JetBlue launches mobile boarding passes, Passbook integration coming

JetBlue only got around to launching its first mobile app a year ago, and today it upgraded its iPhone app with mobile boarding passes, and the ability to book rewards travel.

There’s no Passbook integration yet, although a spokesperson says it’s in the works.

Version 2.0 of JetBlue’s iPhone app enables passengers from eight airports to download mobile boarding passes to get through security and board at the gate. The airports are Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (LGB), New York (JFK), Orlando (MCO), San Francisco and San Juan.

Many airlines, ranging from Delta and United to American, launched mobile boarding passes long ago, and late last year integrated them with Apple Passbook in iOS 6.

With Passbook, your mobile boarding pass appears on your lock screen when you are in the vicinity of the airport.

Also on the mobile to-do list, JetBlue still doesn’t have a tablet app, and last year launched a contest soliciting ideas of features that should be included in a tablet app.

Wi-Fi is slated to be introduced on select JetBlue flights before the end of March, and this is another area where JetBlue finds itself behind the curve. JetBlue’s Wi-Fi, however, will be satellite-based, enabling over-water connectivity.

JetBlue says it will upgrade its Android app to include mobile boarding passes “in the coming months.”

Other new features of the JetBlue iPhone app include the ability to book travel using your TrueBlue points, as well as enhanced city guides.