Latest news with #baggagehandling
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Shocking reason you should never tie ribbon on your suitcase to help identify it – it may not even make the flight
FLIGHT experts are warning travelers not to use a popular bag-tracking method, as it may cause more harm than good. Experts are urging flyers not to tie a ribbon around the handles of their suitcases. 1 A baggage handler, who goes by the name John, warned that tying a ribbon on the handle may cause issues with the bag being scanned. 'Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,' he told RSVP Live. 'If the bag can't be scanned automatically, it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn't make it to the flight.' The handler also told flyers to take off old stickers on the bag and place your suitcase wheels up for less damage. As for snacks, John told travelers not to pack marzipan in their bags. 'Don't ever pack Marzipan in your luggage,' he said. 'It has the same density as some explosives, so your bag will be removed and you'll be called from the plane for a bag search.' Another flying expert warned passengers about the type of suitcase they choose to check in. Emilie, a flight attendant of 16 years, told retailer House of Fraiser that travelers should never check a hard-covered suitcase. "Passengers tend to think that hard-shell suitcases are more resistant than fabric ones, but it's actually the opposite. Four countries Americans can fly to without needing a passport – and popular vacation choice where no visa is needed "Hardcovers can get easily broken by the pressure of the other bags once they're all packed together in the hold." The flight attendant added, "To avoid damage to your bag, I always recommend choosing a fabric suitcase as these are actually more durable. "Picking one in a bright colour can help you spot your bag more quickly during baggage delivery. Just avoid white as it won't stay that colour for long!" She also recommends going for a two-wheeled suitcase over a four-wheeled one. What to do if you luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged IT is an awful experience when your baggage does not appear on the carousel. However, travelers can take steps to get their bags back. What if baggage is delayed? If your bag doesn't show up at your destination, make sure to speak to the nearest airline representative. Airlines have a system that tracks where bags are and can see whether luggage has ever left an airport. After getting as much information as possible from the representative, passengers can file a claim. Once the bag is located, airlines will either deliver it straight to a flier's door or send it to the nearest airport. What if baggage is lost? Fliers should stay in close contact with airlines throughout the search for their bags. Sometimes, airlines will tell lucky passengers their bags are gone for good. Most airlines will declare a bag lost between five and fourteen days after the flight, but this can vary. Airlines are responsible for compensating travelers for lost bags' contents as long as it doesn't surpass maximum liability limits. Airlines must also reimburse any fees that fliers paid out for a bag to be transported if it was found. What if a bag is damaged? Airlines are also required to pay back customers for bags' contents that were damaged during flight. However, the airline won't take responsibility for items that were destroyed because the luggage was improperly packed. Most airlines also won't reimburse cash, electronics, fragile items, and perishables. Anyone who has a bag damaged during flight should file a claim and discuss whether they can get a refund. "[Four-wheeled suitcases] are never as durable or reliable as a two-wheel spinner and I'd always avoid them." One TikToker, who goes by the username @allycase1, warned travelers to be aware of a common luggage tag faux pas. In the video, the flight attendant shows a luggage tag with contact information written on it. 'Always make sure that your luggage tag has the contact information facing the other side,' she said in the video. 'I see so many people with their luggage tag and their information displayed for everyone to see. 'Their name, their address, their phone number, their email. That is way too much information for just anyone to have.' She recommends just flipping personal information to the other side so its not out on display. 'In the event that your bag is ever lost, whoever has your bag is going to take out the tag and flip it to the other side.'
