SPECIAL EDITION: An Important Look At Baggage Tracking

Welcome back! This week we take an in-depth look at baggage tracking, including new technologies, advantages and disadvantages of trackers and what the future may hold for the industry. Don't forget to check out the News in Brief section near the bottom of the newsletter for all of the regular updates. Let's get to it.

Luggage Trackers: An Aid or An Impediment to Baggage Tracking?

Annually, more than 4 billion bags are carried by airlines globally – 99.57% of these arrive with their owners on time. But what happens when your bag doesn't appear?

Each year, a significant number of bags go astray, leaving passengers with a sinking feeling of dread. In response, many travelers have taken matters into their own hands by investing in baggage trackers to independently track their bags.

Tracking Technologies

Baggage trackers come in compact devices that commonly utilize the Bluetooth technology to monitor the location of your baggage. Activating a tracker and placing it inside your bag allows you to easily trace its whereabouts.

Bluetooth trackers, like Apple's AirTag, Tile, chipolo or Samsung's SmartTag, operate by pairing with your phone. These trackers function within a limited range, typically around 100 meters for Class 1 Bluetooth trackers.

But what if you're too far away from your suitcase for the tracker to pick up a signal? In such cases, you can mark your luggage as "missing" on the app, which triggers a signal to be sent out to other app users within the network.

If any of these users are in proximity to your lost bag, their app will detect the signal from your tracker and relay its location back to you, providing a notification about where your suitcase can be found.

The effectiveness of this method depends on the size of the tracker app's network, as a larger user base increases the chances of locating your missing bag.

Advantages and Challenges of Luggage Trackers

Bluetooth baggage trackers offer peace of mind to travelers, alleviating the fear of lost baggage. In cases where your bag is mistakenly taken by another passenger, the app can help pinpoint its location.

However, these trackers are not without their limitations. Bluetooth trackers are optimal within a limited range of 100 meters, and while the app networks can theoretically extend this range, their effectiveness may vary.

Furthermore, the increasing use of personal Bluetooth trackers has created a clash between these devices and airlines' tracking systems, leading to confusion due to conflicting information. Airlines have expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of these tracking systems and their impact on the baggage handling process.

Traditionally, airlines have relied on bag tags with barcodes containing passenger and flight information to track bags. IATA Resolution 753 was introduced to enhance airline baggage tracking, mandating airlines to track luggage at a minimum of four touch points throughout its journey. Full compliance with this resolution across the industry is work in progress.

Collaboration Between Airlines and Tracking Technology Companies

As more travelers use luggage trackers, airlines face the challenge of integrating their traditional baggage tracking systems with these personal devices. The conflicting information from different sources highlights the need for a collaborative approach, potentially involving the incorporation of data from personal trackers into airlines' systems.

The Future of Baggage Tracking

The future of baggage tracking holds immense potential. As technology continues to advance and industry stakeholders work hand in hand, we can envision a travel landscape where personal tracking devices and traditional tracking systems harmoniously coexist.

Real-time, accurate information will become the norm, setting new standards for luggage handling.

The once nerve-wracking wait at the carousel will transform into a smooth and worry-free process, with passengers confident that their bags will arrive safely at their intended destination.

As the journey unfolds, let us embrace these innovations and advancements, revolutionizing the way we track and manage our luggage.

Bon voyage!

Baggage Tracking: Passenger Q&A

What’s the difference between a GPS and Bluetooth tracker?

A Bluetooth tracker has a shorter range (about 100 meters), but when marked as lost, it sends a signal to all devices using the same app within its range. A GPS tracker, on the other hand, communicates with satellites to provide global coverage and updates on the bag's location. However, GPS trackers generally require a subscription fee.

Will airlines use my personal tracker to locate my bag?

Currently, airlines primarily rely on their own baggage tracking systems, although some are beginning to consider how they can integrate personal tracking data.

Is the tracker always accurate?

Trackers can provide approximate locations, but several factors can influence their accuracy, including network coverage, physical obstructions, and environmental conditions.

Do trackers work to prevent luggage loss?

Trackers can help locate lost luggage but cannot prevent the loss in the first place. They offer a means of tracking your luggage if it goes missing, not a guaranteed way to ensure it won't.

Do you need the internet for the tracker to work?

Bluetooth trackers require a connection to your phone but don't need an active internet connection to work. GPS trackers, however, often require a network connection to provide location updates.

If I am traveling to a remote location, is there a chance my tracker is less reliable?

Yes, remote locations may have limited network coverage, which could impact the accuracy of your tracker, especially if it's a GPS model.

Are the lithium batteries in trackers allowed on board the plane?

Most personal Bluetooth trackers use batteries that comply with FAA regulations. However, it's always a good idea to check with your airline ahead of time to ensure no issues arise.

Industry Priorities in Regard to Tracking

Implementation of IATA Resolution 753

·?????? Manufacturer Responsibility: IATA emphasizes the need for manufactures to educate customers about the proper usage and limitations of personal Bluetooth trackers.

·?????? Standardized Practices: Standardized practices for the effective usage of personal Bluetooth trackers for travel is established through collaboration with solution providers, as non-harmonized standards mislead passengers and hinder improvements.

·?????? Industry Collaboration: Collaboration between manufacturers, airports, and airlines matures will play a crucial role in allowing airlines to utilize this tracking information for improved baggage handling throughout the journey.

Learn more about baggage services and download the Baggage Bluetooth Tracker White Paper.

Video of the Week: Why the World Sustainability Symposium Matters

The aim of WSS is to gather and support the global community of sustainability experts needed to realize aviation’s biggest challenge ever.

The first edition of WSS will take place on 3-4 October 2023 in Madrid, Spain.

Learn more about the WSS and register now.

News In Brief

? Chart of the Week: Asia Pacific Traffic Dominates Top 10 City Pairs

? Airlines Magazine: Safety Leadership Must Be Part of Airline DNA

? AFRAA to Join Focus Africa Initiative

? Webinar of the Week: Innovating Travel: Modern Airline Retailing

Thanks for reading this special edition! Safe travels and please consider sharing this newsletter.