American Airlines introduces mobile phone boarding at more airports

Travellers to 27 airports around the United States can now use their mobile phones when checking in to an American Airlines flight, as the carrier expands its mobile boarding pass scheme.

19 new airports have implemented the new scheme which sees travellers flash a barcode from their mobile phone or PDA, instead of a paper boarding pass.

American Airlines introduced its mobile boarding passes, which use a two-dimensional barcode late in 2008, and were previously only available for passengers departing on domestic flights from eight airports around the country.

“We are pleased to offer this great feature at additional airports, making travel as easy and convenient as possible for our customers,” said Andrew Watson, American Airlines VP Customer Technology.

“Customers who choose this option can bypass printing a boarding pass at their home, office or even at the airport. At the airport they can go straight to the security checkpoint and then to the aircraft. This is a great alternative for our customers on the go.”

For domestic travel only, the boarding passes can be used for services through the United States as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.