Mobile check-in available at Prague Airport
Prague Airport has introduced a new service – a system that enables airlines’ passengers to check in using their mobile phones or PDA devices. The first airline to have extended its service portfolio with the mobile check-in service has been the AIR FRANCE KLM airline group.
Passengers travelling to Amsterdam are able to board with a boarding pass on a phone display. Thus the only paper document required for boarding an aircraft remains passenger’s ID card. Another line operated by the group where the new service will be introduced is Air France’s line to Paris.
How does the mobile check-in work?
To use the service, the passenger needs a phone with an Internet browser installed. The passenger logs into mobile.airfrance.com or klm.com to check in. After adding all required data, the passenger will receive an electronic boarding pass with a security barcode directly to his or her mobile phone as an SMS, MMS or e-mail message. Passengers may check in and choose a seat from 30 hours to 30 minutes before check-in is closed.
“Prague Airport is a modern air hub, which boasts using a number of state-of-the-art technologies. The mobile check-in project is a logical follow-up to other similar air transport innovations, such as check-in over the Internet or use of self-service check-in kiosks. The introduction of this system combines economic benefits and environment-friendly approach, on which we lay great emphasis,” Miroslav Dvořák, General Manager and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prague Airport, commented on the new service.
“This new service perfectly meets the needs of our customers for speed, autonomy and flexibility, and demonstrates Air France KLM’s determination to offer innovative new services”, says Jan Kropáček, Sales Director for the Czech and Slovak Republics, AIR FRANCE KLM, and adds: “We initially tested the mobile check-in service on the Paris – Amsterdam – Paris route for a few months. The test stage in the Czech Republic is complete, with the implementation currently taking place for the lines to Paris and Amsterdam.”
“It is our aim to offer as many passengers as possible a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience without any unnecessary ‘paperwork’’, says František Šiling, Country Manager for the Czech and Slovak Republics, AIR FRANCE KLM. “Using a mobile phone, you can complete the entire process, from booking to check-in, anytime and anywhere,” František Šiling adds.
The electronic (mobile) boarding pass contains all the information displayed on a conventional boarding pass (boarding time, gate number, departure time, class and seat number). Passengers with baggage can use “Baggage drop-off” counters. During a security check and at the departure exit, the passenger will present a barcode from the SMS / MMS / e-mail in his or her mobile phone. The electronic (mobile) boarding pass can be shown at the tax free shops at Prague Airport.
Just like with electronic plane tickets, passengers’ booking data is still available in the booking system. If the passenger’s mobile phone fails to work or, for example, its battery is dead, the passenger can print the boarding pass in a self-service kiosk or ask an airline representative for printing the pass.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the barcode check-in system should be implemented by all airlines by the end of 2010.
Indeed a very great use of the technology and best of luck for the full roll out.
I am interested to know how the following
- Multiple boarding passes in the case of a family travelling
- SMS/MMS can be forwarded to many people, how do they plan to tackle this issue.
As this service is new, Prague Airport doesn´t have enough information about such detailed question at the website. However, I would recommend you to call to their callcentre (+420 220 111 111) or to write to support (pripominky@prg.aero).