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Check-In & Boarding Systems
The majority of airline tickets today are printed with two-dimensional (2D) bar code symbologies to encode the passenger's boarding information. These tickets are called bar coded boarding passes (BCBP). According to The International Air Transport Association (IATA), BCBP are expected to save the United States airline industry alone over $500 million annually. By scanning the BCBP, a passenger's boarding information can be quickly captured and automatically uploaded into the airport's IT system. This facilitates a quick check-in process for the passenger and enhances security and control for the airport. Through real-time communication with the host IT system, bar code readers can also help to eliminate ticket fraud through instant ticket validation.
The type of ticketing system at airports as well as general traffic flow typically determines the type of data collection solution required. An on-counter presentation scanner, mobile computer or OEM scan module integrated into a ticketing terminal are ideal solutions for high traffic environments, where enhanced productivity and speed of service is a must.
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Mobile Ticketing
Another key benefit of using bar code scanners is the ability to support mobile ticketing, a process whereby customers can order, purchase and obtain airline tickets from any location and at any time using a mobile device. The ticket is then safely stored and later accessed during boarding activities. Over the last ten years, more travelers are purchasing tickets via their mobile device and their acceptance is pushing many airlines to make this service a standard offering.
In fact, the IATA set a global standard for airlines to implement 100% BCBP for mobile phone check-in services with the deadline ending in 2010. In order to participate in mobile ticketing, airlines need to be equipped with a scanning solution capable of reading 2D symbologies from a reflective screen. With this capability, airports with enhance convenience for travelers as well as provide a faster boarding. Depending on the check-in system, many passengers will be able to move to shorter lines, if not bypass lines altogether with mobile ticketing.
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Counterfeit Detection / Authenticity Verification
Datalogic ADC offers a unique base station equipped with a ‘Counterfeit Detector' enabling employees to quickly verify the authenticity of currency and other documents such as passports and governement issued ID cards. Using UV fluorescent emissions, the base station highlights special fluorescent ink markings on the item designed to indicate authenticity. This special feature is easy to use and provides additional savings by eliminating separate ‘verification-only' equipment. Verifying passenger identity is critical for general safety measures as it reduces the likelihood of false passengers permitted access into boarding activities.
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Baggage Tracking
Collecting data from bar codes provides the answer to the question, "Where are my bags?" As one of the most critical components to the airport system, baggage tracking today requires a scanning solution to follow luggage throughout the duration of its travel. During check-in activities, each checked bag is assigned a unique bar code that is loaded into the airline's IT system. This allows the bar code to be read each time the bag(s) are unloaded / loaded onto a different plane. By reading the bar code, the bag can be located in real-time to ensure the right bags are loaded onto the right plane at the right time. This also provides travelers with the ability to follow their luggage online in case it goes missing.
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Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance
Airplanes are used day in and day out, requiring servicing before and after each flight. With this high degree of maintenance, it is important for the airline to track repairs, any issues or concerns and condition of the plane. Implementing an automatic data capture solution helps keep the fleet in service by optimizing and automating activities that improve employee productivity and reduce errors.
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