Virgin Atlantic has announced it is the first UK based airline to integrate Passbook into its mobile boarding cards, allowing passengers a paperless journey through the airport with their iPhone or iPod touch. During the online check-in process, passengers will now have the added option of sending their boarding card directly to Passbook on their iPhone or iPod touch enabling them to by-pass check-in kiosks and heading straight to security or via baggage drop if carrying luggage. Simon Lloyd, Virgin Atlantic’s Director of Marketing said; “We continually look for ways to enhance our passengers’ experience when they travel with us and that begins before they even reach the plane. Passbook integration works seamlessly with our website – and will enable a speedy check-in and ensure your boarding card is stored safely and securely in the Passbook app on your iPhone or iPod touch. Critically, it also cuts down the impact of printing physical cards. Our trials have shown passengers really enjoy using Passbook and we’re sure many other airlines will now follow our lead.” After using online check-in and selecting to send the boarding card to Passbook, an email is sent to the passenger containing a Passbook attachment. As the attachment is opened the boarding card is securely loaded into the app ready to be scanned at the departure gate ahead of boarding the plane. Passbook stores the boarding card data in an industry standard barcode which can be scanned and read at departure gates at all Virgin Atlantic UK departure airports – Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. Passbook and mobile boarding card technology is available to use at key UK airports, selected airports around the world and will be rolled out to more airports as authorities approve it.