Alaska Airlines Became First United States Airline to Launch an Electronic Bag Tag Program

On July 19, 2022,- Alaska Airlines announced the launch of an electronic bag tag program, thus becoming the first U.S. airline to do so. This technology would allow their guests to tag their own bags in a few seconds making the entire check-in process almost all off-airport. According to the senior vice-president of innovation and merchandising for Alaska Airlines, Charu Jain, with the devices, travelers would be able to rapidly drop off their luggage besides their electronic bag tags would also help them reduce lines in the airport lobbies, consequently freeing up their employees to devote more one-on-one time with guests asking for assistance.

Moreover, these electronic bag tags would allow guests to skip the step of printing traditional bag tags on arrival at the airport. In its place, guests would be able to activate the devices from anywhere, be it their home, office, or even car – for up to 24 hours before their onboarding through the Alaska Airlines mobile app. The activation could be done by merely touching the electronic bag tag to the phone that is used for check-in. The bed tag comprises an antenna that reads the information conveyed from the phone. The e-paper bag tag's screen would then display the information regarding the guest's flight. 

Alaska Airlines' electronic bag tag is expected to reduce the time guests spend dropping off checked luggage by around 40%. Furthermore, Alaska Airlines is the first U.S. airline to adopt this innovative electronic bag tag program in the United States. This program would modernize the check-in process and deliver a more sustainable option for travelers. Also, these electronic bag tags would not require batteries as they are durable enough to last a lifetime potentially.