Walking past LaGuardia’s Food Hall, you’ll spot someone in crisp professional attire offering directions with a warm smile. Take a closer look—she’s not entirely there. Meet Bridget, Terminal B’s new AI hologram concierge who’s making science fiction feel surprisingly normal.
Bridget represents the first interactive AI hologram designed specifically for airport wayfinding, according to LaGuardia Gateway Partners. Unlike the static welcome messages other airports have tried, she holds actual conversations. Ask her where Gate C12 is, and she’ll walk you through turn-by-turn directions in real time. Need the nearest Starbucks? She knows exactly which one’s closest to your departure gate.
The Tech Behind the Magic
The system runs on Proto’s spatial hologram hardware—the same company that created static displays at JFK’s Terminal 4. But Bridget’s powered by Holomedia’s AI Concierge Wayfinder platform, transforming what could be a fancy digital sign into something that feels more like talking to an incredibly well-informed coworker. She speaks English and Spanish fluently, with more languages planned. Accessibility features include closed captioning and wheelchair-accessible positioning, making her genuinely useful rather than just impressive.
Beyond the Wow Factor
LaGuardia Gateway Partners positions Bridget as backup, not replacement. “Communication with humans will always remain the best way to help travelers find their way,” says Proto founder David Nussbaum. During peak travel times, she absorbs the constant stream of “Where’s my gate?” questions, freeing Guest Experience Ambassadors for situations requiring actual human judgment. CEO Suzette Noble frames this as Terminal B’s broader strategy merging “smart tools with genuine care.”
The realism catches people off-guard. Passengers regularly do double-takes, momentarily wondering if she’s a live staff member before noticing the display setup.
The Future Feels Familiar
Plans call for additional Bridget units across Terminal B’s concourses. Airport operators hoping to streamline passenger flow while adding that distinctive tech showcase could follow LaGuardia’s lead if Bridget proves successful.
For travelers, Bridget represents something simpler than industry disruption—she’s a multilingual, always-available guide who knows exactly where you need to go. Sometimes the future arrives not with revolution, but with really good directions.
