Barcodes on mobile phones will make airline boarding-pass obsolete

The days of printing out a paper boarding-pass are soon to be a thing of the past. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) just approved a barcode standard that will replace the paper-boarding pass with your mobile phone. The idea is so simple it’s surprising that it hasn’t already been implemented - but then again, regulatory agencies aren’t really known for their swift action.

Jet-setters will receive a barcode-confirmation image upon booking a flight. Instead of worrying about printing out your electronic boarding pass, or standing in line at the check-in counter, the traveler can take their barcode image-toting mobile phone straight to the boarding gate. Paper? Who needs paper?

The barcode standard is compatible with those used in the US, Europe, and Japan - so global travelers will have the paperless boarding-barcode can have the convenience in their pockets. The IATA is aiming for a 2010 rollout.