13 Smart Ways to Use QR Codes for Airlines and Airports

Update:  February 16, 2024
13 Smart Ways to Use QR Codes for Airlines and Airports

Before smartphones became omnipresent, the airport experience frequently involved lengthy queues, bulky paper tickets, and frustrating manual searches for information. 

But as technology advanced, so did the use of QR codes in airlines and airports.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated its adoption as the need for contactless solutions became a standard, helping us function in a more safety-enhanced environment. 

QR codes have then evolved from a novelty to an essential tool, redefining the air travel landscape thanks to the existence of a dynamic QR code generator that makes everything possible. 

Don’t miss out on this technological wonder. Read more as we look at how airlines and airports have been using QR codes and find out how you can unlock the full potential of this advanced tool. 

How have airlines and airports fared post-COVID-19?

Travel QR codes

The COVID-19 crisis delivered a sucker punch to the aviation industry, sending a dramatic decline in travelers and leaving airlines in turmoil. 

The initial impact was sharp. However, the skies hold a spark of hope. Domestic travel has shown positive signals of a comeback, especially with the emergence of a QR code for flights. 

Digitalization is taking center stage, with touchless check-ins, mobile boarding procedures, and easy information access becoming commonplace.

The airline industry began to take advantage of the versatility and convenience of QR codes for travel deployed across domains, which paved the way for broader applications in improving travel experiences. 

How have QR codes in airlines and airports transformed travel operations?

QR codes are soaring as airlines and airports embrace their versatility. 

Here are use cases that show how this tool has been helping the industry function more efficiently and push the boundaries of its application. 

Touchless take-off

Most of the use of QR codes has been integrated into boarding passes. Travelers can directly access their flight details like schedules, departure and arrival times, and the destination through their smartphones. 

With a simple scan of a QR code for boarding pass technology, security gate agents can quickly access passenger details, speeding up the process of boarding and reducing congestion. 

This also eliminates the need to print a surplus of tickets, allowing people to travel light.

Contactless check-ins

QR codes are spearheading the contactless revolution. Passengers can now easily breeze through online check-ins or airline apps and receive digital boarding passes through their smart devices. 

This reduces airport queues and minimizes physical contact, improving health and safety measures. 

Instant information at your fingertips

This advanced tool has been recognized to house an extensive range of information. 

Stuck navigating a new airport? Just scan a dynamic QR code to find your gate, the lounge, or the restroom. This tool lets you conveniently access data, from certificates to media files, and even explore digital menus.

Smart menu order in lounges

QR code smart menu

Transform QR codes into a canvas for your innovative ideas. Airports can use this tool to let travelers order food and drinks at their own pace and place. 

All you need to do is generate a QR code using an interactive restaurant menu software and strategically place the QR code throughout the lounge area or any openly accessible locations within the airport. 

Craving a pre-flight snack? Travelers can browse the menu of food kiosks, place orders, and make payments digitally through the QR code.  

This spares the need to wait in line and flag down staff – a win-win situation for businesses and passengers. 

Streamline payment transfers

QR codes are becoming popular for payment transactions due to their speed, convenience, and security. 

A QR code for payment encourages cashless transactions. Travelers only need to scan the code and pay their bills instantly. 

This also offers a faster method than traditional ones, as there is no need to fumble with cash or wait for cards to process.

Easy Wi-Fi access

Seamless internet connectivity at airports and on flights is no longer a luxury but a necessity. 

Airlines can use QR codes to offer tiered Wi-Fi access, with passengers having the freedom to scan for free basic plans or upgrade to premium packages with higher speeds and data allowances. 

Generating a Wi-Fi QR code through a dynamic QR code generator can also be implemented into digital boarding passes, displayed on signages throughout the airport, or printed on aircraft seats. 

This take on a personalized travel experience prompts additional revenue streams for airline industries. 

Engaging airport experiences

As technology continues to evolve, there are endless possibilities for using augmented reality (AR) and QR codes in airlines and airports.

With AR’s capacity to enhance the real-world environment and the QR code’s versatility, businesses can create a dynamic duo poised to revolutionize air travel.

These next-gen tools can be integrated to personalize onboard experiences. We can see them being used as AR-powered virtual assistants guiding passengers through immigration procedures.

Passengers can also access interactive menus, learn about airport services, explore in-flight entertainment choices, and even take virtual tours of their destination with a QR code scan. 

Manage maintenance personnel

QR codes for airport maintenance

Gone are the days of paper checklists and manual maintenance monitoring. QR codes for airports are redefining how industries manage personnel, perform tasks, and supply crucial information. 

Imagine a janitor arriving at a designated area; a simple scan provides them with cleaning instructions, chemical safety data, and other safety protocols. 

Supervisors can also be given real-time updates on task completion, knowing who and what areas have been fulfilled. Crews only have to scan the QR code after finishing their job, reflecting directly to their system’s database. 

Organized car parking

Car parking is also synonymous with long lines and frantic searches, but like boarding passes, they can be digitalized via QR codes. 

