Enhance Your Business with a Display Board in Airport Style
Are you a business owner or venue manager looking for a unique way to display information and captivate your audience? This guide is for business owners and venue managers interested in using airport-style display boards to enhance customer experience. We’ll cover the history, mechanics, business applications, and customization options for these unique displays.
Are you tired of the usual, mundane ways of displaying information in your business? It’s time to add a touch of retro charm with an old airport board style display, just like the display boards in airports. Split-flap displays are electro-mechanical digital display devices that present changeable alphanumeric graphics. Each character or graphic position in a split-flap display has a collection of flaps on which various characters or graphics are printed. The flaps are rotated via internal mechanics to show the desired character or graphic. These boards can display a wide variety of content, such as lists, quotes, and service information, making them dynamic and engaging for viewers. Inspired by the iconic split-flap boards seen in airports in the past, it’s a unique and eye-catching addition that can elevate your customer’s experience.
The sight and sounds of split-flap displays created nostalgic memories for millions of air travelers. For example, venues like the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport and Qantas lounges have preserved or recreated these classic displays, highlighting their enduring appeal and connection to travel nostalgia.
To fully understand the value and impact of these displays, let’s first define what a display board in an airport is.
What is a Display Board in an Airport?
A display board in an airport, also known as a Flight Information Display System (FIDS), is a computer system used to display flight information to passengers. FIDS are used to inform passengers of boarding gates, departure/arrival times, destinations, notifications of flight delays/flight cancellations, and partner airlines. Most FIDS are now displayed on LCD or LED screens, and the information is updated in real-time to ensure accuracy.
Now that you know what a display board in an airport is, let’s explore the fascinating history and mechanics behind these iconic systems.
History and Mechanics
A flight information display system (FIDS) is a computer system used in airports to display flight information to passengers. FIDS are used to inform passengers of boarding gates, departure/arrival times, destinations, notifications of flight delays/flight cancellations, and partner airlines. Flight information display systems provide important updates about arrivals, departures, and delays.
Early Airport Displays
The story of flight information displays begins in the bustling terminals of early airports, where air travelers would gather around large manual boards to check the latest flight status and arrivals. These early displays were operated by hand, with staff updating flight information throughout the day to keep passengers informed.
The Split-Flap Mechanism
As air travel grew in popularity, the need for a more efficient and attention-grabbing solution led to the invention of the split-flap display—also known as the Solari board. Split-flap displays quickly became an icon of the airport experience. Each display was made up of hundreds of individual flaps, each printed with letters, numbers, or symbols. When it was time to update the information, the flaps would rotate with a distinctive sound, revealing new details about departures, arrivals, and flight status in real time.
The mechanics behind these displays were both intricate and reliable. Each character position on the board contained a stack of flaps, which would flip into place to form words and numbers. The system was engineered to operate smoothly, ensuring that updates could be made quickly and accurately—an essential feature for busy airports managing hundreds of flights each day.
Modern Digital Alternatives
Today, while the classic split-flap boards are mostly a thing of the past, their legacy lives on in modern digital signage solutions. Airports now use LED screens and digital displays to provide real-time flight information, arrivals, and departures, all designed for maximum clarity and ease of use. Many airports also offer dedicated pages on their websites and mobile apps, allowing travelers to check flight status and contact airlines directly for the latest updates.
Comparison Table: Classic Split-Flap Displays vs. Modern Digital Signage
Display Type | Technology | Control | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
Split-Flap Display | Electro-mechanical flaps | Manual/Electro-mechanical | Airports, train stations (historical), retro venues |
Digital Signage | LCD/LED screens | Computer/Cloud-based | Airports, hotels, businesses (modern) |
By understanding the history and mechanics of these iconic displays, it’s easy to see why their charm and functionality continue to influence digital signage today. Next, let’s look at how you can use these displays in your business.
Displaying Information
Whether you want to display information about upcoming events or promotions, a split-flap board can make your display stand out from the crowd. The information on the split-flap display board in airport settings is typically arranged in a specific order, such as by time, event, or destination, to ensure clarity and easy navigation. The head or header section of the display organizes key details, making it easy for viewers to quickly find what they need. Each character or graphic position on the split-flap board contains a collection of flaps, and these flaps are rotated via internal mechanics to display the desired character or graphic. Use the classic, rotating split-flap letters or a digital split-flap display solution to showcase your message while adding an element of nostalgia and charm. Customers will be drawn to your business, and the split-flap board will help them remember it.
Let’s see how these displays can be used to create memorable messages for your guests.
Messages of Welcome and Farewell
Bidding farewell to guests or welcoming new ones has never been so glamorous. Use the old airport board-style display to create a unique and memorable message of welcome or farewell, and enhance the overall experience for both guests and customers. Commercial flight information display products are also used in hotels, corporate offices, and other businesses to inform guests about flight statuses, providing real-time updates that enhance their experience and reflecting the evolution of flight information displays from manual boards to modern digital systems. The rotating letters add a touch of magic that will make your customers and guests feel special and remembered.
