In case you thought Apple’s iPhone was cutting edge, try this, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Houston-based Continental Airlines are teaming up to offer some passengers the option of using cell phones or PDA’s as their boarding pass. It is part of a 90-day pilot program launched at Houston’s largest airport. A select group of passengers will receive their boarding passes electronically as a bar code and TSA officers will use handheld scanners to validate the code. “We’re excited to have been selected as the first airport in the nation to debut this cutting edge technology,” says Rick Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “Some of the reasons for that are our robust origin and destination market and the relatively uncongested TSA checkpoints here in Houston.”

© Houston Airport System Pilot program takes off at IAH. A blackberry now serves as a boarding pass for passengers.

This new procedure is an example of innovative government and private sector cooperation. Continental, the first U.S. carrier to test this system, developed an implementation plan for the encryption process. The TSA created the concept of how to scan the paperless boarding passes.

“We are pleased to take part in this pioneering concept that provides enhanced security and customer service to our passengers,” said Mark Bergsrud, Continental Airlines senior vice president, marketing programs and distribution. “Continental Airlines is committed to innovation and leveraging technology to the benefit of our customers.”

Each paperless boarding pass will display a two-dimensional bar code, along with the passenger’s flight information and identity.

“The deployment of the paperless technology signifies the TSA’s ongoing commitment to develop and execute new technologies with aviation while enhancing security,” said Mel Carraway, TSA general manager for field operations.

The new technology is expected to heighten TSA’s ability to detect fraudulent boarding passes while also improving customer service and reducing paper use.

“Continental airlines had shown tremendous interest in developing the paperless boarding pass technology creating a natural partnership between TSA and the airline,” says Andrea Munzer McCauley, TSA public affairs officer for the South Central Region.

“We fully anticipate the paperless boarding pass pilot to be successful and look forward to rolling out this technology nation-wide.”

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