Frequent flyers are discovering a brand new way to check-in to their flight by using their smart phone and a QR code. If you have not heard of a QR code it is those little black and white boxes that look like a barcode and that are popping up on most things nowadays, from newspapers to food packaging.
Tablet PC’s and smart phone users can get their device to read the information on the QR code just by pointing the camera at the QR code. This then enables the device to decode the information and use whatever program it needs to display the information, such as the devices internet browser.
A lot of new smart phones have a QR code reader already installed, but do not worry if yours is not one of them, as you will be able to download a QR code reader from your phones app store, usually for free.
The smart phone boarding pass basically works as a paperless e-ticket, and this is how it works.
The airline you are using will send your documents for boarding via email direct to your device and this will include a link to your QR code. Then whenever you need to present your boarding pass, you just bring up the QR code on your device and a scanner will read the information.
Of course with any new technology there is going to be one or two teething problems and if you are planning to go down the paperless boarding pass route then make doubly sure that your mobile devices battery has enough charge. It is going to be difficult to say the least to present your boarding pass if the device is dead.
Plus it is always prudent to have a paper copy as a back-up in case there is a fault with the airports QR code scanner, if the scanner cannot read your QR code and you do not have a paper copy, you may be asked to go and get a printed copy from your airline, causing you further delay.
The bottom line is, always have a back-up plan and you can’t go wrong.
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