NWA's E-Boarding Pass
Friday, October 31, 2008
Northwest Airlines announced the expansion of its paperless boarding pass, effective October 29, 2008, to its Detroit WorldGateway hub. This comes after a successful test program in Indianapolis, Indiana. E-Boarding Passes allow customers to use their mobile phones and other handheld devices to clear security and board the airplane.
Northwest now offers E-Boarding Passes to customers traveling non-stop from Detroit to cities within the U.S when checking in at nwa.com, using a PC or a handheld mobile device. Customers traveling non-stop from Indianapolis can continue to also use E-Boarding Passes.
The E-Boarding Pass incorporates passenger travel details on an industry standard mobile barcode that is sent directly to hundreds of handheld devices and mobile phones in the form of an e-mail, WAP push/link or MMS message.
Passengers choosing E-Boarding Pass no longer require a printer or kiosk to print their boarding pass. They can receive their E-Boarding Pass on the move and precede directly to airport security checkpoints.
How to use ??
When using nwa.com check-in from your PC or mobile device, select the E-Boarding Pass option from the drop down on the "Completing your Check-in" page. Simply provide your mobile information when prompted and your E-Boarding Pass will be sent to your mobile device after you complete check-in.
To provide the best quality bar code and E-Boarding Pass, the following information will be required:
* Mobile service provider
* Mobile handset make
* Mobile handset model
At the airport:
* Have the barcode image available on the screen of your device when approaching the security checkpoint or boarding gate.
Note – if the scanner cannot read your E-Boarding Pass, a paper boarding pass will be required.
* Ensure the entire barcode is visible on the screen of your device.
* Make certain the backlight is on when the barcode is being scanned.
* At the gate, hold your E-Boarding Pass on the scanner. The agent will advise when your E-Boarding Pass has been validated and you can board
Where is E-Boarding Pass offered?
E-Boarding Pass is currently offered on non-stop flights from Indianapolis, IN and Detroit, MI during check-in on nwa.com. If you are departing from IND you must be checking in as a single passenger on a Northwest operated non-stop flight within the United States. Non-stop service from Indianapolis, IN is currently available to: Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Ft. Myers, FL, Hartford, CT, Kansas City, MO, Las Vegas, NV, Los Angeles, CA, Memphis, TN, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Raleigh-Durham, NC, San Antonio, TX, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, Tampa, FL, and Washington, D.C. (DCA).
What types of devices can receive an E-Boarding Pass?
E-Boarding Pass can be used on hundreds of mobile phones and PDAs, and with the following service providers: AT&T US, Alltel US, Sprint US, T-Mobile US, and Verizon US.
When will I receive my E-Boarding Pass?
Your E-Boarding Pass will be sent after you complete check-in.
I did not receive my E-Boarding Pass, can I request another one?
Yes, if you do not receive your E-Boarding Pass, you can check in at nwa.com again and request another E-Boarding Pass be sent.
What will be required at the airport when using an E-Boarding Pass?
You should have the barcode image available on the screen of your device when approaching the security checkpoint or boarding gate. Please ensure the entire barcode is visible on the screen of your device and make certain the backlight is on when the barcode is being scanned. You should also have a valid government issued photo ID available for inspection at the Security Checkpoint.
What if I am checking luggage?
If you are using an E-Boarding pass and checking luggage simply use the Self-service Check-in Kiosk at the airport to check luggage. Please have your valid government issued photo ID as well as the barcode image on the screen of your device available for the ticket agent to verify before proceeding to the security checkpoint with your E-Boarding Pass. A new E-Boarding Pass will not be sent.
What if I am standing by for First Class at the gate, what happens to my E-Boarding Pass?
When you are cleared off the Passenger Processing List in First Class, your E-Boarding Pass in Coach will be exchanged for a paper boarding pass in First Class, and you will board using the paper boarding pass. If you are not cleared in First Class, you will board with your original E-Boarding Pass.
