We’ve all tried the self check-out stations in grocery stores.  The airline industry is starting to realize similar opportunities and the potential benefits for its customers. The next time you travel with FTI, keep an eye out for "self-boarding."

Continental Airlines is the first to try automatic boarding gates with a single self-boarding gate in Houston.  Self-boarding is common in Europe, where the goal is to free up gate agents for other tasks.  Using a mobile boarding pass on a cell phone, you simply place the phone down on a small scanner at the turnstile allowing you to board.  This paperless system is one way the airline industry is implementing green initiatives.

This automation is appealing to travelers looking for more control over their travel experience.  Automated boarding gates create a smooth journey by reducing passenger lines.  By speeding up boarding, it is more likely that you will leave on time in the case of a close connection.  Soon, kiosks at U.S. airports may even spit out bag tags.  This feature is already used abroad on airlines including Air China in Beijing.  Passengers attach the tags to suitcases themselves and drop the luggage on a conveyor belt.

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