In an attempt to lower costs and hopefully better position the airline to offer cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages, Continental Airlines has started testing self-boarding at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This is the first self-boarding experiment being conducted at a U.S. Airport.
The self-boarding test requires passengers to swipe their boarding passes at a kiosk which in turn opens a turnstile or door through which the passenger gains access to the jet way.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has been quoted saying that self-boarding does not impact the security of the traveling public. Passengers will continue to be screened at security checkpoints before being allowed to advance to boarding gates.
Some aviation experts like the new boarding process believing that any reduction in human contact between airline employees and passengers is desirable.
Continental will still need someone available at the gate to instruct passengers who are confused with the new process regarding where they need to place their boarding passes in order to gain access to the jet way.
Continentals self-boarding experience is one of a recent series of technological advancements whose purpose is to make traveling easier. Another example of this drive to improve travelers aviation experience is the use of smart phones to store mobile boarding passes. Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, and United use mobile boarding passes at select airports, which allow airlines to scan the confirmation link or message on a device that is able to receive emails.
www.cheapfares.com