Arabian Business
12-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Middle East airports outperform as airlines face $5bn baggage challenge
Baggage mishandling costs the aviation industry an estimated $5bn a year, according to air transport sector IT provider SITA. The Middle East and Africa's air transport sector delivered one of the world's top baggage performances in 2024, according to the newly released SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025. Despite growing passenger volumes, the region maintained a low mishandling rate of 6.02 bags per 1,000 passengers, up slightly from 4.5 in 2023, yet still outperforming most global regions. Middle East airlines baggage handling This mirrors a global trend of improvement, with the worldwide baggage mishandling rate dropping to 6.3 per 1,000 passengers in 2024, compared to 6.9 in 2023—marking a 67 per cent reduction since 2007. This came amid an 8.2 per cent rise in global air traffic. Of the 33.4 million mishandled bags worldwide, over 66 per cent were resolved within 48 hours, showcasing significant advances in real-time tracking and automated resolution. Airlines and airports across the globe are increasingly turning to smart, data-driven baggage systems, with 42 per cent of passengers receiving real-time baggage updates in 2024, up from 38 per cent the year before. Nearly half of travellers said mobile tracking would boost confidence in checking bags, while 38 per cent favour digital ID tags. Key industry investments include: 66 per cent of airlines now offering automated bag drop 65 per cent of airports planning biometric self-service bag drop by 2027 New integration with Apple's Share Item Location for faster bag location and resolution The most common issue remains delays, accounting for 74 per cent of mishandled bags, down from 80 per cent in 2023. Damaged or pilfered luggage increased to 18 per cent, while lost or stolen bags held steady at 8 per cent. Contributing factors in mishandling include: Transfer mishandling (41 per cent) – improved from 46 per cent last year Tagging errors, security and misrouting (17 per cent) – up 3 percentage points Loading failures (16 per cent) – steady Operational issues like weather or customs (10 per cent) – up from 8 per cent The release of Modern Baggage Messaging (MBM) Version 2 in 2025 aims to reduce mishandling by an additional 5 per cent, enhancing real-time data quality across the sector. Airports like Red Sea International in Saudi Arabia are already leading with futuristic solutions including off-airport check-in and real-time tracking powered by SITA Bag Journey. Nicole Hogg, Director of Baggage at SITA, said: 'We're making progress, but baggage still causes stress. Passengers want reassurance. The future of baggage is rapidly evolving with automation, computer vision, and mobile tools, we're making the experience much more reliable.' David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, said: 'Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app. It's no longer just about moving bags, it's about delivering a smooth, connected journey. 'Airlines are ready to tap into technology that improves the passenger experience while keeping costs down and being simple to roll out'.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Airlines reduce baggage loss by using new tech, report shows
The number of bags lost by airlines decreased last year because the aviation sector is utilising technological innovations, according to a new report. Aviation technology company Sita said 33.4 million bags were mishandled in 2024, compared with 33.8 million during the previous year. Given the 8.2% increase in passenger numbers, the rate of bags lost fell to 6.3 per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 in 2023. This is a 67% drop since 2007. Sita said airports and airlines are handling baggage with 'more precision' by using real-time tracking, AI-powered analytics and self-service systems. The report stated that these advancements are 'no longer experimental, they are becoming standard and they are clearly having an effect'. Sita chief executive David Lavorel said: 'We've seen a radical shift with automation and the widespread use of real-time tracking. ' Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app. 'It's no longer just about moving bags, it's about delivering a smooth, connected journey. ' Airlines are ready to tap into technology that improves the passenger experience while keeping costs down and being simple to roll out. 'Together with our partners, we're reimagining baggage handling to give passengers full visibility and control from departure to arrival, giving them peace of mind and making travel simpler and better.' Despite the improvement, lost bags cost the aviation industry an estimated five billion US dollars (£4.2 billion) last year from courier returns, customer service, claims handling and lost productivity. Delays remained the most common baggage issue last year, accounting for 74% of mishandling incidents. Of the 33.4 million mishandled bags, some 66% were 'resolved' within 48 hours, the report added.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Airlines reveal how AI-powered luggage tracking is cutting back on lost bags
Airlines are losing fewer bags thanks to technological innovations, a new report has revealed. According to aviation technology company Sita, 33.4 million bags were mishandled in 2024, a drop from 33.8 million the previous year. With passenger numbers up by 8.2 per cent, the rate of lost luggage fell to 6.3 per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 in 2023 – a 67 per cent drop since 2007. Sita said that airports and airlines are handling baggage with "more precision" via real-time tracking, AI-powered analytics, and self-service systems. The report stated that these advancements are "no longer experimental, they are becoming standard and they are clearly having an effect". Sita chief executive David Lavorel said: 'We've seen a radical shift with automation and the widespread use of real-time tracking. 'Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app. 'It's no longer just about moving bags, it's about delivering a smooth, connected journey. 'Airlines are ready to tap into technology that improves the passenger experience while keeping costs down and being simple to roll out. 'Together with our partners, we're reimagining baggage handling to give passengers full visibility and control from departure to arrival, giving them peace of mind and making travel simpler and better.' Despite the improvement, lost bags cost the aviation industry an estimated five billion US dollars (£4.2 billion) last year from courier returns, customer service, claims handling and lost productivity. Delays remained the most common baggage issue last year, accounting for 74 per cent of mishandling incidents. Of the 33.4 million mishandled bags, some 66 per cent were 'resolved' within 48 hours, the report added. How to reduce the chance of losing luggage While no one expects to see their bags go missing as they fly between terminals, figures show that it does happen quite often. The Independent's travel correspondent Simon Calder says if your bag hasn't turned up, the process to reclaim it is 'wearily familiar' due to how common the issue is. He says: 'Each airline has a representative in the baggage hall run by ground handlers. If your case doesn't appear, then you can talk to them and begin the official procedure: filling in a report that has all your personal details and a description of the lost case.' 'If there's no one there, the airline will have a lost-baggage portal online where you can fill out a report. You must do that as soon as possible – certainly within 24 hours.' The issue will usually be down the a mistake made by the airline, and as such is largely unavoidable. However, there are precautions that can be taken to ensure your chances of misfortune are lower. Here are some top tips: To minimise risk, avoid checking luggage if possible, and pack essentials in carry-on baggage, assuming checked bags might be lost. Connecting hubs like London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Amsterdam are common places for bags to get lost, so consider booking direct flights. To increase the chances of recovery, place identification with contact details inside the luggage, as external tags can be torn off. Airlines are responsible for returning delayed bags, with most found within five days; passengers can claim modest expenses for necessities, and compensation up to £1,000 is available for permanently lost luggage under the Montreal Convention.
