Synchronizing airport check-in and security services through urban air mobility: A preference analysis of air passengers’ choices under time uncertainty

This paper investigates the propensity of air passengers to use Urban Air Mobility (UAM) airport shuttle services that integrate synchronized baggage check-in and security screening traditionally performed at airports. A stated choice experiment was designed, allowing people to choose between conventional airport access modes and UAM shuttle services under varying travel conditions. To account for travel time uncertainty associated with ground access to UAM vertiports, a random parameter hybrid logit model incorporating cumulative prospect theory was estimated. The results indicate that employed individuals and frequent air travelers are more likely to be the early adopters of synchronized passenger services. Passengers traveling with companions, carrying multiple pieces of baggage, or undertaking long-distance trips, also show a stronger preference for UAM airport shuttles. In particular, streamlining baggage check-in and security screening, together with future ride incentives, significantly increase the probability of using UAM airport shuttles. These findings provide valuable insights for operators and policymakers seeking to design passenger-centered UAM airport shuttle services and enhance integration with existing air transport systems.