I happen to be flying pretty often so you can imagine my enthusiasm when AirFrance/KLM announced that they’ll be letting people use their iPhone as a boarding pass, especially since I always forget to print those bloody passes, which then stresses me out and well, it’s always a mess.
It works the following way; you’re going to have to check-in before your departure online and they will send you a QR-Code that you can then save on your Device.
Unfortunately I found out that the iPhone is no good for that purpose and the whole system really lacks in smoothness. Here is the story of my iPhone-powered flight:
First of all, they don’t have easily accessible scanners, they should have like a booth that you can use yourself, instead you’re going to have to hand over your iPhone at multiple times and really, it’s awkward. 
Secondly it seems like not everybody in the airport knows what’s going on. For example It took me 5 minute with the lady from the customs to figure out how to scan my iPhone. We were unsuccessful and she just let me through.
Next, security check, they want you to show them your boarding pass, too late it’s in the x-ray…
Finally comes the boarding, there they have a nice big booth and you just have to pass your phone under a red light but when the staff saw me with my iPhone they actually stopped me and printed me a paper copy of my boarding pass.
The reason they gave me is that the staff on the plane lacks the necessary hardware to read my ticket and also it’s “just in case, you know”.
Well, what’s the point of promoting this solution then ?
And overally, using your iPhone is not always very efficient, every time I had to unlock, go to pictures, camera roll… it took forever.
Since many airlines are implementing this all around the world, let us know,
how was your experience?
You apparently had bad luck? I’ve used this method several times now, without any issues whatsoever. Perhaps you just need a Sunday-whine?
What about having to switch apps and look for your boarding pass in your emails or in the camera roll?
Have you ever tried http://itunes.com/app/2dsense and leaving the app running? Unlock and it is there.
Also, 2D Sense lines up the pixels properly, makes it easier to scan.
Air New Zealand introduced this last year, and have a specific app which creates the barcode.
I have use this process numerous times ove the last year without a hitch. It is great especially when flying on business with no luggage. I just go straight to the gate and when it is time to board I just place my phone over the scanner and they just let me through.
One thing to note though AirNZ uses a different type of scanner to the one displayed in the articles pictures.
I never trusted this idea. It sounds great, but as you point out there are still obstacles in getting the system implemented. The situation with bringing your own reusable grocery bag used to be like this in the US, awkward and slow. But it’s better now and maybe the same will happen for the boarding pass.
I like the idea but I’m not all that surprised that the airline werent setup to use the system properly.
The problem of dipping in and out of your phone to get your pass – you could set it to be your wallpaper on the front screen. You wouldnt even have to unlock the phone to get it. Just a thought.
This is brilliant! I’m going to try it tomorrow.
I’ve used this system with NWA and Delta, as has my best friend and you’re totally wrong it works perfectly. Sounds like you’re foreign and as we all know, America is the best.
I’ve used this system with NWA/Delta, as has my best friend and you’re totally wrong it works perfectly. Sounds like you’re foreign and as we all know, America is the best.
I’ve used it several times at DTW (Detroit). Worked great there. All of the staff were aware of the technology and I really liked not having to carry around a boarding pass. My recommendation is to print out your boarding pass in advance and also have the iPhone pass ready when you’re unsure of how to use it. That way you can quickly fix any hold ups.