Patently Apple recently found an Apple patent for an iTravel application for the iPhone. iTravel is basically the application to use for traveling. It allows the user to purchase and print tickets, get information on flights, pass through security, have transportation and get information about hotels.

Another major feature of the app is the ability for users to be able to check in baggage.

Turning to Apple's patent FIG. 4 below we see a perspective view of a ticketing and baggage check counter (#78) having an NFC-enabled counter kiosk (#80). The NFC-enabled counter kiosk may communicate with the iPhone to purchase a transportation ticket and/or to check in for travel. The user may also use an electronic travel ticket and/or electronic identification at the counter kiosk to check in for travel, including checking in luggage. The electronic travel ticket may include a unique identifier, such as a digital code, which may be utilized to look up and/or alter information regarding a traveler's reservation in a networked database.

The app is based off of a type of stand where users place their iPhone and then the specific function of that area, for example, the flight boarding area, may be transferred from the iPhone to the stand, allowing users to have the process automated.

However, most likely the most bizarre thing about the patent is a sketch of one of the apps interfaces, showing "Apple Airlines" as the flight carrier. Is Apple planning to have their own airline? - provided with on-board Macs I hope!