IATA Launches Plan to Improve Checked Baggage Operations Worldwide

1 day ago 1

Checking bags for a flight can always feel like a bit of a gamble. Passengers can never be certain that their bags will arrive at their destination with them, and if their luggage is delayed or lost, they can’t rely on carriers to always give them timely updates.

Those pain points will soon be changing, thanks to a new initiative from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that will help modernize checked luggage processes worldwide.

According to recent IATA polls, 81% of travelers want better tracking for checked luggage, 74% expect real-time updates on their mobile phones and 67% are willing to switch to electronic bag tags.

Many frustrated travelers have already taken matters into their own hands by slipping Apple Air Tags or other similar locator devices into their checked bags, giving the ability to track the whereabouts of their luggage on their phones. The practice has become so widespread that more than a dozen airlines have begun integrating Air Tag compatibility into their mobile apps.

IATA’s new initiative, which it’s calling a Global Baggage Roadmap, would emulate some of the features of Air Tags, like using electronic bag tags, GPS tracking, and other automation tools that allow passengers to track their bags in real time.

“Baggage is important for travelers. When they check a bag, they expect it to arrive on time. And if it doesn’t, they want to know where it is,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s director of ground operations. “The Global Baggage Roadmap will move us closer to the automated digital baggage services that travelers want.”

The Roadmap would also strive to eliminate other headaches by standardizing how information and data is shared among airlines, airports, and other partners. “For passengers, replacing legacy systems like teletype with modern messaging standards will mean faster baggage reconciliation, fewer delays due to data errors, and more reliable service recovery when issues arise,” IATA’s overview of the plan states.

The third pillar of IATA’s program would streamline the baggage claim process, so there’s less of a chance of fraud and airlines can solve fliers’ lost luggage reports faster.

While the Baggage Roadmap is just a plan for now, IATA says it’s working to implement more guidance and training for its 340 member airlines around the globe.

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