British Airways has launched the second phase of its existing mobile Web site, powered by Usablenet.

The site now supports the airline's Executive Club members' access to their accounts, points and miles balances by logging into the BA.com Web site through their mobile phones. BA.com automatically redirects to the mobile-optimized site on any Web-enabled mobile device.

"Usablenet worked with British Airways on a multi-phased launch, increasing specialized features and functionality over time, adding to a richer mobile Web experience," said Jason Taylor, vice president of mobile products at Usablenet, New York. "This most recent upgrade supports an important customer base, their Executive Club members.

"British Airways did extensive user testing in business lounges around the world and on having access to view mileage balance and log-in," he said. "Check-in using BA's Executive Club membership details was the No. 1 item to add to the already successful mobile features."

Travelers can visit the site at http://www.ba.com/mobile.

The second-phase launch also allows Executive Club members to check their tier and status on flights and check in directly through their phones without needing their confirmation, or PNR, number.

This mobile update follows British Airways' launch of its mobile Web site's global support of 11 different languages last October.

Additionally, Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, has taken the next step in online innovation by launching Mobile Emirates.com, also powered by Usablenet.

Travelers who access Emirates.com from a mobile browser (on their phone or PDA), will be automatically redirected to the mobile version of the airline's Web site.

The facility is compatible with over 3,000 devices and allows customers to interact with Emirates from almost anywhere in the world.

Mobile subscriptions account for one of the fastest growing areas of Internet usage with the increase of mobile phones, PDA's, smart phones, Blackberrys and iPhones.

According to recent research from Nielsen, there are 4 billion mobile phone subscriptions globally, emphasizing the importance for airlines to offer mobile Web facilities for travelers on the move.

"Usablenet worked with Emirates to extend its current online site to mobile, this includes support for check-in, flight preferences, and flight search and browsing," Mr. Taylor said. "The features extend the top day-of-travel and travel review features to customers' mobile phones.

"The strategy was also to optimize the site for all mobile devices, making it easily accessible for all Emirates customers," he said.

The mobile site integrates many of the most popular features and functionality present on Emirates.com, all formatted for mobile use. Visitors to the site may:

* Check-in online up to 24 hours before departure
* Select a favorite seat or request a special meal
* Eligible passengers can book Chauffeur-drive
* Search for the latest Emirates special fares to over 100 destinations worldwide
* Check real-time flight status and view global timetables.

The information seeker can learn about Emirates' past and present, cabin features, lounges and latest news.

"Mobile fits extremely well into the travel industry because busy travelers are often mobile savvy and prefer the speed and convenience of using the mobile Web," Mr. Taylor said. "Allowing them to use their phones for check-in and other functions enhances the travel experience."