Delta Air Lines will become the first US carrier to introduce baggage tracking tech powered by radio frequency identification (RFID).
RFID will replace Delta’s barcode scanning system in order to improve real-time tracking of the 180 million bags it handles every year.
RFID uses radio waves to log data stored on an RFID chip enabled luggage tag.
Bag owners will be able to get confirmation their bag has been loaded on a flight and later reached its intended destination via notifications through the Fly Delta mobile app.
The system will go live later this year.
"With a $50 million investment in RFID at 344 stations around the globe, we aim to reliably deliver every bag on every flight. This innovative application of technology gives us greater data and more precise information throughout the bag’s journey," said Bill Lentsch, senior vice president of airport customer service and cargo operations.
Bags are tracked with a 99.9% accuracy rate, the carrier says.
"In the same way that customers want information at their fingertips about flight changes, we know our customers want clear visibility to their checked bags. Delta’s industry-first baggage tracking app was a good first step. RFID will allow us to set a new standard for more transparent, interactive tracking on the Fly Delta mobile app," said Tim Mapes, Delta’s chief marketing officer.
