Readers for the mobile passes are being used in four British airports in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Consumers can also check flight information via the apps.

“We are looking to offer an increased ease and convenience to our consumers,” said Declan Kearney, director of communications at Aer Lingus, Dublin.

Aer Lingus is an Irish-based airliner that focuses on a low-cost, low-fare model for consumers.

Mobile check-ins
Aer Lingus’  apps are available on Android, iPhone, BlackBerry and Nokia devices.

Via the apps, consumers can book their flights no matter where they are.

“Our goal is to appeal to everyone and not focus on a particular section of the mobile industry,” Mr. Kearney said.

“All of our mobile apps and initiatives are a direct response to needs we have seen from consumers,” he said.

Consumers can check-in for flights on the app with a 2D mobile boarding pass, which they show at the gate.

Travelers can also check flight information and details and sign up for travel alerts.

“Not only do the apps speed up consumers’ time at the airport, they also allow customers on-the-move to get real-time information about disruptions and cancellations before they get to the airport,” Mr. Kearney said.

Large rollout
Currently, Aer Lingus  mobile bar codes are only accepted at four airports, but the company has plans to roll out similar technologies at all of the airline’s airports.

“This initial technology is only part of our strategy is to give flexible options for all of our consumers,” Mr. Kearney said.

“The definition of our business is helping people move, so mobile is an appropriate segway to expand our services to our customers,” he said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York