Qantas is set to introduce a new feature that will allow passengers to track their luggage throughout their journey. It will provide them with information on the whereabouts of their checked bags at every stage of the flight. This move comes as the airline aims to enhance customer satisfaction and instil confidence in its baggage handling, an area that has posed challenges for airlines worldwide in recent years.
Qantas plans to integrate baggage tracking into its mobile app, with the feature expected to be available by the end of 2023. Through the app, travellers will receive notifications regarding their baggage during the course of their journey. This development builds upon Qantas’ earlier initiative in 2010 when it introduced RFID-enabled Q Bag Tags as part of the Next Generation check-in program for domestic flights. These bag tags, colour-coded to reflect frequent flyer status, contain an RFID chip that syncs the traveller’s flight details with their baggage, enabling Qantas to track the bags using RFID scanners and a baggage reconciliation system.
However, passengers have no direct access to this tracking system to ensure that their bags are loaded onto the aircraft or headed towards the baggage carousel. As a result, there has been a growing demand for baggage tracking apps and smart tags, driven by the frustrations associated with lost luggage. These tools empower travellers to keep a close eye on the location of their valuable belongings.
Virgin Australia has already commenced trials for digital bag tracking on flights between Brisbane and Sydney. Passengers receive push notifications through the Virgin Australia app, informing them once their luggage has been successfully checked in and when it arrives at the destination. It is important to note that Virgin’s offering does not provide real-time tracking like the popular Apple AirTags, but relies on physical scanning of the bags at each airport.
Several international airlines, such as Emirates, Swiss, Delta, United, Qatar Airways, and more recently, Air New Zealand, have also implemented various bag tracking solutions. In the interim, using products such as Apple AirTags remains the most accurate method for real-time monitoring of personal belongings.
Overall, these advancements in baggage tracking technology aim to alleviate the concerns of travellers and provide them with greater peace of mind by keeping them well-informed about the status and location of their checked bags throughout their journey.
Would you feel more relaxed about travelling if you could track your bag while flying? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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