Check-in facility to go mobile

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.