PASSENGERS could soon be using their mobile phones to
check in for flights, if a new self-service check-in system proves
successful.
Latin American airline TAM will be the first carrier to trial
airline technology giant SITA’s service early next year. But,
once tweaked, Mobile Check-in could be adopted by several UK
airlines within 12 months, according to its maker.
British Airways told Travel Weekly it was considering the new
technology as one of several self-service check-in options.
SITA senior vice-president passenger and travel solutions
Richard Stokes said Mobile Check-in will cut queues and reduce
airline costs.
Passengers must have a phone which can show images – Java
enabled – and with WAP technology.
After registering, the customer is sent software to install on
their mobile and once near the departure airport – or within
the recommended check-in time – they will receive flight
details and a seat allocation. Seats can be changed via the
mobile.
A barcode is then sent to the passenger’s phone to be
scanned at a self-service printer in the terminal which prints a
boarding pass. Airlines who take up the technology are given the
software, barcode scanners and boarding pass printers at no
cost.
SITA will charge “one to two euros” each time the facility is
used, said Stokes, and it’s expected most airlines will pass
this transaction fee on to the consumer.
Stokes said he expected “the majority” of airlines to adopt
self-service mobile technology by 2006. “I think there will be a
few good customers in the first half of next year followed by a
rush of interest,” he added.
British Airways recently trialled a text message service, which
sends customers information on their flight’s status.