Bar Code Standards

Vision

• Bar codes replace magnetic stripe technology on tickets and boarding passes.
• Passengers print their boarding passes at home.

Benefits

Cost savings:

• 50-60% reduction in paper costs
• 40% reduction in equipment replacement costs (magnetic stripe encoding equipment can cost up to US$5,000/unit)
• Reduced airport facility requirements due to off-site (at-home) processing 

Consumer convenience:

• Boarding passes can be printed at home
• Reduced airport congestion
• Increased flexibility when travel plans change
• Facilitate Self-Service check-in (CUSS)

Implementation

• Technology exists and is in use in the US, Europe and other parts of the world
• Need to develop a common industry standard bar code

IATA's Action List

• Develop and agree a common bar code
• Ensure education and support for areas where technology is less developed
• Achieve consensus on a three-year implementation time frame