With cellphones stating to become the "swiss army knife" of electronic gadgets, there are two Japanese airline carriers -- Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways -- that are starting to use alternative methods for checking in passengers.Japan Airlines introduced a check-in system called "Touch and Go" at four airports in Japan in 2005. The technology used at the airports in Japan is similar to what is employed on many urban transportation and rail systems -- but could it be a standard in then near future?
What would be needed to be able and add a small sensor in each cellphone that would allow for "ticketless" and "check-in-less" passengers into most airports? With security challenges worldwide, this would have an incredibly tough battle and I don't see it happening -- outside of Japan, that is.
1. I have been doing this with Southwest for at least a year now. I can check in via my cell phone up to 24 hours ahead, get that ever coveted "A" boarding letter, and just show up, print a pass, and be on my way.
Posted at 7:56PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Damon