Southwest Airlines Boarding Pass Goes Mobile - Analyst Blog

Southwest Airlines Co.'s LUV passengers can now enjoy the benefits of a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed one. This seasoned carrier has now made the technology available in all airports across the United States. Earlier this month, the carrier had announced its intention to expand e-boarding passes across its domestic network by the end of 2014.

Mobile boarding passes allow passengers to use their smart devices to get through security check points and board their flight. The e-boarding pass will be sent to their mobile devices either through e-mail or in the form of text messages.

Passengers can also use the Southwest Airlines app to obtain their mobile boarding passes. Recently, the Dallas based carrier updated its application for Google Inc.'s GOOG Android and Apple Inc.'s AAPL iOS operating platforms.

Travelling passengers can also avail various necessary information including current flight status, boarding and gate position, which will be updated in the app 24 hours before the flight. Travelers can either download the e-boarding pass or show it via the app at the security check point to get it scanned and directly board the flight.

Today's announcement implies that Southwest Airlines has finally completed the roll out of the mobile technology on its domestic routes, which it started at the beginning of 2013 in Austin. Since then the carrier has carried on pilot programs in Houston Hobby and Dallas Love Field airports.

The mobile boarding pass will reduce passenger time to get through the airport and finally board the aircraft. At the same time, it will ensure an environment-friendly process cutting down on paper consumption for traditional boarding passes.

Airline companies are attempting to incorporate new entertainment options, mobile apps, in-flight WiFi services and social media participation to transform the whole air travel experience. We believe the mobile-boarding pass will be a great booster in this regard allowing the carrier to enrich its customers' traveling experience.

Southwest Airlines currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Another stock worth considering within this sector is Delta Airlines Inc. DAL, which carries the same rank as Southwest Airlines.

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