Heathrow Airport Trial New Luggage System

Friday 29th August 2008

Heathrow Airport are in the process of evaluating a brand new luggage reclaim system that they are looking to roll out on a permanent basis if it proves beneficial. There is also the possibility that other airports will have the same technology implemented if the Heathrow trials prove succesful.

The airport had previously been using the somewhat dated barcode system tat was used to track baggage, the new system takes advantage of radio-frequency identification (RFID).

The new system operates by placing RFID tags to passengers baggage, this can then be used for keeping track of the luggage and should prove more succesful that the old barcode system. The new operation is set to cost the airport £150,000. Another advantage of the system is that it takes advantage of modern communications devices and allows passengers the luxury of receiving text messages that will inform them when their baggage is expected to arrive at the airport.