ViewTag is a lightweight, digital alternative to paper-based bag tags that securely attaches to luggage.
The electronic bag tag (EBT) was conceived in 2009 after repeatedly experiencing travel issues such as missed flights due to long airport check-in queues and lost luggage on other trips. Utilising bi-state technology popularly used in Kindle e-readers, the same display technology is used in TAG without requiring power to display information.
ViewTag’s TAG is designed with the ability to change the displayed flight information and barcode via Bluetooth LE through an airline’s mobile app, as well as radio frequency identification (RFID) to enable an airline to change the displayed information without requiring the airline to intercept the bag while in the BHS during irregular operations (IROPS).
Digital tags for Covid-19-secure baggage processing and check-in
Passengers arriving at the airport with their bags already tagged benefit from an improved passenger journey, and ease baggage check-in and boarding processes. This enables an airport experience without unnecessary touchpoints, encouraging minimal staff interaction and lower processing times, resulting in smaller queues and a Covid-19-secure airport environment.
Offering passengers, a safe and comfortable way to check-in baggage away from the airport requires a modern, but proven approach. Electronic bag tags are the key enabler. They allow passengers to tag their luggage using their own mobile devices and arrive at the airport only having to drop their bag.
ViewTag provides a technology that immediately solves the issue of passengers congregating in the unsecured airport zone by allowing passengers to check-in their bags from the comfort and safety of their own home. Passengers then arrive at the airport with their bags already tagged ready for drop off at a baggage counter or at an automatic bag drop. Moving this airport operation significantly reduces the time spent around other fliers while increasing throughput within the same square footage.
More efficient passenger handling is realised by using existing, backward compatible and proven technology. EBTs have been used by major carriers in global networks for several years and have been processed at approximately 300 airports without any need for infrastructural changes.
Covid-19 has impacted the aviation industry like no other. ViewTag strongly believes the many benefits of EBTs can contribute to a structural solution for the current situation and to the new normal for travel. ViewTag is investing to bring feasible, cost-effective hardware and software solutions to airlines and passengers.
Less staff and increased baggage capacity for post-Covid-19 travel
Introducing EBTs results in immediate benefits that contribute to travelling in a post-Covid-19 world. At the same time, operational efficiency and passenger experience are significantly improved for a technology-savvy world.
Requiring only essential staff, the number can be reduced by between 30% and 90%. Processing passengers that arrive with pre-tagged luggage requires significantly less staff on the ground. This results in fewer interactions and lower costs.
Fewer touchpoints can reduce physical interaction by as much as 100%. Passengers can handle all steps from the comfort and safety of their own home. Dropping a bag can be done without physical contact.
Reduced handling time per passenger means there are fewer steps to the process and more efficiency. Both staffed counters and self-service bag drops can process up to four times as many bags an hour if passengers arrive with their luggage already tagged.
Versatile digital luggage tags for airports
According to the Global Passenger Survey, some individuals still prefer paper bag tags but fliers as a whole increasingly embrace technology solutions and their benefits, with passengers being open to trying EBT technology.
ViewTag has run proof-of-concept, passenger trials and testing has occurred through multiple airline-run pilots in more than 30 countries and in over 300 airports globally. Commercial feasibility is evidenced by a five-year joint venture and intellectual property licensing agreement with British Airways (BA). The airline has agreed to use ViewTag as its exclusive EBT provider to sell into its 96 million customer base.
The initial target markets are frequent travellers and travellers with airline status who value their time and want to limit the inconveniences of air travel. Airlines can distribute TAG through giveaways and point redemptions, and/or DTC marketing through a ViewTag managed, airline-branded website for ordering.
ViewTag will also sell directly to consumers when they achieve a critical mass of airlines.