Delta Debuts First Ever Baggage Tracking App

Delta has taken a big step toward its goal of cutting down on delayed bags: Launching the industry’s first bag tracking feature on its app.

“With the airline’s new $50 million technology, travelers will be able to keep an eye on their luggage, from the moment they check their bags to the minute the bags arrive at their destination, via a map,” reports ABC News.

The system uses RFID microchips, which are loaded with the relevant traveler’s info, embedded in luggage tags to track each bag. The RFID chips also mean baggage handlers don’t have to scan each bag by hand since new scanners installed along baggage belts can read the chips as they pass by.

“The chip holds on it enough data that will allow us to immediately identify who that belongs to and where that bag needs to go,” Bill Lentsch, senior vice president of airport customer service and airline operations, told ABC News.

As I mentioned above, this is all part of a large, concerted effort from Delta to dramatically reduce baggage issues. Switching to RFID technology is expected to reduce Delta’s already low rate delayed baggage—currently about 1 in 500 bags are delayed—by up to 10 percent.

This is a welcome effort considering $25 bag fees are now the norm. Instead of resting on its laurels, Delta has invested in its baggage operations to make them more efficient and reliable. This benefits Delta too, of course, but the peace of mind and real-time information provided to travelers is a big win.

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• Delta Ups the Ante with New International Business Class
• Why Delta Thinks it Can Be Your Favorite Airline
• Delta CEO Apologizes for “Unfortunate Week”