Mahmoud Razzaghi, lean six sigma and technology consultant at MRT Research, overhauls the communication model for the baggage claim area to reduce congestion and improve the passenger experience
The baggage claim area has long been a pain point for air travelers, marked by frustration and inefficiency. Passengers often find themselves jostling for a position around the carousel, straining to visually scan for their belongings in a sea of bags that appear nearly identical. The overcrowding hinders efficient access and, therefore, timely identification and retrieval. This, in turn, leads to bags being unnecessarily recirculated on the belt. This system increases the risk of errors, such as retrieving the wrong baggage, prolongs waiting and contributes to congestion, compromising passenger safety and comfort as well as operational efficiency.
These persistent challenges highlight the urgent need for transformative solutions that enhance the passenger experience while significantly improving operational efficiency. Smart Baggage Claim (SBC) by MRT Research fulfills this need, offering a cost-effective and simple-to-implement approach that enhances baggage claim for travelers and airport operations alike. SBC offers two options using a shared data set.
Baggage scanning for real-time data
At the core of SBC is a scanner located at a fixed point near the baggage carousel. The system scans baggage tags and continuously updates the precise position of each bag on the carousel in sync with the conveyor belt’s movement, ensuring real-time accuracy.
Each bag is scanned during every rotation of the carousel. If a bag is not in the expected area after a full rotation, it is considered picked up and its information is discarded. Additionally, any shift in the bag’s position due to passenger interaction is naturally corrected by the rescanning. For airports in need of flexibility, a manual scanning option is available to offer a reliable, straightforward alternative for deployment or as a backup solution.
Option 1: Real-time heads-up display (HUD)
The heads-up display provides passengers with unobstructed and comfortable viewing of baggage information. The real-time data from the scanning system powers the primary heads-up display (HUD) solution, which dynamically synchronizes baggage movements with passenger seat numbers retrieved from the passenger database. By incorporating seat number information, the display helps passengers to easily identify their baggage as it moves along the carousel, ensuring a more seamless and personalized experience.
For situations where baggage from multiple airlines is loaded onto a single carousel, the HUD system displays information in distinct colors or associates seat numbers with flight numbers for clear differentiation.
Option 2: Mobile display for personalized baggage tracking
The same real-time data is accessible via a mobile interface, enabling passengers to track their own baggage movement on their smartphones. This means they can approach the carousel precisely when their baggage is near, reducing congestion and enhancing convenience. Passengers can access this feature via a dedicated app or an assigned portal to ensure seamless connectivity.
A comprehensive solution for every traveler
Powered by a shared database of scanned baggage tags and passenger information, the HUD and mobile display features complement each other to cater to diverse preferences. For example, HUD offers full-time hands-free baggage information for passengers who prefer a non-digital solution or do not have access to their phone. On the other hand, Mobile Display provides an interactive interface for tech-savvy travelers. It offers additional features such as carousel number notifications, total baggage counts, retrieved and remaining items and a link for reporting lost baggage. Since passengers only view their own baggage on their devices, the interface naturally accommodates multi-airline baggage carousel loading without requiring additional configuration. Together, these innovations ensure no bag goes unnoticed and no passenger waits longer than necessary.
Independent HUD alternatives for simplified deployment
For airports seeking simpler solutions, independent HUD options are available to provide an elevated view of the conveyor belt without relying on scanning data. These include display screens, paired with cameras, to replicate the conveyor belt’s view, as well as tilted mirrors that reflect an image of the conveyor belt.
Benefits for passengers and airports
SBC delivers unmatched advantages for both travelers and airport operations. Passengers benefit from a simplified baggage retrieval through hands-free HUD or personalized Mobile Display (MD), fewer misidentified bags and streamlined lost baggage reporting, as well as a less congested area. This in turn reduces the physical strain of the process for travelers, fostering a calmer claim area.
For airports, this system provides enhanced passenger and baggage flow, increasing capacity without significant infrastructure investment. It also offers real-time tracking and detection of misrouted or mishandled baggage. Finally, its cost-effective implementation means it can seamlessly integrate with existing systems to boost efficiency. Â
Quick, low-cost, infrastructure-free deployment
SBC integrates effortlessly with current baggage handling systems. Its implementation requires no modifications to the current infrastructure and can be performed quickly without disrupting airport operations. Furthermore, the low cost of implementation ensures that airports can adopt these innovations efficiently, maximizing benefits while minimizing expenses and downtime.
Conclusion
SBC redefines the baggage claim process by addressing traditional pain points with cutting-edge technology and intuitive design. By streamlining operations, reducing errors and alleviating congestion, this unified solution delivers a stress-free experience for passengers while significantly boosting airport efficiency. With its seamless integration, rapid implementation and scalable design, SBC is paving the way for an effortless and efficient future in air travel.
For more of the top insights into the future of baggage handling, read PT World’s exclusive feature by Monika Mejstrikova, director of ground operations at IATA, explaining how consistent baggage tracking can support the implementation of off-airport baggage processing, here.Â
