First Glance at TripIt’s New App for Google Glass

TripIt fans can now wear their flight itineraries and car rental reservations as they meander around the airport — using Google Glass, of course.

Several months under development, a just-launched TripIt Glassware app enables users to view at eye level in Google Glass their flight particulars when they arrive at the airport, and then any other elements of their itineraries, from car rentals to hotel reservations, that they have forwarded to plans@tripit.com.

As with other TripIt apps, TripIt Pro users ($49 per year) would also be able to receive notifications in Google Glass about check-in reminders, flight delays and gate changes. And, with one tap, travelers can view alternate flights, TripIt says.

Melissa Alpine, TripIt’s mobile product manager, worked on the TripIt Glassware app, and notes that travelers will be able to view just the information about a particular portion of the trip that they need at that particular moment. There would be additional information included in TripIt’s smartphone apps.

The TripIt Glassware app was tested around Concur/TripIt offices, with employees simulating the airport experience, but it hasn’t been tested much in the field so it is too early for substantial feedback, Alpine says.

TripIt was one of several travel-related companies, including OpenTable, foursquare and Google’s own Field Trip, among others, that were invited to develop apps for Google Glass, which are available through the Google MyGlass app.

iOS users of TripIt apps shouldn’t feel disheartened by TripIt’s Google Glass collaboration because both TripIt iPhone and Android apps can by synced with Google Glass during the MyGlass set-up process, a TripIt spokesperson says.

TripIt spokesperson Amy Jackson says the pairing of Google’s wearable Glass eyewear and TripIt Glassware is a “natural way” to enhance a trip while juggling luggage and perhaps a coffee as travelers make their way through an airport.

Experiencing a perfect trip, a goal articulated by parent company Concur, with TripIt Glassware may meet some resistance periodically when going through security. While TSA policy permits photography under most circumstances when going through security lanes, state and local laws in some jurisdictions may bar it.

Google Glass enables users to things such as taking video, accessing turn-by-turn navigation, transmit hands-free texts or Google Hangouts, and listen to tunes, for example.

TripIt advises travelers to check local laws to see whether there are any restrictions on using Google Glass when going through airport security.