The use ofradio frequency identification (RFID) technology to manage
luggage at airportscould save millions of
pounds in losses as InsureandGo reports that its customers alone
lost 12 bags a day in the first half of this year.
From January to June 2007 the company received 2,094 baggage
claims, but for the same period in 2006 it only received 1,133 - an
increase of 85%.
The report analysed statistics from the Association of European
Airlines (AEA) said baggage losses in Europe have increased by 22%
despite passenger numbers only increasing by 1.4%. This was without
budget airlines being taken into account.
Perry Wilson, managing director of InsureandGo, called on
airlines and airports to
address this problem. "We have seen an enormous rise in claims
for lost luggage which demonstrates the problems contained in the
industry's own figures. This is clearly a major problem for our
customers and we urge the airline and airports industry to improve
its performance in this area," he said.
RFID uses a luggage tagging system with censors all over the
airport that can locate baggage. It would replace the system of
barcodes on baggage and because of the use of radio waves removes
the need to scan baggage at the check in desk.