New Standard Opens Way for Global Mobile Phone Check-In

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has agreed on a global standard that makes it practical to offer passengers mobile phone check-in worldwide.

With the new standard, passengers can simply register their mobile number with their airline at the time of booking to receive a text message with a 2D (dimensional) bar code on their mobile device, or instructions to download it.  The bar code becomes the passengers' boarding pass, which is read directly from the device's screen during check-in, thus eliminating paper completely.

Historically, such global applications for mobile phone technology have been restricted due to different regional formats. The new IATA standard uses existing Aztec and Datamatrix codes, which are used extensively in Europe and North America, and QR which is widely used in Japan, to make a universal configuration possible.  All three are proven technologies and can be read by a single scanner type that is cost effective and readily available.

The industry has set a deadline of the end of 2010 for a 100% implementation of BCBP (bar-coded boarding passes), which IATA believes will save over US$500 million annually.

A 2D standard for paper bar coded boarding passes was established in 2005 and is the basis for Web check-in.  Both standards (mobile and paper based) can be issued and accepted by airlines worldwide.

The global introduction of BCBP to replace magnetic stripe technology is one of five Simplifying the Business (StB) projects IATA launched in 2004. The StB goal is to use technology to make travel more convenient while saving US$6.5 billion in costs.  10-13-2007.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines