United to Test High-Tech Scannable Bag Tags

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Roger Yu at USA Today reports that [[United]] will begin testing new checked-bag tags with radio frequency identification chips (RFID) that should make checking a bag easier and quicker.

According to Yu, “Customers can check in for their flight online or [use] a kiosk, then drop off the bag in a designated spot, where an airline employee scans the tag and checks the passenger’s identification. Once the passenger leaves, the tag is scanned again, and the bag enters the screening process.”

United will use about 1,000 frequent flyers to test the new tags at Chicago O’Hare over the next six weeks. The carrier hopes RFID tags will replace conventional tags in the near term.

Sounds quick and easy, doesn’t it? Plus, RFID tags are more accurate than bar-code tags, which are more vulnerable to missed scans. Do you think RFID tags are the future, and will they lead to a smoother check-in process?

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