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RFID For Airport Baggage Management – Avoid Loss, Improve Passenger Experience
RFID for airport baggage management brings many significant benefits, reduces lost baggage, optimizes operational efficiency, and enhances the experience for each passenger. The following article by IT Nam Viet will help you discover how RFID technology is revolutionizing airport baggage management, don’t miss it!
Rfid For Airport Baggage Management
The Reality of Lost Luggage at Domestic and International Airports
According to a report by SITA – a company specializing in providing information technology services for the aviation industry, in 2022, up to 26 million pieces of luggage were lost. This is an “alarming” number, and is a nightmare for many passengers when using aviation services in Vietnam in particular and the world in general.
According to the Independent, the number of lost luggage at the airport in 2022 nearly doubled that of 2021, from 4.35 pieces to 7.6 pieces of luggage per 1,000 passengers. Meanwhile, in 2019, this number was 5.6 pieces of lost luggage per 1,000 passengers.
In addition to staff cuts, one of the reasons for lost luggage at the airport is that the traditional management system (mainly based on barcode technology) is showing many limitations. Losing luggage causes passengers to spend a lot of time searching, significantly affecting the reputation of airlines.
In that context, RFID technology is considered a breakthrough solution in the aviation industry, capable of tracking and managing luggage accurately in real time, highly automated, minimizing human errors, thereby helping to increase operational efficiency and significantly improve passenger experience.
RFID Solutions For Airport Baggage Management
In fact, RFID is probably a rather unfamiliar technology to some businesses in Vietnam. Understanding what RFID is will help make system implementation simpler and more effective.
RFID in airport baggage conveyors
RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track RFID-tagged objects. At airports, RFID tags are affixed to luggage, containing a unique ID code and flight itinerary information, allowing for the unique identification, origin and destination of that suitcase.
RFID tags emit radio signals that are picked up by RFID readers located at appropriate locations throughout the airport, allowing luggage to be tracked and managed in real time.
An RFID system for airport baggage management includes:
RFID hard tags, RFID labels
RFID readers (fixed RFID readers and handheld RFID readers)
RFID antennas
RFID system management software
The RFID system operation process in tracking and managing baggage at the airport is as follows:
At the check-in counter, when passengers check in their luggage, an RFID tag or RFID label will be attached to each piece. The RFID label is attached in an easy-to-read position, not obstructing the view. The RFID reader at the counter will immediately record the flight information, passenger information and baggage identification code into the system.
RFID chips are attached to luggage
RFID readers at strategic locations will identify and locate baggage as it moves through the sorting system. Compared to traditional methods, RFID readers can identify 1,100 RFID chips per second, significantly optimizing performance. In the baggage compartment, RFID readers will determine that baggage has been loaded onto the correct flight, preventing baggage from being left behind or on the wrong flight.
RFID reader for baggage control
Upon arrival at the destination, luggage is scanned as it leaves the plane, then continues to be scanned on the baggage claim belt. The data is connected to the airline and airport systems, and passengers can track their luggage via a smartphone app.
Locate luggage via smartphone application
Comparison of RFID and Barcode Technology in Airport Baggage Tracking and Management
Currently, in the aviation industry, baggage management and tracking not only directly affects the passenger experience but also significantly impacts the operational efficiency and reputation of airlines. Accordingly, the two commonly used technologies in airport baggage management are barcodes and RFID.
Attach RFID tags to luggage
Comparison criteria
RFID technology in baggage management
Barcode technology in baggage management
Advantage
– Not requiring line of sight like barcode technology, RFID tags are read through materials such as fabric, plastic, concrete, etc.
– Read multiple tags at the same time, helping to improve and enhance performance, speed up baggage handling at checkpoints, sorting,…
– High accuracy, real-time tracking and luggage management, minimizing unnecessary human errors.
– RFID cards are durable, have the ability to store a lot of information and can especially be reused many times to help optimize costs.
– RFID systems help automate baggage handling processes, optimizing baggage flow at airports.
– Low investment cost.
– Easy to deploy, easy to operate.
– High accuracy.
Disadvantages
– RFID costs are higher, including many types of costs such as RFID tags, RFID readers, management software, etc. However, in terms of long-term and work efficiency, RFID is still the ideal choice for airlines today.
– Additionally, integrating RFID systems into airport and airline management systems can be more complex.
