BA introduces electronic luggage tags

[Mal]

OK we all know about the Qantas RFID tags... But BA are bringing out some pretty cool ones that actually resemble a proper bag tag and actually display the data.

BA trials 'time-saving' electronic bag tag - Business Traveller

British Airways is trialling an electronic bag tag that could mean the end of disposable paper tags for every flight.

The time-saving, not to mention environmentally-friendly, device is designed to be used by passengers when they check-in online.

After checking-in on the internet, customers then update the electronic tag by holding their smartphone over it.

(Photo from Business Traveller)

 

[UP4014]

Hmm, will they have the longevity?

Paper does me fine thanks, and what's a bag drop off? :mrgreen: Something you have to do youself?

Matt

 

[elbarto]

I assume that when they say hold your smart phone over it, it uses NFC. Pretty useless for iphone users then since NFC doesn't' seem to be on Apples horizon.

 

[simongr]

Interesting - not sure the environmental saving is great - what resources does it take to make a plastic (non-biodegradable) electronic device vs. a biodegradable paper tag made from sustainable forests?

 

[Flying Fox]

Much better looking than the QF version.

 

[drewbles]

Much better looking than the QF version.

And I fear much less practical. I can see far more airports moving towards RFID, and the potential for the BA tag to be broken seems to be higher than the QF one (although there are many reports of the QF ones being simply ripped off).

 

[samh004]

While it looks to have more functions to the QF-tag, it'll face the same issue with being nicked or ripped off bags. I'd have thought the best option for the future would be for bag companies to embed an RFID in each bag that conforms to some standard that will stand the test of time, then all you do is let the various airline systems do their thing, maybe still sticking a small sticker on the bag somewhere just in case.

Yes, it wont look amazing, but it wont be stolen off the bag, ripped off by equipment or somehow be damaged.

 

[Flying Fox]

And I fear much less practical. I can see far more airports moving towards RFID, and the potential for the BA tag to be broken seems to be higher than the QF one (although there are many reports of the QF ones being simply ripped off).

Yes, I have seen a few QF ones with the edges chipped off.

While it looks to have more functions to the QF-tag, it'll face the same issue with being nicked or ripped off bags. I'd have thought the best option for the future would be for bag companies to embed an RFID in each bag that conforms to some standard that will stand the test of time, then all you do is let the various airline systems do their thing, maybe still sticking a small sticker on the bag somewhere just in case.

I think that Airbus released a trial bag as per your description.

Airbus reveals iPhone-enabled 'smart bag' with RFID, GPS tracking - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

 

[drewbles]

I think that Airbus released a trial bag as per your description.

Airbus reveals iPhone-enabled 'smart bag' with RFID, GPS tracking - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

Providing the industry can agree on a standard, this is definitely the best thing moving forwards.

Of course, if the industry could agree on a standard, different GDS's would all talk to each other nicely, and VA FF'ers could login to their account and view their bookings without needing to login... again

 

[Mal]

Providing the industry can agree on a standard, this is definitely the best thing moving forwards.

Of course, if the industry could agree on a standard, different GDS's would all talk to each other nicely, and VA FF'ers could login to their account and view their bookings without needing to login... again

IATA are working on a standard...

 

[Intra]

Looks better than the QF Tags Yes... What's this about VA having them (Eventually?), I must of missed the memo...?

 

[Mal]

What's this about VA having them (Eventually?), I must of missed the memo...?

Maybe I missed the memo! Just recalled it being discussed previously, but can't find any evidence it has been announced by Virgin. I've now removed that bit...

 

[samh004]

I think that Airbus released a trial bag as per your description.

Airbus reveals iPhone-enabled 'smart bag' with RFID, GPS tracking - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

They did, but that bag is a tad overkill in what it does... and would probably cost a bit because of that. What they need is just the basic functionality. HKIA has RFID's in their printed labels, so essentially using that same RFID (made to last) imbedded in a bag should work fine. A sticker can then be stuck somewhere too just in case - it's that easy

Everyone's trying to reinvent the wheel, when it's really not necessary

 

[drewbles]

IATA are working on a standard...

Shame GDS's can't work on a standard API of some sort*

*I'm sure there are API's or what not, but it's such a huge monster of a beast that's evolved and really needs to be re-written from the ground up, like Google are trying to do after they acquired ITA

 

[Flashback]

Article from BA: British Airways Lightens The Load With Hi-Tech Bag Tag « British Airways Press Office

 

[Flashback]

A few more images available here: British Airways set to bring luggage tags into the 21st century