American Airlines tests Google Assistant interpreter mode

American Airlines is using technology to eliminate one of the causes of stress when traveling from customers who do not speak English, being the first airline to introduce the technology of Google Assistant interpreter in its airport VIP lounges.

American began testing the new technology last week at the Admirals Club VIP lounges at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

With the ability to translate in real time, the Assistant interpreter mode will help Premium Customer Service representatives offer a more personalized service to customers. Operated with a Google Nest Hub, the interpreter mode will be used to assist customers only when a multilingual employee who speaks the client's language is not available. The device can translate 29 languages, including Arabic, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

"The universal science fiction translator is now a fact of science," said Maya Leibman, General Director of Information Technology at American. "Incorporating technology such as the Google Assistant interpreter mode will help us break down barriers, provide a worry-free travel experience and make travel more accessible for everyone."

The Google Assistant is the latest in a long line of new technologies that American has introduced to make travel easier. Other recent advances include passport scanning in the mobile application, boarding notifications, virtual online and 3D tours of aircraft, a redesigned menu at self-service kiosks that simplifies the registration process, and an improved approach to seating family, which ensures that adults and children under 14 sit together. And with three Admirals Club rooms, in addition to the Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Dining, American offers more premium amenities in LAX than any other airline.

Google and American announced their partnership at this year's CES, the world's leading and largest electronic show.