IATA unveils 10-year plan to modernise baggage operations worldwide

In order to modernise baggage operations, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap. The plan was developed through conversations with airlines, airports, and industry partners in order to improve both operational efficiency and traveller satisfaction.

“Baggage is important for travellers. When they check a bag, they expect it to arrive on time. And if it doesn’t, they want to know where it is. That is confirmed by recent IATA polling showing 81% of travellers want better tracking, 74% expect real-time updates on their mobile phones and 67% are willing to switch to electronic bag tags. The Global Baggage Roadmap will move us closer to the automated digital baggage services that travellers want,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations.

According to Mejstrikova, the Roadmap provides a holistic view of what needs to be done in the industry within the next 10 years. As digital, automated, and customer-focused service is already present in other sectors, the aim is to also provide this same service in the baggage operations industry, much to everyone’s satisfaction. 

Within the Global Baggage Roadmap, three factors stand central over the next 10 years.

1. Baggage information exchange and data standardisation 

Baggage information is shared among airlines, airports, and partners and that info needs to be aligned. Systems such as teletype should be replaced by introducing modern messaging standards in order to make things clearer for passengers. By doing this, baggage reconciliation will be quicker, there will be fewer delays due to data errors, and in case of issues, a more reliable service recovery will be available. Every year, the airline industry spends around $1 billion on teletype messaging, an amount that should be significantly reduced thanks to the API-driven baggage messaging standards.

2. Baggage tracking and automation 

Passengers are in need of more visibility throughout the journey. The use of electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and robotics should make it easier to keep an eye on their luggage in real-time, resulting in smoother transfers and arrivals.

3. Streamlining the baggage claim process, combating fraud, and enhancing the customer experience

Airlines need to be able to quickly handle passenger claims and to be better protected against baggage-related fraud. Overall, IATA — representing 340 airlines and over 80% of global air traffic — aims to modernise ground operations, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience.The Global Baggage Roadmap aligns with that strategy. Stakeholders will be closely advised by the IATA to develop implementation guidance, provide training, and monitor progress.