Airlines announce bar code standard for cellphone check-ins

It looks like the International Air Transport Association has managed to get the various airlines it represents to hop on the cellphone-as-ticket bandwagon in a big way, although it appears that widespread adoption of the technology is still quite a ways off. Unlike some other systems, this new standard consists of a bar code that passengers receive as a text message, which can then be read directly from the phone's screen when they arrive at the airport. The standard, which the IATA hopes will take hold by 2010, even goes so far as to incorporate various bar code systems in use around the world, including Aztec, Datamatrix, and the ever-popular QR codes. Of course, it's more than just convenience that convinced the airlines to sign on, with the IATA estimating that change could ultimately end up saving the airlines more than $500 million a year.

[Thanks, Laura. Photo courtesy of Adam Berry/Bloomberg News]

[paul @ Oct 16th 2007 4:15PM]

first.... on a post i dont even care about... what fun is that???
I just dont see this catching on...

[B @ Oct 16th 2007 5:17PM]

Ya, it saves the airlines money because we get charged 15 cents when we receive that txt msg.

Although, I still don't see how that will save the airlines money. Some airlines let you print your tickets off their website that has the bar code on it. This would seem to accomplish the same thing as using a cell phone, maybe save some trees.

If it's the cost of the bar code scanner vs magnetic strip scanner, why not just print the bar code on the ticket?

[trevor @ Oct 16th 2007 7:09PM]

I could see this catching on just fine; I've seen systems that let you pay for most anything via your cell phone, so why not check into the airport with it as well?

Plus, most people keep their cell phone on them at all times. A text message might be harder to misplace than a printed e-ticket, saving time and back-end resources from the airline's point of view.

I travel enough to welcome any technology that makes flying easier, and this sounds like it has potential.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Oct 16th 2007 11:09PM]

I see this as something that is easily hackable, leaving you vulnerable to ticket theft and a security problem for TSA.