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How consistent baggage tracking can support off-airport baggage processing
Monika Mejstrikova, IATA 2024-10-18 14:20:01
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How can consistent baggage tracking support the implementation of off-airport baggage processing and meet passengers’ expectations for the optimal airport journey?
Speed is of the essence at the airport. Passengers expect streamlined processes and minimal wait times. They’re keen on using biometrics to expedite procedures, and prefer to complete more processes off-site and arrive at the airport ready to fly. When it comes to baggage, passengers want more flexibility and control in the baggage process. According to IATA’s 2023 global passenger survey, 77% said they would be likely to check in a bag if they could tag it and check it in before they get to the airport, and 87% would be willing to check in a bag if they could track it.
One of the most effective tools to achieve this is IATA’s Resolution 753 and the implementation of off-airport baggage processing. Resolution 753 mandates consistent baggage tracking at multiple points throughout a bag’s journey. To support the implementation of off-airport baggage processing, IATA has developed the first industry-specific guide to assist its members, which, at time of going to press, was expected to be released by the end of 2024.
Where we are today
A recent IATA survey of 175 airlines and 166 airports revealed that there has been significant progress in the implementation of Resolution 753. As of now, 34.21% of airlines have already fully implemented the solution, and a further 37.89% are in the process of implementing it. Adoption rates vary by region, with China and North Asia leading at 84.21%, followed by Africa and the Middle East at 49.02%, Asia-Pacific at 48.48%, the Americas at 46.67% and Europe at 39.34%.
On the airport side, 71.7% of surveyed airports have the capability for Resolution 753 baggage tracking, with preparedness varying by airport size: 81.1% of mega airports, 83.3% of major airports, 76.3% of large airports and 57.4% of medium-size airports are equipped. The dominant tracking technology implemented is optical barcode scanning (93.28%), while RFID, a more efficient technology, is used in 30.25% of surveyed airports with tracking capability, showing a growing trend toward the adoption of RFID.
Addressing the interline transfer challenge
Adoption rates are trending the right way, but travelers expect better and the industry is determined to make improvements. Reinvigorating the momentum that was lost during the Covid-19 pandemic is critical to ensure that airlines and airports around the world meet the resolution’s requirements. Without full compliance, the airline industry will continue to struggle with mishandled baggage, one of the most persistent sources of passenger dissatisfaction.
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One of the biggest vulnerabilities in baggage handling, and a significant cause of delays, is interline baggage transfers – when luggage moves between multiple airlines on the same journey. According to SITA’s annual Baggage IT Insights report, airlines mishandled 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers in 2023. On international routes, where interline transfers are more common, the mishandling rate jumps to 12.1 per 1,000. Solving this challenge will require more than just tracking data. Airlines need to ensure that they have the infrastructure to efficiently exchange this information with each other and transition to the use of modern technology for exchanging baggage messages.
“Adoption rates are trending the right way, but travelers expect better Monika Mejstrikova, IATA”
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Overcoming legacy systems
A key obstacle for the full implementation of Resolution 753 is the airline industry’s reliance on legacy systems such as Type B messaging. This messaging standard, introduced in the 1960s, is not only outdated but also costly: IATA estimates that the global industry spends over US$1.05bn annually on baggage messaging using Type B. Beyond the financial burden, Type B also lacks the capabilities for real-time updates and integration with modern technologies.
“If just 10% of baggage messaging was … XML, the industry could save US$70m annually”
Recognizing the limitations of Type B, IATA is planning to launch a global pilot project in 2024, testing a modern digital messaging standard based on extensible markup language (XML). This technology will enable airlines to transmit higher-quality data such as real-time baggage geolocation and images – capabilities that Type B simply cannot support. According to IATA estimates, if just 10% of baggage messaging was shifted from Type B to XML, the industry could save US$70m annually.
Seizing the opportunity for innovation
The transition from legacy to modern messaging is about more than just reducing costs. It also presents a unique opportunity for airlines to innovate and improve the passenger experience. By adopting XML standards, they can integrate advanced technologies such as AI, RFID and real-time tracking, drastically reducing the rate of mishandled baggage and improving operational efficiency.
More importantly, passengers themselves are demanding this change. According to IATA’s 2023 global passenger survey, passengers want to know where their bags are, and they expect airlines to keep them informed throughout the journey. By implementing Resolution 753 fully and transitioning to modern messaging systems, airlines can start working to meet these expectations. The industry, including member airlines, airports and IT vendors, has already embarked on this journey toward the future and invites all relevant stakeholders to join by emailing baggageservices@iata.org.
The road ahead
The adoption of IATA’s Resolution 753 will restore passenger confidence in checked-in luggage and enhance the overall travel experience. The airline industry now stands at a crossroads. The technology is available, the need is urgent and passengers are demanding change. The industry needs to rise to the challenge and fully implement Resolution 753, or it will continue to lag behind in one of the most critical areas of air travel. The next few years will determine whether airlines can finally deliver on their promise of efficient, reliable baggage handling.
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