British budget airline easyJet has unveiled a new app feature allowing customers to instantly book flights using just a photo without them even needing to know the destination.  
 
In a first for the travel industry, the state-of-the-art technology allows those browsing Instagram to simply take screengrabs of amazing, inspiring photos they see and then share with, or upload to, the easyJet app.
 
Look&Book then uses advanced image recognition techniques to identify the location to match the photo to easyJet’s 1,000-strong destinations on offer throughout Europe. The new app feature not only recognises the destination, but also suggests the nearest airport and pre-populates the booking form with those details.
 
The innovative image-recognition technology has never been applied in this way but easyJet has now created the technology to give passengers an additional way to book - an Instagram inspired trip, in just a few taps.
 
Created by creative agency VCCP in partnership with Travelport Digital, a leader in digital travel solutions, Look&Book is supported by a social and DOOH campaign which will include a launch film. The easyJet app is currently available in English language only.
 
Daniel Young, head of digital experience at easyJet, commented: “Look&Book will help people to further explore Europe with ease and open up new destinations and previously hidden holiday locations for a range of customers. It’s fantastic how technology is enabling us to enhance and streamline the customer search and booking experience.”
 
David Masterman, creative director at VCCP, added: “We’ve all seen places on Instagram and wished we could just be there. The beauty of Look&Book is how easily it makes those daydreams become reality."
 
Cormac Reilly, vice president, Traveler Engagement Solutions at Travelport, said: “We are extremely proud of the work we do with the easyJet team to ensure its award-winning mobile solution continues to lead the industry. This new feature unites mobile technology with social media, two areas that are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the traveller experience, to deliver an inspiring new way to book travel. We look forward to continuing to explore new ways to further enhance the value the easyJet app provides to today’s hyperconnected traveller.” - TradeArabia News Service