Iata 'paves way' for mobile check-in

The International Airport Transport Association (Iata) has 'paved the way' for global mobile phone check-in with the announcement of an international standard for the use of two-dimensional barcodes.

Using the proposed system customers will be able to register their mobile phone number with their airline at the time of booking.

They will then be sent a two-dimensional barcode to store on their phone that will act as a boarding pass.

When they arrive at the airport travellers will then simply have to show their barcode at the check-in desk, eliminating the need to take any paperwork with them.

Giovanni Bisignani, director general of Iata, said: "Passengers want the convenience of self-service options in a paperless environment.

"This standard is an important step in getting rid of paper that bogs down processes and drives up costs."

Iata will now work with its members to formalise processes and guidelines for implementation, with an eventual goal of effecting the universal use of mobile phone check-in by the end of 2010.

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