Delta is making a big tech move, introducing printable RFID baggage tags to replace the barcodes that have been in use for the past 25 years. The new Radio Frequency ID technology, used in many other fields, will now allow Delta to track all bags in real time, send you updates, and—more importantly—allow it to use sensors and systems to keep your suitcase from being loaded on the wrong flight.
Delta has put $50 million so far into the new systems, being created at 344 Delta facilities around the world, which prints the baggage tags on tape that has a small RFID chip embedded. Scanners read the information as the bags move through the system, flashing red if the bag is headed the wrong way.
So far the success rate at the locations where it's been tested is 99.9%, an amazing figure even taking into consideration that bag loss rates have been dropping in general. Still, even last year's 8% drop in lost, delayed or misdirected bags adds up to over 23 million pieces.
If a bag does get to the wrong place in Delta's system, there'll be no more manual searches through baggage areas: The bag will guide the searchers to its location so it can be put back in the right stream. The same system will allow the airline to grab a bag and re-route it if you miss your connection or change your flight plan while enroute.
Starting late this year, Delta will add the system to its Fly Delta mobile app; when that goes on-line, your suitcase will use push notifications to tell you when it's boarded the plane, when it's unloaded, and where it can be picked up.
Photo: Delta Airlines
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