10 October 2008

Lufthansa's mobile boarding pass launches at Heathrow

Lufthansa will launch its mobile boarding pass initiative in the UK from Monday.

From this date, passengers from London Heathrow can use mobile boarding passes on all Lufthansa non-stop flights to Germany as well as to most onward destination in Europe.

The service will be gradually introduced from additional UK and European departure points over the coming months.

The airline launched the service on all domestic German routes in the summer and last month it added around 1,000 daily flights out of Germany to almost 400 European destinations.

More than 7,000 passengers a week are now using electronic boarding passes.

The mobile boarding pass is sent to passengers via email or SMS to an internet-enabled mobile phone.

In addition to the passengerÃ¢â¬â¢s name, flight number and departure time, the boarding pass contains a 2D barcode which permits passengers to pass through the security checkpoints and then proceed straight to their departure gate.

At the gate, the barcode is read by a scanner, enabling the passenger to board the aircraft.

Passengers can request an electronic boarding pass at the mobile portal by using an internet-enabled mobile device or they can check in online via the internet.

They must identify themselves online or via the portal with their booking code and name.

If they are unable to display their electronic boarding pass on their mobile, for example if their phone needs recharging, passengers can collect a printed boarding pass at a self-service check-in terminal or at a check-in counter.

By Bev Fearis