Alaska Airlines became the first U.S. airline to introduce an electronic bag tag programme today, allowing visitors to tag their bags via the carrier’s mobile app before even arriving at the airport.
2,500 Alaska Mileage Plan members will begin receiving their electronic bag tags this week. Those in the first wave of the programme with elite status are guests who have travelled in the last 12 months, checked at least one bag, and were among the first to register to use the device.
Senior vice-president of merchandising and innovation for Alaska, Charu Jain stated “The last thing our guests want to do is stand in line. With the addition of the Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag, our guests can complete almost all of their check-in tasks – from the comfort of their home, at work or on the way to catching their flight.”
During check-in, the three-by-five-inch tablets are updated with a guest’s flight information via the Alaska Airlines mobile app, allowing customers to head right to the bag drop area once they arrive at the airport.
The Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag is expected to save the amount of time visitors spend in airport lobbies by 40%, including the elimination of lineups and the use of paper bag tags. The devices do not require charging or batteries, in addition to their amazing longevity and durability (Alaska Airlines staff tested it by running it over with a truck).
“We’ve tested our electronic bag tags on countless flights across the country, including international routes where Alaska Airlines flies, and the devices have performed exactly as they’re meant to,” said Jain. “We’ll collect feedback from our first wave of users before the devices become available to purchase to all our guests early next year.”
Beginning in 2023, all customers will be able to purchase an Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag, which will work on all Alaska Airlines-marketed flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and SkyWest Airlines.
BAGTAG, a Dutch business that is a pioneer in the sector of luggage technology solutions, provides the device’s software in addition to the hardware.
Jaspar Quak, BAGTAG managing director quoted, “Alaska Airlines is an excellent example of a carrier on a mission to improve all aspects of their passenger’s experience. This vision is leading their choices for innovation such as electronic bag tags and we are very proud to assist them in this project.”
