In 2016, 21 million bags were mishandled. Passengers are aware of this fact and they are therefore highly interested in knowing that the baggage is following them on their journey. In today’s digital world, real-time baggage location data is a request coming from more and more passengers. They want visibility into their bags’ journey and obtain information if something goes wrong.
Real-time baggage tracking required by passengers
According to SITA’s Baggage Report 2017, 76% of all passengers want baggage location status updates on their smart phones. In order to provide reliable detailed baggage location information to passengers, real-time accurate baggage tracking systems need to be implemented throughout the baggage journey.
Reliable data prerequisite for baggage tracking services
The RFID baggage handling and tracking solution from Lyngsoe Systems provides the needed reliable data to support a digital journey for the passenger. The tracking data from all strategic hand-overs in the baggage journey is captured in real-time and can be shared with the passenger through the airline app.
A baggage tracking app would typically contain, as a minimum, the below tracking points for a connecting bag: (click on picture for full view)
As the passenger checks in their bag, the BagDrop Reader automatically scans it in the self-service automated bagdrop. The passenger will then get the first baggage notification in their app; making sure that the system is working and the bag was received.
Getting baggage safely through transfer
As the bag is loaded onto the aircraft, the Belt Loader Reader automatically scans the bag. The information is forwarded to the passenger, so they know, that the bag is following them on their journey. A similar process is introduced at off-loading, where the bags are scanned by the Belt Loader Reader as they are off-loaded.
At the transfer destination, the Pier and Claim Reader or the Sortation Reader will scan the bag as it travels through the baggage handling area. This provides information to the passenger that the bag is being sorted and still follows them on their journey.
As the passenger boards their next flight, the Belt Loader Reader forwards its scan information, so the passenger knows that the bag has been loaded on the same flight as them.
Arrival and pick-up information
As the passenger arrives at the final destination, they will receive a notification about when and where to pick up their bag. That information is coming from the Pier and Claim Reader, which is located on the conveyor leading to the claim carousel. As the bag is scanned here, the information is immediately sent to the passenger through the airline app.
Improving the experience when mishandling occurs
In cases of irregular operations, where the bag is not following the passenger on their journey, the airline has the opportunity to communicate with the passenger through the app. The airline can e.g. provide the passenger with information that their bag did not make the connection and therefore they will not be able to pick it up at the claim carrousel at the final destination. When an airline has reliable tracking data, the entire claim process can be completely automated. The passenger could, through the airline app, be informed of the delay, file the claim and agree on delivery. The passenger could then just leave the airport, when they arrive at their final destination, instead of waiting anxiously at the carousel for a long period to no avail.
Lyngsoe Systems are able to improve the value of your airline app with detailed reliable baggage tracking data for you to share with your passengers. Contact us for more information.