Access-IS delivers seamless boarding for SAS passengers

Access-IS have just delivered an upgrade to their popular BGR135c boarding gate reader for SAS. The BGR135c is already feature rich and capable of reading 2D barcoded boarding passes (BCBPs) as well as existing contactless passes. However, SAS had a specific requirement to read its customers’ Travel Cash Card, without swiping the card.

The Travel Cash Card has been launched to make air travel easier and more convenient. Passengers using the Travel Cash Card have their boarding pass details held centrally against the card meaning that from check-in all the way to aircraft boarding, the only ID they need is their Travel Cash Card. No need to find a printed pass to purchase duty free or board the aircraft; just turn up, offer your Travel Cash Card up to the BGR135c and enjoy a stress free journey.

The BGR135c is a compact boarding gate reader with contactless capability to read from 2D barcodes from mobile phones, tablets and smart cards. It reads barcodes face up so that the devices screen is always visible, enabling operators to more quickly and accurately offer barcodes to the reader. Speed of transaction is also enhanced by near-zero latency from the omnidirectional imager, so that barcodes are read instantly on presentation keeping passenger throughput maximised.

The BGR135c with SAS Travel Cash Card capable firmware is certified by SITA and is now installed at boarding gates across Copenhagen Airport and at duty free counters throughout Norway, with the aim of extending coverage across the Nordic region in the near future.

Talking about the development, Tommy Nordin, responsible for SAS airport hardware, said, “We came to Access to develop new firmware for the BGR135c to handle the contactless format for our Travel Cash Card. We are very pleased with the result that allows SAS to deliver class-leading service and an enhanced customer experience to our Customers.”

This latest development works seamlessly with SAS’ existing Eurobonus Tag which all programme members can take advantage of. Based on standard MiFare technology, which is found widely in public transportation, the tag can be attached according to the traveller’s preferences, for example, to the back of a mobile phone. It’s then used in place of a membership card to save time and help SAS passengers enjoy the most stress free experience possible.