The Apple Watch has solidified its status as the most iconic smartwatch worldwide, capturing the attention of both tech enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike. With the latest generation now in the hands of users, reviews are flooding in. Our team at BusinessClass.co.uk put the Apple Watch through its paces on several journeys, evaluating three leading travel apps: British Airways, SAS, and TripCase.
Authored by Joakim Everstin.
My first trip with the Apple Watch
Unboxing the newest Apple Watch is an experience in itself, one that immediately signals Apple’s commitment to refined packaging and premium design. As someone who frequently travels for business, I was eager to see if the smartwatch could keep pace with my demanding itinerary.
Apple Watch packaging
During setup, I encountered minor hiccups with notification syncing, which were quickly resolved after a system reset. From that point onward, the device delivered flawless performance, seamlessly integrating with my iPhone and daily workflow.
Having previously relied on my Pebble, I was initially unsure about making the switch. However, the Apple Watch’s responsiveness and range of features quickly won me over. Startup speed is no longer a concern with the current hardware—Apple’s improvements over the years are evident.
In my role at Sabre, where I specialize in travel technology, I promptly downloaded the essential travel apps available for Apple Watch: TripCase, British Airways, United, and SAS.
Coincidentally, I had a scheduled flight to Oslo, making it the perfect opportunity to test the device in real-world conditions. After charging the watch overnight, I used TripCase and British Airways to organize my journey. The Apple Watch immediately proved invaluable, providing timely, clear notifications and intuitive navigation through my travel plans.
Prior to departure, a notification from Apple Wallet alerted me to my upcoming flight, helping me stay organized without reaching for my phone.
Launching the British Airways app on the watch displayed up-to-date flight information and a detailed weather forecast for my destination.
Traveling through London Heathrow Terminal 5, I could easily check gate assignments and flight status from my wrist, eliminating the need to search for departure boards or queue for information.
Before boarding, the SAS app allowed me to quickly review my EuroBonus points balance, which updated in real time.
For boarding, I accessed my mobile pass using Apple Wallet directly on the watch—a feature that’s now standard across most airlines. However, British Airways’ scanners remain somewhat restrictive, making it difficult to position your wrist for a seamless scan. In those cases, I reverted to using my phone for boarding.
On my return journey to London from Oslo, TripCase instantly notified me of a flight cancellation. The reason? My itinerary had been upgraded to business class, resulting in a new booking reference. TripCase’s clear explanation and prompt update helped me avoid confusion and ensured a smooth transition.
While waiting for my next flight to Dubai, I used TripCase to review upcoming travel details, all without pulling out any other device. The Apple Watch has become my indispensable travel ally, streamlining every stage of the journey.
Conclusion
After extensive use across multiple trips, I confidently recommend the Apple Watch to any frequent flyer. The refined travel apps deliver precise, timely updates, helping you navigate airports and manage itineraries with ease—directly from your wrist.
Note: Joakim Everstin serves as Head of Innovation at Sabre Travel Network in London. TripCase, reviewed here, is a Sabre product. As a Swedish national with a deep background in the travel sector, Joakim is a seasoned global traveler. This article was produced for our editorial team.