Al Bawaba
13-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
The busiest year for baggage: Emirates' baggage handling success goes from strength to strength
With global travel at an all-time high, Emirates has confirmed its busiest year for baggage handling yet. Between April 2024 and March 2025, Emirates has handled more than 2.8 million bags each month, averaging at 100,000 per day, from Dubai to 140 global destinations. These figures mark a 3.7% increase in total bags on last year. Despite its complex operation, Emirates has maintained a 99.9% baggage handling success rate from its Dubai hub. Emirates' excellent statistical record for baggage handling places it as the top performing airline worldwide. 99.9% of all baggage coming from Dubai or transferring through reaches its owner on time, at the correct destination. Emirates rate of 'baggage mishandling' which can be defined as 'delayed, lost or misplaced baggage,' is minimal at 1.4 in a 1000 at the Dubai hub - almost 30 times lower than some other providers. On a global level, when Emirates customers bags are unavoidably delayed - 91% are reunited with their owners within 72 hours. Internationally, this rate is notable because Emirates mainly manages international baggage and international transfer baggage, so the luggage goes on long and complex journeys that require a significantly higher level of attention than domestic travel. Lost and Found is another area where Emirates excels, with 94% of valuable items proactively recovered and returned to customers in Dubai within 60 minutes, thanks to a dedicated team. These items are found either on Emirates aircraft and at Emirates hub in Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 and are marked as 'valuable' because they are essential items for Emirates customers travel experience – passports, wallets and phones. Latest developments for Emirates Baggage Handling In 2024, the airline introduced Emirates Bag Connect, a tool that is available to customers on the Emirates app and website, and offers a comprehensive view of the baggage journey with timely baggage status tracking. An additional feature was also introduced to allow customers to track mishandled bag delivery and this service is now available at 80 stations across Emirates' network. In Emirates Dubai hub, from 2.8 million bags handled monthly, an average of 2300 bags are found without baggage tags. Emirates and dnata teams work together to proactively track the owner and an average of 80% of these bags are recovered and loaded onto the aircraft before the departure of the flight, ensuring no disruption to the customer. On the rare occasion that baggage is delayed, an array of scenarios may have occurred. Sometimes baggage tags are accidentally torn off, or occasionally a bag could fall off the underground baggage belt as its rounds a corner. A transfer flight may be unavoidably delayed due to weather or a sick passenger, making it impossible to remove and reload the bag onto the passenger's transfer flight in time. In this case, the customers bag is immediately loaded onto the next flight. This is done automatically by a combination of complex systems; Baggage Handling System by Dubai Airport, Baggage Reconciliation System by dnata, and Emirates Bag Connect. Emirates best in class systems and procedures Emirates attributes its best-in-class baggage handling to robust systems and high-tech procedures including a multimillion-dollar investment into software that Emirates has tailored to specific needs, providing full visibility of entire journeys. On an average Emirates journey from Dubai, a customer's luggage goes on a trip of its own, interacting with many of Emirates team. Steps can include a porter's trolley to a check-in agent and baggage belt, to the 'Boss Room' where baggage is scanned with high tech security, to being loaded into dnata baggage containers and onto the moveable dollies bound for Emirates aircraft, before it travels across the world, to meet the baggage handlers at a new destination. Emirates commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that all systems and operations have been consistently improved over the last two decades by a world class team. Emirates' team is also regularly trained to the highest standards both in Dubai and across the globe, with ground handlers and other operational staff participating in virtual and manual trainings on systems, processes, standards and best practices, as well as introductions to new products and services. As the world's largest international airline, flying to 140 destinations from one of world's busiest airports, seamless collaboration between Emirates, dnata and Dubai Airports ensures that Emirates' customers and their luggage 'fly better'.