Today, passengers can effortlessly navigate the parking process upon arrival and pick-up. These codes grant access to designated parking areas, streamlining entry and eliminating the need for physical tickets. 

Trackable QR codes also allow the management of occupancies in real time and identify underutilized spaces. This translates to shorter wait times, reduced congestion, and a smoother overall parking experience.

Personalized offers and advertisement

Optimize travel from frustrating waiting periods to personalized offers just a scan away. 

Airlines and airports can use these digital gems to target ads based on passengers’ travel history and loyalty status. 

Planning a beach getaway? They can quickly scan a coupon QR code to get discount codes on airlines and snag a sweet deal on swimsuits at the airport store. 

The airline management can also incentivize app downloads by placing QR codes on marketing materials, leading to exclusive loyalty program benefits and personalized content. 

These nifty squares are transforming travel advertising. Its interactivity invites customers to scan and discover more, increasing engagement and fostering deeper connections. 

Efficient baggage tracking

QR codes on luggage tags

Forget the stress of panicky waiting for your things to arrive and course your luggage through QR codes on luggage tags and bags. 

This tool can encode information like a passenger’s name, flight details, and a unique luggage identifier that can be linked to the airline’s baggage tracking system.

At different points throughout the airport journey (check-in, sorting, loading, unloading,) airline crews can scan the code easily, updating the tracking system with the baggage’s status and location. 

This reduces anxiety and allows travelers to monitor the whereabouts of their things. This is also especially helpful for airlines to handle and locate lost or misplaced luggage quickly and efficiently.

Enhanced data security

While technological advancements provide solutions, concerns about sensitive information vulnerability remain. 

However, data encryption takes shape together with creating dynamic QR codes for airlines. This eliminates the risk of unauthorized copying, minimizing the possible danger of identity theft and fraudulent boarding. 

This also protects sensitive information like login credentials or financial data when scanning the QR code for payment.

Seamless security checks

QR codes offer a contactless approach, speeding up security checks and reducing physical touchpoints. 

Together with biometric identification, QR codes in airlines and airports provide us with a glimpse into the future of secure travel.

Travelers can swiftly scan a QR code and get verified through facial recognition or fingerprint scans. This expedites processing and reduces the risk of human error in document verification.


How do I create a QR code for travel using a QR code generator?

Creating a QR code for travel has made it accessible using reliable QR code software like QR TIGER dynamic QR code generator. 

Follow these simple steps below:

  1. Go to QR TIGER – the most advanced dynamic QR code generator online.  
  2. Select the type of QR code you want to create and enter the required information. 
  3. Select Dynamic QR code and generate. 
  4. Customize the QR code using the software’s wide range of customization tools. Personalize the design of your QR code, and add a CTA and your logo to match your brand personality. 
  5. Test scan your QR code first to know if it works as intended, then click Download.  

Real-world use cases of QR codes in airlines and airports

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has been a tech trailblazer and has long implemented QR codes. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the airline embraced digital health verifications with QR codes.

They have also used this tool to streamline the printing of baggage tags. Travelers will simply need to scan the QR code in their digital boarding passes, and their details will be auto-populated into the designated machine. 

This has made it easy for passengers to update information – a crucial process for airlines, ensuring that passengers are reachable in case of any changes in travel regulations.

United Airlines

United Airlines introduced a simple, touch-free inflight payment option using QR codes through PayPal.

Passengers can simply show their QR code in the PayPal app to buy snacks, beverages, and other inflight purchases while onboard. What’s impressive about this is that it is accessible even in areas without Wi-Fi.

Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)

DOH is the home of Qatar Airways and has been a leader in using QR codes to elevate passenger experience. 

They have made these QR codes available across the airport through display screens, passenger digital assistance kiosks, and other vital touchpoints. This assists travelers with their wayfinding requirements. 

Revolutionize airport operation and airline travel with QR TIGER

QR codes in airlines and airports are undeniably transforming the travel experience from check-in to boarding and flying.

Of course, challenges persist. Integration with existing systems, accessibility concerns for tech-averse individuals, and potential privacy issues need careful consideration. 

However, these challenges are surmountable, especially with collaborative efforts from airlines, airports, and technology providers. 

This avant-garde tool grants us a preview of what lies ahead of us where airports hum with efficiency, and travelers navigate their ways with newfound ease. 

The future of air travel has arrived; with the efficiency of a dynamic QR code generator, the sky is the limit with the convenience that QR codes provide.


Frequently asked questions

What is the QR code for airlines?

Airline companies now use a QR code for boarding pass systems. Travelers can then quickly check-in for their flight without bringing physical tickets or documents. 

This provides travelers with a more efficient, convenient, and seamless experience. 

Do you need a QR code for a flight? 

Most airlines now offer digital boarding passes with QR codes. So, yes, you need a QR code for a flight. 

Some countries may also require a QR code for immigration and customs purposes. And QR codes are the perfect tool to put all your documents.

How do I create a QR code online?

Creating a QR code online is quick and easy with the right dynamic QR code generator like QR TIGER.

Simply go to the website > Select a QR code solution > Generate the Dynamic QR code > Customize > Test scan > and Download.

Brands using QR codes

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