Less than a quarter (24%) of fliers would use their mobile phone to check into a flight, with over half (57%) put off by the risk of running out of battery, according to new research commissioned by Mobiles.co.uk.
With major airlines such as Ryanair, British Airways and easyJet now accepting mobile boarding passes, the survey looked into what is putting passengers off this greener mode of check-in.
Top 5 reasons for not using a mobile boarding pass:
Running out of battery (57%)
Losing the phone or having it stolen (55%)
Security reasons (55%)
Losing signal or Wi-Fi (54%)
The mobile ticket not being accepted (48%)
Leading smartphone developers are hoping to improve adoption rates by making a number of improvements to their mobile boarding pass features.
Google has recently revealed that Android users will be able to store boarding passes offline, which will address concerns over loss of signal or Wi-Fi.
Earlier this month, Apple announced that iOS10 will include a new ‘widgets’ section accessible from the lock screen, making it even easier to get to your boarding pass.
Mobiles.co.uk has also explored the environmental benefits of using mobile boarding passes, to encourage more passengers to make the switch.
The research estimates that 887,000 trees could be saved each year if everyone in the UK checked into flights with their smartphone.
Abby Francis, spokesperson for Mobiles.co.uk, said: “With more and more airlines giving passengers the option to check in with their smartphone, it is surprising to see that adoption rates are still lagging behind.
“It seems that the fear of mobile boarding passes not being accepted is still a big deterrent for many fliers, so we believe it’s the airlines and airports responsibility to ensure information on check in methods is made as visible as possible.
“There is also plenty for phone manufacturers to work on in order to improve adoption rates – with battery life, security and the development of offline boarding passes becoming universal considerations in smartphone development.
“Smartphones are bringing us closer to a paperless future, although we would recommend checking ahead whether mobile boarding passes are accepted by your airline prior to your date of departure, particularly in foreign countries.”
34 comments
I’ve used my phone to sign in many times but I’m always super careful not to use my phone on the way to the airport or I have a battery pack or I print one out just in case anyway! aha
Sounds like exactly what I do! Thanks Laura.
I use mobile boarding passes for flights within Europe and short-haul flights and they’ve always been so efficient for me. I always end up getting a paper boarding pass during long-haul flights, but I suppose that’s because I check in at the airport and not online. Either way, it’s great to see that technology is a good option to not have to waste paper on a boarding pass.
That’s great Yaya. I think it will be a few more years before everyone is as confident as you in using mobile boarding passes.
I always use mobile boarding passes, I prefer to have an ticket on my mobile but he’s there is always the worry that my battery will die and then what do I do
It’s interesting to see that most people like the idea, but most of us are still a bit cautious when it comes to relying solely on mobile tickets.
It’s amazing what you can do on your mobile now. This sounds really convenient.
I think it’s the way of the future and our kids (when they’re our age) won’t know any different
I would stick to paper just know where you are with it
Just make sure you don’t lose the paper – that’s the only thing you have to worry about!
I think I would worry too much about my phone dying!! ??
I get that Debbie – you’d be paranoid about the battery life wouldn’t you?!
I did try using mobile boarding passes on our last holiday….caused quite a queue when I couldn’t find where they were actually saved in my phone though! Would definitely do it again and just make sure I know where my phone puts them when I download them.
Ah yes – they save them in some passes app I think – well done for giving it a go though Helen!
I don’t use the mobile phone often in boarding pass. because I was cautious about the thieves and for my phone did not run out of battery.
I always worry when I put my phone through security and the xray machine that it won’t come out, so I understand your concern.
Some of the reasons above are why I would panic about having a e-ticket. I always worry my phone is going to break or that it’ll run out of charge. However paper seems to becoming a thing of the past, so maybe in our life time everything will be online! x
Thanks Olivia – I think you might be right about that – especially if battery life on devices continues to be developed and improve!
I love the idea of using less paper and being more eco-friendly, but having seen people experiencing issues with mobile boarding passes in the past, I’m a little nervous to try it myself! I think it’s great that they’re working to improve this service though – and hopefully, a paperless future awaits! xx
If it helps save the planet Chrissy I’m with you on this!
I didn’t even know you could do this, but I think I would be one of those paranoid people who would be worried that they’d get there and then find that there’s an error and the pass isn’t accepted. Having said that, me and my friend did use this method to board the Eurostar last year and that all went smoothly.
I think the only thing I’d worry about is my phone running out of charge!
I have used them but usually have the paper back up I cannot even say what the actual worry is apart from a general I like a back up to most things. Overly cautious I guess
I’m actually the same as you – and usually have the paper version as a back up – peace of mind and all that!
I’ve never had the need to use mobile boarding passes due to not flying, but have used similar for train travel and find it really useful. So I think I would be tempted to use it onboarding passes, as long as it was stored off line.
Yes that’s a good point – stored offline would be reassuring to most people I’m sure.
I always use the mobile boarding passes when I fly because it’s so hassle free. There are no papers to print (and forget at home) and it doesn’t actually matter if you have WiFi or not, as they are always stored in the offline apps. Regarding the battery, there are always plugs in airports if you need to charge your phone 🙂
The battery is the one thing that I’d worry about. Mind you, I usually carry a portable charger with me at all times now – just in case.
I tend to use my mobile quite often for boarding passes as I always know I won’t run out of battery as I have a portable charger on hand x
Great idea Rhian – and there are some nice lightweight designs out there aren’t they?
I actually always use my mobile phone where possible, its so much easier than printing off the documents and better for the environment too! xxx
I think the future will be a paperless one – as long as charging stations become more widespread.
I haven’t used a mobile boarding pass before. I think it is a good idea and is obviously better for the environment that printing them off
Thanks Jenni – it’s nice to feel you are doing something for the environment isn’t it?