Lufthansa are the latest airline to introduce a self printed bag tag. The airline calls it HomeTag.
The HomeTag allows passengers to prepare for their trip from the comfort of their own home and then check in their baggage directly at the counter or the self-service machines at the airport.
How it works:
- passengers check in online and receive a HomeTag for their outward and return flight together with their boarding pass
- the HomeTag contains all necessary information, such as flight route, passenger name, baggage item number, which is also printed clearly as a barcode
- passengers pick up a HomeTag holder at the airport, insert the HomeTag into the holder and attach it to the bag
- passengers then drop the bags as normal at baggage drop-off counters or self-service baggage check-in kiosks
The only difference between HomeTags and conventional baggage tags is an additional QR code. This code means that travel details can be reconstructed, even if the tag has been damaged. The Lufthansa HomeTag holder also has an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip that enables express check-in at the Lufthansa baggage machines.
As well as saving time at the airport, passengers who use the HomeTag benefit from an even more reliable baggage service, since the HomeTag is more stable and weather-resistant than conventional baggage tags, and the RFID chip contains an extra copy of all the baggage details.
This innovative technology is expected to be available soon on other routes from Frankfurt and Munich to Asia and the USA.
Further information and a video about using the HomeTag can be found at LH.com/hometag.
Self print bag tag
Some airlines already have home printed bag tag in use.
- Iberia, they call it MyBagTag, Air France and recently Alaska.
- Billund Airport in Denmark pioneered the way.
N.B. Image credit: Lufthansa