– Line of sight is required, which means that bags must be positioned appropriately and scanned manually or with an automated scanner.
– Barcode scanners can only read one barcode at a time, making processing slow.
– Limited storage capacity, difficulty in real-time luggage tracking.
– Barcodes are susceptible to damage if exposed to water, or folded during shipping.
Although barcodes have been widely used in airport baggage management for many years, in the context of the rapidly developing aviation industry, RFID is still a “worth the money” choice.
Benefits of Applying RFID Technology in Airport Baggage Management
The application of RFID in airport baggage management has brought many breakthrough benefits, specifically as follows:
For passengers
RFID helps identify and locate luggage accurately, significantly reducing loss, bringing peace of mind to passengers. On the other hand, passengers can easily check the location and status of their luggage quickly via a smartphone application. This is a solution to speed up the baggage return process, improving the experience for passengers.
Benefits of using RFID to manage airport baggage
For airlines and airports
RFID helps automate many processes, reducing baggage handling time at points, especially during peak times. In addition, the use of RFID technology in baggage management will help enhance aviation security. In particular, reducing the rate of lost baggage will help airlines save billions of dollars each year in compensation.
In addition, the application of RFID paves the way for innovation and integration of smart technologies into baggage handling, aviation security, etc. As airports continue to modernize, RFID has emerged as a technology that drives progress and efficiency in the industry. RFID is reshaping the future of aviation, bringing more convenience and efficiency to stakeholders, including passengers, airlines, airports, etc.
Current Status of RFID Deployment for Airport Baggage Management in Vietnam and the World
According to the progress report published in May 2024, of the 155 airlines and 94 airports surveyed worldwide, 44% of them fully implemented all baggage tracking requirements under IATA Guideline 753. Of these, 41% of airlines and airports are working to meet the standard items.
In terms of technology, optical barcode scanning is the baggage tracking technology that is being prioritized by most airports worldwide. As for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, only 27% of surveyed airports have developed this system.
In fact, many airports and airlines around the world have successfully implemented RFID baggage management systems. Notable examples include Hong Kong International Airport, Delta Airlines, etc.
IATA representatives expect that increased control and enforcement of baggage tracking regulations will reduce incidents of lost baggage for travelers. This will help balance the number of passengers, increase efficiency and quality, and better prepare the industry.
Challenges and Solutions When Deploying RFID in Airport Baggage Management
As mentioned earlier, although it brings many practical benefits, the implementation of RFID systems in airport baggage management still faces certain shortcomings, specifically:
The investment cost of RFID systems is quite high, which can be an investment that brings many obstacles to the operations of airlines and airports today. Accordingly, airlines and airports can deploy in stages, prioritizing key areas first.
RFID Labels in Airport Baggage Management
On the other hand, integrating RFID into airport management systems can be more complicated, requiring compatibility with existing management software. Therefore, airlines and airports need to have a suitable strategic plan, carefully considering related factors to choose the right RFID solution.
On the other hand, the airport environment has a lot of metal, which can affect the reading ability of RFID waves. Therefore, units need to use metal-resistant RFID tags, install readers in suitable locations to ensure optimal coverage.
Currently, most airports and airlines in Vietnam still mainly use barcode technology to manage baggage. However, RFID brings many practical benefits, airlines and management agencies should soon research, test and build a roadmap for RFID deployment in airports.
Nam Viet IT – A Reputable Comprehensive RFID Solution Provider
IT Nam Viet is proud to be one of the pioneers in the field of providing RFID technology in Vietnam. We have more than 10 years of experience, successfully implementing hundreds of large and small projects, ensuring to bring customers comprehensive RFID solutions, suitable for their needs and investment budget.
Before each project, we conduct a field survey, provide dedicated consultation, and make a detailed implementation plan, ensuring the system operates smoothly and stably. In particular, IT Nam Viet also accepts RFID card processing with the required chip type, size and material according to customer requirements.
Above is information about RFID solutions in airport baggage management that customers can refer to. If you need advice on RFID technology, please contact IT Nam Viet via Hotline (+84) 962 888 179!
My name is Le Nam Viet, currently FOUNDER & CEO of Nam Viet IT Company, I graduated from Ho Chi Minh Polytechnic University. I have more than 3 years of experience providing RFID chip technology solutions, RFID scanners, barcode labels and barcode readers. It’s a pleasure to share my knowledge with readers.
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