One example of how Australia is embracing technology...

.. and how the United States lags far behind:

http://jetstar.com.au/jetSMS/

"JetSMS is a new and innovative way of booking your Jetstar flights. Using technology developed in conjunction with Optus and available to mobile phones connected to any mobile network, JetSMS allows you to book your Jetstar flights 24 hours a day via SMS from your mobile."

(JetStar is a new, lo-price airline that is a division of Qantas.)