Real-time, private baggage tracing can be a key element in passenger experience, security or in-flight service delivery.
Apple's Airtags are tracking devices that can be used to can be used to locate lost objects. So far, we have been able to familiarise ourselves with them in apps that allow us to easily track objects such as keys, wallets, backpacks and more. All you need to do is set them up on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and attach them to the corresponding item.
In the airline industry, one of the ways to use them is to include them in checked baggage when travelling. This can be useful for locating luggage in case it gets lost during the flight or at the airport. However, apart from the obvious advantages, there are also some considerations to bear in mind.
¿How detection technology works and how do they transmit their location?
Apple Airtags use Bluetooth technology to transmit your location. Each tracking device has a built-in Bluetooth chip that can be detected by other Bluetooth-enabled devices in its vicinity. When your Bluetooth-enabled device is within 5 metres of the lost object with the detector installed, the phone or tablet receives a Bluetooth signal and can display its location on a map via the "Find" app.
When they are not close enough to "see" each other via Bluetooth use "Find My Network" technology to transmit your location through any Apple device, whether it's ours or someone else's. Once they share their location only the owner can detect it and show its location on a map through the application to locate the devices associated with your user account.
It is important to note that although Bluetooth technology is standard, this networked use of any owner's mobile phone or tablet is only available on the manufacturer's own devices. In addition, the accuracy of the location shown on the map may vary depending on the number of devices in the coverage area and the quality of the Bluetooth signal.
It is clear that this technology offers some advantages to the passenger, once the tracking device is inserted in the checked baggage:
- Helps locate luggageIf luggage is lost during the flight or at the airport, the device emits a signal that can be detected by other Apple devices, such as iPhones or iPads, that have the "Find" application enabled. This way, you can see the location of the luggage on a map and retrieve it more easily.
- If you travel in transit can help you find out if your luggage has been delayed or diverted en route, saving you the wait at baggage reclaim when you are sadly certain that it has not arrived on the same flight as you.
Like any innovation, this technology can also have some drawbacks:
- CostEach tracking device has a retail price of about 35 euros. If you travel with several suitcases or make several trips, the cost of purchasing several can be significant.
- Requires a device from the same manufacturer to be able to track it ourselves, as it is a proprietary technology that is not available to third parties.
- The tracking device needs the presence of sufficient devices of the same mark on the baggage route when it is far away from us in order to be effective. This may be more or less common depending on the country, in addition to the fact that in automatic baggage handling areas, the so-called BHS (Baggage Handling System), there may be very few staff with mobile phones or data network coverage to be able to receive the location.
¿Why some airlines have restricted the use of Airtags in checked baggage?
Some airlines have banned, and then re-allowed, the inclusion of these tracking devices in checked baggage due to security concerns. Although they are harmless devices and do not emit any dangerous signals or radiation, some airlines fear that they could be used to monitor individuals or for malicious purposes. In addition, some airlines fear that they may be used for illegal activities, such as trafficking in drugs or other illegal goods.
However, it is important to note that this prohibition is not universal and that each airline may have different policies in this regard. Therefore, it is advisable to check the policies of each airline before including an Airtag in your checked baggage.
There is no doubt that this is a technology that is here to stay and that will become increasingly widespread. Therefore, it is good to be aware of its existence and its advantages and disadvantages, and it is even a solution that could be considered for use by airlines, handling agents or airport managers for multiple activities that could improve their baggage management, security or the provision of services aimed at the passenger experience.
