Finnair has launched two new mobile phone services for UK travellers – mobile boarding passes and text message check-in.

The new mobile boarding pass incorporates a 2D bar code which can be scanned at the airport. The pass works on all mobile phones and will be charged at the cost of a normal text message plus the data cost for downloading the pass.

Finnair’s UK sales director, Tomi Hänninen, says: “The mobile boarding pass system cuts passengers’ carbon footprint by removing the need for passengers to print out and keep track of a paper boarding pass, thus eliminating waste paper. Customers will also see a tangible benefit through using the mobile boarding pass system as it will speed up the check in process, affording Finnair flyers even greater stress free travel.”

Text message check-in is available to members of Finnair Plus, the carrier’s frequent flyer programme. If you have luggage to check into the hold, you need to pass by the baggage drop desk in thre departure hall. Otherwise, you can proceed straight to the gate.

Passengers should update their Finnair Plus profile with their mobile phone number to sue the service. For flights departing in the morning, Finnair sends a check-in text message the previous evening between 17:00 and 19:00, and for flights departing in the afternoon, the message is sent around 3 hours before departure time. You need to send back the letter A to accept text message check-in.