Alaska Airlines has become the first U.S. carrier to launch an electronic bag tag program, which allows guests to tag their own luggage via Alaska’s mobile app before they reach the airport.
On Wednesday (November 30, 2022), Alaska Airlines announced the launch of their electronic bag tag program, a first for a U.S. airline. The program enables guests to tag their own luggage via Alaska’s mobile app prior to arrival at the airport. The three-by-five inch electronic device is then updated with the guests flight information, and essentially allows travelers to head straight to the bag drop area. Over the course of this week, 2,500 Alaska Mileage Plan members will begin receiving their innovative electronic bag tag. Elite status members who registered, have traveled in the last 12 months and checked-in at least one bag are included in the first wave of tag recipients. The hardware and software for the electronic tag system has been provided by BAGTAG, a Dutch company that is a pioneer in the field of baggage technology solutions.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Alaska Airlines’ SVP – Merchandising & Innovation, Charu Jain, said,
“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. 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. We’ll collect feedback from our first wave of users before the devices become available to purchase to all our guests early next year.”
Also commenting on the electronic tag rollout, BAGTAG’s managing Director, Jaspar Quak, added,
“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.”
Alaska estimates that the electronic bag tag will reduce the time spent in airport lobbies by guests by around 40 percent. The durable devices have a long lifespan and do not require charging or batteries. The Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag will be available for purchase for all guests starting in 2023, and will operate on all Alaska Airlines marketed flights operated by Alaska airlines, Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines.
Introducing Alaska Airlines' New Electronic Bag Tag System - Courtesy Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and their regional partners serve over 120 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Belize. The sustainability-focused carrier emphasizes Next-Level Care for guests, while offering low fares and award-winning service. Alaska has hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Anchorage. The carrier is a member of the oneworld global alliance, and along with their additional partners, Alaska Airlines’ guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 1,000 global destinations on over 20 airlines. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of the Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).
Source: Alaska Airlines