Qantas boarding passes go digital

[Justin L]

Interesting read. I like the idea of web check-in for International.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/q...857790840.html

Qantas boarding passes go digital
Asher Moses
September 12, 2008 - 9:59AM


Qantas has signaled the end for paper boarding passes and will offer customers the ability to board using a mobile phone or other handheld device from early next year.

And for the first time, Qantas international customers will be able to check in to their flights over the internet, a feature previously offered only to those travelling on domestic flights.

Flyers could also select their seats online either at the point of booking or later via the Qantas.com website.

Qantas said mobile boarding passes would be sent to the device as a 2D barcode a day before the flight, but the option was only offered to those who selected their seats online before departure.

Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti said the move would allow customers to have a completely paperless booking and boarding experience.

He specifically named the iPhone 3G as a device Qantas was working to support.

"Customers with baggage [who have already checked in] can proceed directly to the bag-drop facilities before heading straight to their flight," Borghetti said.

But while the move towards barcode boarding passes will lead to a faster, smoother boarding experience for passengers, it is also designed to cut Qantas' personnel costs, such as at check-in counters.