March 18, 2008
Paper Is Out, Cellphones Are In
At least half a dozen airlines in the United States currently allow customers to check in using their mobile devices, but so far, Continental is the only carrier in the United States to begin testing the electronic passes. The New York Times reports.
Their boarding pass is an image of an encrypted bar code displayed on the phone’s screen, which can be scanned by gate agents and security personnel.
... The mobile check-in may well be the first step in direct communications between airlines and passengers as they travel. Ultimately, Henry H. Harteveldt, a vice president with Forrester Research, said he expected airlines would use mobile messaging to communicate with passengers about on-board services, rebooking options, baggage pickup and ticket purchases.
“It’s clear that mobile is the gateway to how airlines will interact with their customers in the future for almost anything,” he said.
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