A new survey has predicted that nine out of ten airlines will offer online check-in within the next two years.
All low-cost carriers now use the technology, which cuts costs for carriers and reduces congestion at airport terminals.
The Airline Business IT Survey by travel technology supplier SITA found that half of the 100 airlines questioned already offer check-in over the web, with 89 per cent expecting to do so within two years.
As well as this, by the end of next year the proportion of passengers using web check-in is expected to grow to 35 per cent, up from the current 21 per cent.
Customers will use self-service kiosks, too, with the number climbing from 37 per cent this year to 49 per cent in 2008.
“Airlines are increasingly using web check-in because they want to make travel easier for their passengers,” said SITA chairman Paul Coby.
“What could be simpler than going on-line and checking yourself in? Furthermore, it’s relatively easy to deploy and saves cost, so it’s a win-win for both passengers and airlines.”
Airlines are exploring other technologies, too. Within two years, 52 per cent of airlines are planning to introduce self-boarding, and 76 per cent are likely to use mobile phone check-in.
Meanwhile, passengers could be able to use their mobile phones in-flight as soon as next year after proposals were set out by telecoms regulator Ofcom (see related Cheapflights story).
