Do you know enough about how baggage moves through an airport? What you can do to make the process quicker and easier for airlines, passengers and ground support suppliers?
We have been working with airports worldwide to help them realise the efficiencies created by the introduction of an effective and modern Baggage Handling Process.
What is a Baggage Handling Process?
A Baggage Handling System can be defined as simply the conveyor that takes luggage from check in to the designated airplane. However, it undertakes many functions on what can be seen as a very short journey.
Our infographic above shows the BHS process in more detail throughout the airport.
AiQ has covered the journey of a passenger bag previously, as it moves from dropping off the bag at check in, being conveyed to baggage security screening machines, then being sorted according to whether they are early, on-time or missed.
On time bags are then conveyed to dedicated Make up Points (MUPs) where bags are assembled prior to loading the aircraft. From here, bags are loaded to Unit Load Devices (ULD) or carts and driven to aircraft from the baggage hall on tugs.
How can you improve your Baggage Handling Process?
The efficiency of an airport’s Baggage Handling System has a direct effect on passenger satisfaction and airport punctuality. From having an easy baggage drop off point at CheckIn, to having an innovative Early Bag Store to sort luggage that may arrive early or late, there is a lot of different ways to manage BHS that can create a more effective system.
For example, improving the efficiency of Check In is a key concern for our airport clients. Not only affecting and improving passenger experience, introducing new technologies at Check-In can also reduce capacity issues and increases time spent at retail and F&B outlets for passengers. This is a valuable advantage for any airport wishing to grow profits.
What new technologies can help your Baggage Handling Process?
To cope with increasing demand from passengers, the aviation industry is investing heavily in baggage management initiatives and new technologies. New technology includes:
- Auto baggage build – using automated or semi-automated manual handling devices such as robots to build ULDs ready for the aircraft.
- Early Bag Store (EBS) – a facility that manages and sorts bags
- Auto Check-in – self-service options allowing passengers to check in at their own convenience
- Online Check-in – enabling passengers to check-in prior to arrival at the airport
To find out more about these new developments in Baggage Handling Systems, such as Online CheckIn and Early Bag Stores, you can download our free white paper or contact us today for more information.