In a first for UK airports, London City has introduced music to the main security search area.
A music psychologist from The University of Sheffield has suggested that the introduction of music, which is a combination of ambient electronica and upbeat acoustic, will improve the customer experience and potentially improve the mood of passengers.
There has also been research done by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the USA regarding the role of music at security checkpoints in relaxing passengers.
Two different playlists – either ambient electronica or upbeat acoustic music – are broadcast throughout the day, with songs especially selected by music consultancy C-Burn.
Musical artists played through the speaker system include Adele, Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard, Jason Mraz, and Gavin James.
Melanie Burnley, Director of Customer Experience at London City Airport, said: “It takes passengers just 20 minutes or less to get from the front door of London City Airport to the departure lounge, and we wanted to enhance the customer experience with a soundtrack to security.”
Dr Bramley, who has conducted research into the utilisation of music within gambling environments, said: “Music is a flexible resource which can be used to serve a number of functions in retail and commercial environments.
“In an airport, playing music which is subtle, fits in with the overall ambiance of the security search area, deemed to be familiar, and liked by passengers, might act as a positive distraction where passengers focus on the music instead of the time spent completing the security search process.”
To coincide with the airport’s introduction of music during security, the airport has created a special playlist.
The top 13 air travel-inspired songs according to London City Airport
- Brian Eno – Ambient 1: Music for Airports
- Joni Mitchell – This Flight Tonight
- John Denver – Leaving on a Jet Plane
- Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Aeroplane
- Frank Sinatra – Come Fly With Me
- Iggy Pop – The Passenger
- Daft Punk – Around the World
- MIA – Paper Planes
- Madonna – Holiday
- Randy Crawford – One Day I’ll Fly Away
- Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away
- Simon and Garfunkel – Homeward Bound
- Vengaboys – We’re Going To Ibiza
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13 comments
This is certainly an interesting post, I think that it’s a good idea though I would prefer something much more jazzy like and chilled. It would also be cool if they placed some classical or calm music inside of the plane that would fit the setting. That would definetely be a hit!
I think this is a wonderful idea and further evidence of the therapeutic use of music – it always helps relax me, motivate me, etc! Well done London City Airport!
Thanks for sharing!
Leigh at Fashion Du Jour LDN x
http://www.fashiondujour.co.uk
Thanks Leigh! ?
Personally I think it’s a great idea! I love a bit of background music, it’s a good distraction! I also really love Red Hot Chili Peppers – Aeroplane. Great tune! xx
Thanks Sarah ?
MIA Paper Planes is a great airport choice. I think it is true that certain tracks do relax stressed passengers.
Well, I love your playlist but honestly, if I was already delayed and stressed it would annoy the life out of me.
I think it is a good idea, I guess it depends if you like the music though – I mean hold music drives me insane so something like that would make me stress even more! x
I think it’s supposed to relax passengers – perhaps they should hook up speakers to street lights and play music to reduce road rage?!
I think it is a good idea as long as it is not too overpowering! I cant think of anything worse than a delayed flight and annoying music!
I love music and always have something playing in the background. I do agree that it can help relax or stimulate you dependent on the type of music played, however, I really wouldn’t want to be listening to most of that playlist.
This is such an interesting concept! Usually I’m plugged into my own headphones though, as I have quite different tastes to the ‘mainstream’
You & me both Milly ?