American Airlines Will Issue New Bag Tags to Minimize Luggage Issues
We have seen a sharp spike in lost or delayed luggage amid staff shortages this year. Now American Airlines has a plan to reduce baggage issues for its customers.
The carrier plans to issue new bag tags for customers who check luggage for connecting flights. These new tags give priority to those with less time between connections. View from the Wing reports that these tags are expected to debut early next year.
The tag number will start with a “1” for customers with a short connection time. That will tell baggage handlers to load your bags last, so they’re first off. Similarly, those with longer connection times will have tag numbers that start with “2” or “3”.
One downside to this system, is that the number assignment is when you board your first flight. That means that it is based on the scheduled connection time, and not the actual connection time. if your first flight is delayed and you now have a shorter connection time than many other passengers, your bags will not necessarily be loaded first.
American Airlines has opted for a quick fix with these new tags, which should help in some cases. But some other airlines, such as Alaska, are going high tech instead.
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AA has more problems than just connecting flights. I’ve been asking AA a question since the first of May 2022 and all I get are BS self-justifying responses to questions I never asked.
You write, “American Airlines has opted for a quick fix with these new tags, which should help in some cases. But some other airlines, such as Alaska, are going high tech instead.”
I have not heard what Alaska is doing, or other airlines. Can you elucidate on this high tech thing?
Alaska Air is using e-ink (similar to the Kindle or new AZ and CA digital license plates) to display the information and can be updated. I don’t know if I can post links, but you can search the web for “Alaska Air electronic bag tag”
Ok, thanx!