directing passengers to your eSIM store.
• Courtesy bus advertising (exterior): Advertise eSIM services on landside transfer buses taking passengers from parking areas to the terminal.
• Courtesy bus advertising (interior): As above, but via seatback promotions, video screens, and in-journey audio announcements.

Entering the terminal building for departures

Position travel eSIM offers at relevant points throughout the landside departure terminal areas.

• Travel eSIM information points: Promote your eSIM proposition and assist with activation inquiries at landside information points.
• Luggage cart ads: Place eSIM ads on luggage carts for visibility throughout the terminal.
• Self-service kiosks: Promote eSIM services as passengers buy essential items.
• Wayfinding systems: Include personalized eSIM promotions as passengers navigate the airport.
• Digital signage: Position offers adjacent to the interactive digital displays giving live flight information.
• General information desks: Incorporate eSIM offers at your staffed or automated information desks.
• Terminal billboards: Display eSIM offers on displays billboards within the terminal.
• Other display media: Popular examples for branding and advertising include escalator steps, stairways, travelators, bathroom stall doors, elevator/lift interiors, drinking water stations, etc.

Add to the digital airport experience

Target passengers accessing your digital services while in the airport.

• Free Wi-Fi welcome screen: Highlight to free Wi-Fi users how to access superior cellular services while abroad, using your travel eSIM options.
• Airport app integration: Feature eSIM offers in the airport’s mobile app with real-time updates.
• Phone charging stations: Advertise eSIM services as people connect and charge their devices and remind them to install now for easy activation on arrival.

Don’t forget security and duty-free

These are the most controlled parts of the passenger flow through the airport – everyone must pass through these zones, making them a vital opportunity.

• Fast-track security tickets: Consider including eSIM promotions as a perk for travelers who buy this premium service (and value simplicity and ease of use).
• X-ray trays: Advertise eSIM services discreetly inside the base or on the side of security scanner trays.
• Duty-free collection: Reinforce eSIM offers when passengers pick up their valued items.
• Duty-free point of sale: Promote eSIM services on carrier bags and receipts.

Airside wait and boarding Position travel eSIMs as a last minute opportunity for passengers to have mobile data ready to go when they arrive.

• Departure boards: Remind passengers about eSIM services before they take off.
• Departure gate: Promote eSIM offers while passengers are waiting for their flights.
• Premium departure lounge: As above, plus also consider gifting or discounting eSIM credit as part of the overall lounge cost.
• Airside transfer buses/monorails: Provide last-minute eSIM offers in much the same way as landside transfers.
• Jet bridge / runway steps: Display ads for a final eSIM reminder before boarding.

Airport arrival Arriving passengers are still an opportunity for airports to sell travel eSIMs, especially international arrivals or domestic arrivals transferring to an onward flight.

• Baggage reclaim: Offering eSIMs here is highly relevant as passengers typically wait 20+ minutes in baggage reclaim, and use the time to try to get connected.
• Walkway billboards: Promote eSIM services on interior billboards, especially airside walkways leading to immigration.
• Welcome banners: Offer eSIM adjacent to the wall art or other displays that “welcome” visitors to the airport and the country it’s in.
• Local accommodation and transport information points: Offer eSIM options as an alternative to hotel Wi-Fi.
• Taxi ranks and public transportation stations: Advertise eSIM services as a reminder that navigating the local area is easier with a reliable, affordable connection.

Integrating eSIM technology into these touchpoints not only keeps passengers connected but also enhances the airport's ability to deliver personalized, real-time communication. This approach offers a unique opportunity to unlock new revenue streams, build loyalty, and learn more about passengers in order to improve their airport experience.

Modern travelers expect seamless connectivity, and eSIM offers a great alternative to extortionate roaming charges, insecure public Wi-Fi, and the uncertain provenance of local SIM cards.

Airports that embrace this position themselves as forward-thinking, customer-centric hubs, attracting more passengers and building stronger partnerships in the process. And by strategically utilizing eSIM as a new way to communicate with passengers, they can ensure that every touchpoint is an opportunity to make their journeys smoother and more enjoyable.

To fully leverage these passenger touchpoints, airports can consider the following strategies:

• Comprehensive go to market: Define SMART objectives for commercial success and implement a go-to-market strategy to achieve them.
• Integrated marketing campaigns: Utilize the full spectrum of customer touchpoints and marketing channels to reach passengers and convert demand.
• Staff training: Educate your staff to promote eSIM offers, enhancing their ability to engage with passengers.
• Continuous feedback loops: Regularly collect and analyze passenger feedback to continuously improve and refine your eSIM promotions.

Airports that partner with eSIM Go draw on our expertise from across the global aviation, travel and tourism industries. Having developed best practices in partnership with world-leading airports, we're more than happy to share what we know to ensure your success.

Are you ready to start your eSIM journey? Contact our team today.