RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) uses radio waves to read and write data to a small IC chip paired with an antenna. Where a barcode has to be presented within line of sight, RFID needs no line of sight, and that single difference is what changes how baggage can be handled at scale and with accuracy…

In the early 1980s, Eastern Air Lines was the first airline to implement barcodes to sort baggage. The early versions were circular barcodes – like a bullseye. What was key was that these represented what we now know as a Licence Plate Number. A unique number for that bag which could be looked up in…

In December 2018, IATA published an internal business case for end-to-end baggage tracking, recommending investment in three areas: RFID technology, modern baggage messaging standards (based on XML) and a platform to monitor compliance with Resolution 753. The objective was straightforward: deliver reliable, end-to-end baggage tracking across the industry in support of the baggage tracking requirements…