This morning I tested the new paperless boarding that United is starting to roll out. The mobile web code (very similar to QR Codes) replaces their paper based system and allows you to use a mobile device as your boarding pass. The codes are available via their Mobile United web application (beta) on the iPhone, Blackberry and other PDA type devices.
It was very easy to get my code and the code can be used as a pass for both the TSA security line and the actual boarding
of the plane. All I had to do was access the United Mobile application, login with my confirmation number or email address, choose my flight, fill in an email address that I want the code sent to and request the code. An email is then sent to the address you entered at the prompt and within seconds you have an email with a link to the code. Opening your email and clicking on the link takes you to a page that displays your departure and arrival times, your seat assignment and your code.
I used he code only for boarding this morning and all I had to do was bring up the web page on my cell phone screen and swipe it over the reader at the gate. It took about 3 seconds for the reader to recognize the code and I was on my way to board the plane.
Keep in mind that in order to use this new feature, you need a data plan on your phone (it requires access to the web) and you need access to the email account that you tell United to send the confirmation link to. The code scan is only available in the following airports with more to come
• Chicago – O’Hare (ORD)
• Dallas – Fort Worth (DFW)
• Denver (DEN)
• Las Vegas (LAS)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York LaGuardia (LGA)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Portland (PDX)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA)
• Washington Dulles (IAD)
The process is pretty simple and works well. It will be nice to not have to carry another piece of paper on my trips.