Hotmail
TSA, Continental initiate paperless boarding
Carrier launches pilot program in Houston to reduce paper use, detect fraud
 | Video |
 |
Use cell phone as boarding pass? Dec. 5: Soon passengers will only need their cell phones or their personal digital assistant when they check in at the airport. KPRC-TV's Kym Alvarado-Booth reports. NBC News Channel |
HOUSTON - Some Continental Airlines passengers flying out of Houston can receive their boarding passes on their cell phones or PDAs as part of a test program announced Tuesday.
Each paperless boarding pass will display a two-dimensional bar code along with passenger and flight information to identify the traveler. Transportation Security Administration officials will use hand-held scanners to validate the passes.
The TSA and Continental, the first U.S. carrier to test paperless boarding passes said the technology increases the ability to detect fraudulent boarding passes and will reduce paper use.
For now, the 90-day program is limited to passengers leaving Houston and flying domestically with no connecting flight, said Continental spokeswoman Mary Clark.
"The plan is to expand it to other cities for all customers," Clark said.
Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc.com |
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM NEWS |
 News Section Front |
| Add News headlines to your news reader: |
Resource guide