New Baggage Tracking System to Resolve Lost Luggage Issues Worldwide

Each year airlines handle more than 4 billion bags globally. Out of these 17.2 million do not arrive on their intended destination(s).

To resolve this issue, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for America (A4A) decided to implement Baggage Tracking System from June 2018.

Baggage Tracking System

To implement this new Baggage Tracking System, IATA has approved Resolution 753 (R753).

IATA and A4A have launched an year-long global campaign to build awareness about their new system that aims to reduce the likelihood of lost luggage in airports the world over.

Airlines Get On with the New Tracking System

Airlines have committed to start baggage tracking, when it is accepted at the airport, loaded onto the aircraft, transferred to the arrival system or put into the transfer system for carriage by another airline. Airlines should also be able to share this tracking information with interline carriers as needed.

IATA’s Global Head of baggage Andrew Price said that:

‘Arriving without a bag is a very frustrating experience for our customers. Over the last decade we have reduced mishandled baggage by 54% with improved processes.’

“In the rare cases when a bag does not arrive with the passenger there will be much more information available to facilitate a quicker reunion. And the benefits don’t stop there. Tracking bags will, enable proactive reporting, speed up aircraft readiness for departure, facilitate the automation of baggage processes and also reduce fraud,” Andrew Price said.

Managing Director of Passenger Services at A4A Patty Edwards said that implementation of baggage tracking is a collaborative effort between airlines and airports to improve the passenger experience “Airlines and airports are working together to ensure the infrastructure is available to provide this enhanced service to our customers.” Edwards said.

The baggage tracking campaign will help airlines prepare for the R753 June 2018 implementation deadline with a series of initiatives tailored to various stakeholders. These include regional workshops for key aviation entities and an awareness campaign for travelers. An implementation guide developed by industry partners is also available.

Additionally, IATA is offering member airlines a readiness certificate to recognize them when they develop their implementation plan for R753.