As we ascended, I thought again of the building's history - how the original intent of the 17-story high spire was as a dirigible anchor and passenger gate.

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When a traveller enters an airport with one of these smart cards, sensors read the passenger's card and automatically send a gate number and electronic boarding pass to the passenger's smartphone.

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At the gate, agents can offer passenger the opportunity to check bags and, in return, offer earlier boarding.

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