This is a report on my experience using the smartphone app released by the online booking site Expedia. Part 2.

■Very useful even on-site

After successfully booking your flight and hotel, you can check your reservation information at any time by clicking the "Confirm Reservation" button in the upper right corner of the app. It provides all the flight-related information you need, from gate number, terminal information, how to get to the airport, your reservation confirmation number, and departure and connection information.

All information is automatically updated, and you can check flight status such as delays and cancellations in real time. The day before, I received a notification on my iPhone saying, "ANA's flight to Paris departs in 24 hours."

On the day of departure, I arrived at Narita Airport, cleared immigration, and took a break at a cafe in the terminal. I confirmed the message "Departing on time" and headed to the gate.

After a roughly 12-hour flight, I arrived in Paris. I immediately checked the app on the bus heading into the city. It also displayed the hotel's check-in time, address, and map. The map is very useful when telling the taxi driver where to go.

Once I arrived safely at the hotel, I didn't have time to catch my breath as I prepared for the next day's interviews. I checked the invitations and faxes that had been kept at the front desk and replied to emails that had arrived during the flight. The whirlwind of Fashion Week began.

This year's Paris Collection ran for nine days, from September 23rd to October 1st. I covered shows, interviews, and exhibitions. Even after the collection period ended, I covered flea markets and a Japan-themed event held at Bon Marché, Paris's leading department store. Time flew by.

And finally, the day before my return home arrived. Just like before departure, I received a push notification with flight information on my iPhone. It said "Departing on time" along with the check-out time. After hailing a taxi, I checked the terminal location on the app, told the driver, and headed to the airport.

However, when I checked the app after arriving at the airport, I saw a message saying "Departing delayed in 5 hours and 17 minutes." The flight was delayed because it coincided with the arrival of a typhoon in Japan. It couldn't be helped, but the coverage of the Paris Collection was completed without incident.