Next, discover how split-flap displays can transform your pricelist presentation.
Pricelist Display
A pricelist displayed on a split-flap device in the old airport board style can turn an ordinary display into something truly special. Create a fun and engaging way for customers to browse through your products or services, and give them something unique to remember. The tactile and retro feel of the board adds a charm that will keep customers coming back.
Split-flap displays require a standard 110-220V power supply to operate, but web-based platforms like Split-Flap TV for remote-controlled message boards let you achieve a similar effect on standard screens.
Let’s explore how these displays can make your business environment truly unique and memorable.
Unique and Memorable
Adding an old airport board style display to your business can create an atmosphere that is unique and memorable. Customers will notice the details, and the split-flap board will make an impression that lasts. Many hotels use split-flap displays to create a unique and memorable atmosphere for their guests, enhancing the overall experience. The display is perfect for creating an ambiance that is both modern and nostalgic, offering an experience that is one of a kind. Many airports still retain non-operational split-flap displays as nostalgia pieces, protected for historical reasons.
To better appreciate the impact of these displays, let’s explore their history and how they work.
Benefits of Display Boards
Display boards are a cornerstone of the modern airport experience, offering countless benefits for both air travelers and the businesses that serve them. By providing real-time flight status and up-to-the-minute flight information, these digital signage solutions make it simple for passengers to check arrivals, departures, and gate changes at a glance. Whether displayed on a vibrant LED screen or a classic split-flap board, the information is always clear, concise, and easy to find—helping thousands of people each day navigate the airport with confidence.
One of the greatest advantages of display boards is their ability to update instantly. For example, if a flight is delayed or a gate changes, the display can be refreshed in real time, ensuring that travelers are always informed and reducing the confusion and stress that can come with last-minute changes. This real-time messaging is not only essential for passengers, but also for airport staff and airline teams who rely on accurate information to keep operations running smoothly.
Additionally, display boards are designed to do more than just show flight status. They can provide important details such as boarding times, baggage claim locations, and even custom messages from the airport or airlines. Hotels and other businesses that cater to air travelers also benefit from these displays, offering guests easy access to flight information right in the lobby or lounge. For instance, the team at FlyteSystems has created simple, easy-to-use display board solutions that can be set up quickly and operated with minimal technical expertise required—making it possible for any business to offer this valuable service.
With hundreds of display boards designed and installed in airports and hotels around the world, it’s clear that these systems are an essential tool for keeping travelers informed. Every day, thousands of people rely on display boards to check their flight status, find their way, and stay up-to-date with the latest information. In today’s fast-paced world, having access to real-time updates and simple, user-friendly technology is more important than ever.
Ultimately, display boards are a perfect example of how digital signage can improve the travel experience, making it easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether you’re a business owner, a hotel manager, or a frequent flyer, the benefits of display boards are clear—they keep people connected, informed, and moving in the right direction.
Customization
One of the best things about split-flap displays is that they can be customized for your business’s specific needs. Certain components and a power supply are required for the operation and customization of split-flap displays, ensuring they function properly and can be tailored to your preferences.
Customizing Your Display
Choose the color scheme, font size, and other configurations that match your brand, drawing inspiration from Split Flap TV features, guides, and ideas for creative applications. This customization will create a display that is not only unique but also tailored to your specific business needs.
Maintenance and Support
Due to the complexity of these displays, specialist knowledge is required for maintenance, which helps keep your customized display running smoothly. A step-by-step guide to getting started with Split-Flap TV can help you plan the setup.
With customization options in mind, let’s look at the endless possibilities for using split-flap displays in your business.
Endless Possibilities
The possibilities for the use of an old airport board-style display are endless. You can use it for:
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Fun and interactive browsing for customers
- Event schedules
- Welcome messages
- Pricelists
With the nostalgia and charm of the split-flap board, you can take your business to the next level.
A team of experts can help design and implement a split-flap display solution tailored to your needs, ensuring a professional and reliable setup. Additionally, digital signage software can mimic the design and functionality of classic split-flap display boards, offering even more creative possibilities for engaging your audience and even inspiring split-flap display decor for modern homes.
Let’s wrap up with some final thoughts on why these displays are a smart investment for your business.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, an old airport board style display is a unique and memorable way to showcase information, messages, and pricelists in your business. It’s something that customers will remember, and it offers a fun and engaging atmosphere that stands out from the rest. Additionally, modern digital signage solutions can be controlled remotely via cloud-based applications, allowing you to manage and update your display board in airport style from anywhere. Contact us today to learn more about how you can add one of these unique displays to your business and take your customer’s experience to the next level.