NGCI Tags Question

[crum]

Hi all,

Just hit WP two days ago for the first time and realise that I'll get another package in the mail soon with my new WP NGCI tags in it (the 3rd such package over the last 12 months...Silver, Gold & Platinum).

My question is can I still use the Gold tags on other pieces of luggage beyond my usual carry-on and one checked in piece, or do the old tags get removed from my account details when the new ones come on line?

 

[JohnM]

I can't answer that but it raises the question that's been in my mind as to what is the cost of replacing these tags with each step-up in status. They look costly to produce compared with the old 'flap' tags.

it also raises the question of how many WP tags out there belong to degraded members - fortunately not mine :mrgreen:.

I'm also always amused by the number of NGCI tags flopping around on carry-on bags...

 

[thewinchester]

Short answer: Yes. You can use these tags regardless of your status.

Long answer: The colour on the outside of the tags is just that - a colour, and nothing else. No information regarding the member or their status level is stored on these tags permanently.

Each tag is encoded with unique identifier (ID), which is then married to the PNR and QFF status levels when lodged at the baggage acceptor.

In turn, ground staff are equipped with handheld readers which allow them to retrieve baggage information, place on the correct trolley for each flight, and track progress of bags through the system - from lodgement, belt, to trolley, to hold, and in reverse on arrival.

This system also allows the tags to be passed to friends and family for their use without any issues for the airline or privacy.

 

[crum]

Thanks! Pretty much the answer I was looking for.

 

[elbarto]

And instead of throwing out those old tags you can pass them on to a family member or friend who doesnt want to pay the $50 to buy them. Or you could sell them on ebay.

 

[Pvcmenace]

Short answer: Yes. You can use these tags regardless of your status.Long answer: The colour on the outside of the tags is just that - a colour, and nothing else. No information regarding the member or their status level is stored on these tags permanently.Each tag is encoded with unique identifier (ID), which is then married to the PNR and QFF status levels when lodged at the baggage acceptor.This system also allows the tags to be passed to friends and family for their use without any issues for the airline or privacy.

Thanks for that, I for some silly reason had the impression they were linked to the FF they were sent too. I deduced this from the fact the first time I used it Qantas lost my bag

 

[Robert K]

I can't answer that but it raises the question that's been in my mind as to what is the cost of replacing these tags with each step-up in status. They look costly to produce compared with the old 'flap' tags.

I doubt it cost them much to produce. RFID chips are cheap RFID Journal - FAQS - Q&A Section about RFID Uses & RFID Technology - RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Technology News & Features. Hongkong airport already uses it to sort it's bags.
and the rest of the tag is just a big piece of plastic with a string. if you go to your nearest 2 dollar shop, $50 will buy you LOTS of plastic :mrgreen: