Qantas domestic passengers will now be able to check in to their flight at the airport by using their mobile phone. After checking in online passengers can opt in to receive an email or SMS that contains a 2D barcode image that can be scanned at the boarding gate.

Launched this week, this new service is an alternative to the current paper boarding passes. Passengers using this service can check in via Qantas' mobile web portal between 24 hours and 45 minutes prior to departure.

The service is currently available in all major airports, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra and Sydney in Terminal 3. The service will be installed at Sydney in Terminal 2, Adelaide, and Newcastle in the coming months.

International airlines American Airlines, Air Canada, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Swiss International Airlines and Delta also offer mobile check in services and electronic boarding passes.

Editors Comments: Another excellent eco friendly idea to cut down on paper usage. When you think how many boarding passes must be issued around the world in a single day, no wonder I can hear the trees cheering !