Airport Innovations

We know dealing with airports can often be drudgery, unless you have some cool stuff around to entertain you (and especially if you're trying to sleep in them). But we couldn't help noticing that there are some new innovations making fliers' lives a bit better.

• Gadling reports that Continental Airlines is now allowing passengers to board some of their flights using their cell phone or PDA. A code is sent to the device, and you simply need to the show ticket scanners the screen, which includes a barcode that can be scanned for the passenger's information. Bonus: You save paper (and don't have the mini-panic attack I always seem to have when I become convinced I've lost my reservation once I arrive at the gate).

• Why does my iPod always seem to run out of batteries as soon as I reach the airport? Luckily, Jaunted got the scoop on a new device from SmarteCarte (the people behind those wheelie luggage carts) – the ChargeCarte: "The way it works is that you plug your cell phone (any brand), iPod or MP3 player into the machine and it will rapidly charge it for 30 minutes for $3 while you wait out the delays at the gate." You have to stay close to the machine to make sure your stuff doesn't get stolen (hopefully they have seats nearby), but we have to agree that this idea is pretty Smarte.

• Long wait at the gate? Do yourself a favor and get a flu shot at the airport: They're being offered in Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Newark and San Francisco, right after you go through the security checkpoints. The shots cost between $15 and $35, and over 15,000 have already been given out this year. Thanks to Winging It for the tip!