In a press release, the Seattle-based airline announced they would provide support for the new tags later in 2022.

 

Alaska Partners with BAGTAG to Power Electronic Bag Tags

The new program is part of a larger modernization project by Alaska, started with a self bag drop system at San Jose International Airport (SJC). The carrier partnered with Dutch company BAGTAG, which will provide the hardware for Alaska flyers. According to Alaska, the tags are designed with durability in mind, featuring a screen “tested to withstand being run over by a luggage cart,” attaching to the bag using an industrial strength zip tie.

 

Once flyers have an electronic bag tag, they will be able to activate the device using their cell phones. The tags have an antenna which receives data from the smartphone, which will transmit both the flight information and readable barcodes. Flyers will be able to download information to the tags once they check in, starting 24 hours before their trip.

 

“This technology allows our guests to tag their own bags in just seconds,” Charu Jain, senior vice president of merchandising and innovation at Alaska, said in a press release. “And makes the entire check-in process almost all off-airport.”

 

The new tags will be rolled out in phases, starting with 2,500 Alaska Airlines frequent flyers selected for the trial phase in late 2022. From there, Alaska Mileage Plan members will be given the option to purchase devices starting in 2023. It is unclear if the tags will be supported across other Oneworld carriers, including American Airlines.

 

While Alaska will be the first in the United States to go digital for bag tags, electronic bag tags are not a new concept for international flyers. In 2016, Lufthansa announced they would support the RIMOWA Electronic Tag as part of their overall baggage services upgrades.

Source: frugal travel guy