Alaskan Airlines adopts NFC-ready readers from Access IS
Access IS is supplying Alaskan Airlines with 350 new boarding gate readers (BGRs) that can be upgraded to support NFC phones.
Access’ BGR135 unit comes with the ability to scan both mobile and print 2D bar codes, but can be upgraded to accommodate NFC by simply swapping the original base for an NFC-enabled one, according to the company. With the NFC base in place, passengers can simply tap their NFC phone against the reader to board their flight.
In addition to reading flight tickets, NFC could be integrated throughout the entire airport experience for Alaskan Airlines passengers, including everything from parking access to paying for items at retail locations in the terminal.
According to Access IS, Alaskan Airlines will have to wait on the TSA’s approval before switching the devices over to NFC.