Iata sets standard for mobile check-in

The airport experience could be changed drastically over the coming years following the announcement by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) of a global standard for mobile phone check-in.

According to Iata the establishment of a system for distributing two-dimensional barcodes to be used as boarding passes "paves the way" for mobile check-in.

The procedure will see airlines sending unique barcodes to passengers, which will then be shown at airport check-in desks, removing the need for printed tickets.

Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO of Iata, said that the initiative is being pursued in response to customer desire for faster and more convenient check-in processes.

"Passengers want the convenience of self-service options in a paperless environment," he said.

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

An industry deadline of December 31st 2010 has now been set for the 100 per cent use of barcode boarding passes.