Virtual boarding pass

Airport check-in using a mobile phone is the next step in improving the check-in logistics for many airline companies. Equipped with a mobile phone you can check in remotely, a SMS/MMS message is sent to you with a 2D barcode. Just drop off your luggage at the fast bag drop-off counter, use the scanner to scan the barcode on your mobile and then make your way to the boarding area. Some argue that it will not save a lot of time for the passengers. That may be true but it will reduce the queuing time at the check-in counters. Passengers get to spend more time in restaurants and duty free shops, which will benefit the airports. With larger aircrafts and many more passengers, this will help in controlling queues in airports. Although the technology is available, not many airports will adopt virtual boarding immediately. Equipment and software will have to be replaced, staff will have to be trained and all this costs money. Unless airline companies have a big IT budget to spend, it will take time for a gradual adoption of this technology as the paper boarding pass is still a more cost-effective solution.