Navigating Airport Baggage: A Traveler's Guide To The System

Airport baggage systems are designed to manage and reconcile baggage with boarded passengers. The process begins at check-in, where a unique bag tag is printed and attached to the luggage. This bag tag can be used to track the luggage as it is transported through the airport via a series of conveyors, security scanned, and loaded onto the correct aircraft. During transfers, baggage is unloaded from one aircraft and loaded onto another, which is when luggage is most vulnerable to being lost or misdirected. At the destination airport, baggage is unloaded and transferred to a collection point where it is reunited with the passenger. The latest baggage systems, such as A-BRS, automatically reconcile baggage with boarded passengers and provide alarms if luggage is not reconciled.

Check-in and bag drop

After check-in, the bag is received into the airport baggage system by a series of conveyors that direct the luggage through the system. The bag is then security scanned and delivered to the correct departing aircraft.

Loading is the next step in the process. Some of the latest baggage systems, such as A-BRS, automatically reconcile baggage with a boarded passenger before it is loaded. A-BRS gives an audible alarm to ground handlers if luggage is not reconciled.

Transferring baggage from one aircraft to another during multi-leg itineraries (interlining) is when baggage is most vulnerable and accounts for almost half of all lost and misdirected luggage globally.

Baggage collection and loading

The luggage is then transported via a series of conveyors that direct it through the airport baggage system. Here, it undergoes security scanning before being loaded onto the correct departing aircraft. Loading is typically done by airport personnel specialising in fast loading and unloading, who load the luggage onto baggage dollies, also known as wagons.

Once the aircraft reaches its destination, the baggage is unloaded and transferred to a collection point where it is reunited with the passenger. This process can be vulnerable to errors, with almost half of all lost and misdirected luggage occurring during transfers between aircraft.

To mitigate this, some airports have implemented systems such as A-BRS, which automatically reconciles baggage with boarded passengers before loading. This system provides an audible alarm to ground handlers if luggage is not reconciled, helping to reduce the risk of lost luggage.

Baggage transfers

The latest baggage systems, such as A-BRS, automatically reconcile baggage with a boarded passenger before it is loaded. This system gives an audible alarm to ground handlers if luggage is not reconciled.

Once your baggage has been accepted at the check-in counter or self-service bag drop, it is received into the airport baggage system by a series of conveyors that direct the luggage through the system. It is then security scanned and delivered to the correct departing aircraft.

Baggage tracking

The bag is then received by a series of conveyors that direct it through the system. During this process, the bag is security scanned and eventually delivered to the correct departing aircraft. Modern baggage systems, such as A-BRS, automatically reconcile baggage with a boarded passenger before it is loaded. This system gives an audible alarm to ground handlers if luggage is not reconciled.

Transfers within multi-leg itineraries (interlining) can be a vulnerable time for baggage, as it is removed from one aircraft and loaded onto another. This accounts for almost half of all lost and misdirected luggage globally. However, the latest airport baggage systems communicate and share data with airport operational systems and stakeholders to help reduce the risk of lost luggage.

At the destination airport, baggage is unloaded and transferred to a baggage collection point where it is reunited with the passenger.

Baggage security

Once accepted into the airport baggage system, luggage is transported via a series of conveyors that direct it through security scans and towards the correct departing aircraft. Modern baggage handling systems, such as A-BRS, automatically reconcile baggage with boarded passengers before loading, providing an extra layer of security. An audible alarm is triggered if luggage is not properly reconciled.

Transfers between aircraft, known as interlining, present a vulnerable moment for baggage security. During this process, luggage is unloaded from one plane and loaded onto another, accounting for a significant portion of lost and misdirected baggage worldwide. At the final destination, baggage is unloaded and transferred to a collection point, where it is reunited with the passenger.

To further enhance security, airport baggage systems are increasingly focused on data protection and communication security. This includes sharing data with operational teams, industry partners, and other stakeholders while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. Overall, the combination of advanced technology, efficient processes, and data security measures helps ensure the safety and security of baggage throughout its journey at the airport.

Frequently asked questions