Alaska Airlines says it is becoming the first U.S.-based airline to offer support for digital bag tags. That is, small programmable devices with electronic paper screens are designed to replace the paper tags currently used in the check-in process. The company plans to launch the new program in phases, initially focusing on San Jose Airport in California. The airline will give away 2,500 tags for free to its frequent flyers at that airport in late 2022, TechCrunch reports, and they will be available for purchase by Mileage Plan members next year.
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Alaska Airlines aims to reduce the time customers spend at the airport check-in counter. Instead of having to print a bag tag in person, they can set up an electronic bag tag at home during check-in on the mobile app. Then, when customers arrive at San Jose Airport, they can use a self-service bag drop without having to print a new tag. Overall, Alaska Airlines hopes customers could reduce the time they spend checking bags at the airport by up to 40 percent.
BagTag is the manufacturer behind the electronic tags, which are already in use by other airlines outside the US, including Air Dolomiti, Austrian, China Southern, Lufthansa and Swiss. The Flex model that Alaska Airlines appears to be using is programmed via NFC by holding an iPhone or Android handset next to the tag to transmit the required information. BagTag advertises that the tag is “battery-free” and does not need to be recharged – unlike an earlier version of the technology that Alaska Airlines began testing in 2015.
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“This technology allows our guests to add tags to their bags in seconds and makes the entire check-in process virtually out of the airport,” said Charu Jain, senior vice president of merchandise and innovation at Alaska. “Our electronic luggage tags will not only allow our guests to quickly drop off their bags upon arrival at the airport, but will also give our employees the opportunity to spend more time with guests who are seeking assistance .”
Source of information: theverge.com
