WHY PBTs?
Based on the specifications in IATA Recommended Practice 1740c, the PBT takes baggage processing several steps forward because:
- It speeds baggage check-in significantly
- It eliminates billions of single use tags
- It reduces airline and airport cost for tags, printers and kiosks
- It accelerates passenger throughput at check-in
- It makes compliance with IATA Resolution 753 seamless
- It has a QR code and NFC chip to digitally read the tag number
All PBTs share these elements:
- An EPC global Class 1 Gen2 RFID chip
- An antenna optimized for reading at distance
- Together these are configured to operate on the (UHF) Ultra-High Frequency spectrum within the range of 860 MHz to 960 MHz to be globally compatible
- A robust casing to provide long term usage and protection from damage
How does a PBT work?
There are two possible scenarios:
| OFF AIRPORT CHECK-IN | AIRPORT CHECK-IN |
|---|---|
| Passenger checks-in online using airline APP and receives their digital boarding pass | Passenger checks-in online using airline APP and receives their digital boarding pass |
| From the APP the passenger links BID to check-in record online using NFC, QR code or types in the 10-character BID code | |
| BSM created adding the BID and setting the status to INACTIVE | |
| At BAG DROP the passenger confirms their identity | At BAG DROP the passenger confirms their identity |
| The passenger scans their boarding pass to link to their PNR / DCS | The passenger scans their boarding pass to link to their PNR / DCS |
| The BID is read by fixed or hand-help RFID reader/writer and the PBT is updated with the same information on the SUT – Single Use Tag with RFID inlay as today | The BID is read by fixed or hand-help RFID reader/writer and the PBT is updated with the same information on the SUT – Single Use Tag with RFID inlay as today |
| The status of the BSM is changed to ACTIVE | BSM created adding the BID |
| Start to finish at airport – 30 seconds or less | Start to finish at airport – 30 seconds or less |
After bag drop the process is like the RFID operation today:
- Baggage Handling System – Sortation using RFID >99.95% read rate
- Baggage Make-up – Flight and destination data can be shown on-screen or wearable device with screen
- Baggage Loading/Unloading – confirmed with RFID readers
- Transfer – sorted with RFID readers – no transfer label required
- Baggage Claim – confirmed with RFID readers
- Baggage Service – confirmed with RFID readers
Glossary
APP Airline Mobile Application
BID 10-character Baggage ID code
BSM Baggage Source Message used by airlines to convey flight number, destination, etc.
DCS Departure Control System used by airlines to assign seats and track passengers loaded
PNR Passenger Name Record or Record Locator for passenger reservations
RFID Radio Frequency Identification – a wireless device that communicates by radio waves
SUT Single Use Tag – a disposable bar code baggage tag
