Alaska Airlines became the first airline in the United States to launch an electronic bag tag programme, which will enable guests to tag their own luggage through the airline’s mobile app before they even reach the airport.
Last week 2,500 Alaska Mileage Plan members began receiving their electronic bag tag. Those elite-status members included in the first wave of the programme were guests who have travelled in the last 12 months, checked-in at least one bag and who were among the first to register to use the device.
The three-by-five-inch devices are updated with a guest’s flight information through the Alaska Airlines mobile app during check-in; essentially allowing travellers to head straight to the bag-drop area once they arrive at the airport.
The Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag is estimated to reduce the time guests spend in airport lobbies by about 40%, including reducing lines and the use of paper bag tags. In addition to the device’s impressive lifespan and durability (Alaska Airlines employees tested it by running it over with a truck), the devices don’t require charging or batteries.
Along with the hardware, the software for the device is provided by BAGTAG, a Dutch company that is a pioneer in the field of baggage technology solutions.
