Paper Is Out, Cellphones Are In

[From Norberto In Mexico] Sammy: An interesting read today at the New York Times related to mobile devices and how they could be used as electronic passes allowing those travelers to pass through security and board the plane without handling a piece of paper. You can find it and read it here.

"First came the kiosk, a strange addition to airport terminals when Continental Airlines began offering it as a check-in option in 1995. It was followed by Web check-in, introduced by Alaska Airlines in 1999. Now, with 80 percent of passengers using these self-service options, the next step is electronic boarding passes, which essentially turn the hand-held devices and mobile phones of travelers into their boarding passes. At least half a dozen airlines in the United States currently allow customers to check in using their mobile devices, including American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Southwest and Alaska."