Korean Air launches baggage notification for its app and back-to-front boarding

Boarding system helps minimise contact between passengers

Korean Air has launched a new service that notifies passengers when their checked baggage has been safely loaded on their flights. The system is available for all international flights departing from Incheon International Airport.

Korean Air’s mobile app sends out push notifications to inform passengers that their baggage is safely loaded. The service gathers information from the baggage reconciliation system (BRS) that matches barcode information scanned from the check-in and loading processes. The BRS ensures that the bags are on the right flight and provides baggage tracking.

The service is available to Skypass members with Korean Air’s mobile app who have enabled push notifications. The airline plans to expand the service to other global airports.

Korean Air implements ‘Back to Front’ Zone Boarding

Korean Air has implemented a “back to front” zone boarding system for all economy class passengers on domestic and international routes, which will ensure that passengers seated at the back of the aircraft will be boarded first.

Each aircraft is subdivided into three to four zones depending on its size, and the zone number is printed on passengers’ boarding passes so that passengers can easily check their boarding order. While rear row passengers are to board first, passengers with infants or children, the elderly and those needing special assistance will be permitted to pre-board regardless of the zone number.

Korean says the procedures form part of the social distancing initiatives to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as boarding from back to front helps to minimise contact between passengers.

To emphasise social distancing measures that are in place, there will also be floor markers at the gate floor for international flights so that passengers can keep their distance while waiting to board the flight.

The airline requires all passengers and employees to wear face masks, regularly disinfects all its aircraft and provides hygiene products, including hand sanitizers for passengers and staff on both aircraft and at airports.

In addition, Korean Air conducts temperature checks on passengers on all flights and provides protective gowns and goggles to all cabin crew members.

N.B. Image credit: Korean Air

Internet links

Korean Air (KE)