Alaska Airlines introduces electronic bag tags

Alaska Airlines became the first U.S. airline to launch an electronic bag tag program, which enables guests to tag their luggage through the airline’s mobile app before they even reach the airport.

The electronic bag tags will start to arrive this week for 2,500 Alaska Mileage Plan members. Guests with elite status who have travelled within the past 12 months, checked at least one bag, and were among the initial users of the gadget are included in the program’s first wave.

Which Airlines, Airports Lost the Most Luggage This Year?(Opens in a new browser tab)

The three-by-five-inch devices are updated with a guest’s flight information through the Alaska Airlines mobile app during check-in; essentially allowing travelers to head straight to the bag drop area once they arrive at the airport.

The Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag is estimated to reduce the time guests spend in airport lobbies by about 40%, including reducing lines and the use of paper bag tags. In addition to the device’s impressive lifespan and durability (Alaska Airlines employees tested it by running it over with a truck), the devices don’t require charging or batteries.

Lufthansa Allows AirTags on Flights, Takes U-Turn on Previous Decision(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag will be available for purchase to all guests starting in 2023 and will operate on all Alaska Airlines marketed flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines. Along with the hardware, the software for the device is provided by BAGTAG, a Dutch company that is a pioneer in the field of baggage technology solutions.

Click here to check out how the Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag works and join the notification list when the devices become available for purchase.