Home → Arctic Reservations → Guest Accounts → Authentication
31.1. Authentication
When guests visit the guest-facing site, Arctic Reservations needs to know who they are to protect their data and only show them the trips of interest. But rather than requiring all users to create an account and use that to log in, we have implemented a new system that places less burden on the guest. Rather than selecting a password, we email them a special link via email. This personalized link acts as their password, and is just as secure as their email. As long as no one has access to the guest's email account, their information in Arctic will be completely secure.
Once a guest clicks her/his personalized link, they will remain logged in for several hours (the exact time varies depending on their computer and their activity level). This allows them to accomplish many things in one sitting. But if they need to return later or from a different computer, they can simply click their personalized link again.
Guests still have the option of creating a password, if they prefer. This may be helpful for frequent return guests or group leaders.
Using in Emails
Emails to guests need to include the personalized link. To do this, we often recommend using the "Manage Activity URL" placeholder, which is a personalized link that logs the recipient in and takes them to a list of their activities. Most placeholders that are URLs are also personalized links, such as invoice payment links.
Important: Be sure to tell guests to NOT forward their personalized links, since the link itself is essentially their password. Instead, they can tell others about their trip or invite them directly from the Manage Activity page.
Tip: It is also helpful if you remind the user that the link is the key to accessing their account. This will remind them to hang on to the email, so they can always get back to the guest-facing site before their trip starts.
Resending
If a user loses their link, they can request it directly from the guest-facing site by providing their email and/or activity/invoice number. Alternatively, if they call or email asking for help, just resend their invoice or trip email, as that will include the personalized link again.
Creating a Password
The guest-facing site toolbar includes a menu where the currently logged in user is listed, where the user can either log out or create a password, if they prefer using a password to access the guest-facing site.