American Airlines is now allowing passengers in three select airports–Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles International (LAX) and Santa Ana John Wayne/Orange County (SNA)– to board using an Aztec code on their mobile phone. Codes can only be used on non-stop flights with one passenger listed. Despite the current limitations, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Japanese airlines have been doing this for a while (e.g. ANA)
Aztec is one of the three 2D barcode formats adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) namely Aztec, DataMatrix, and QR. By 2010, the IATA hopes to accomplish their ambitious goal of 100% adoption by member carriers (http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/2007-11-10-01.htm)
Reactions to the new 2d barcode systems appear mixed. A blog search yields several first hand accounts that reveal problems with implementation (e.g. what to do with your phone when you pass through security)
Link: American Airlines Mobile Boarding Passes
Image: benh57
Via 2D Code
no comment until now