Radio frequency identification (RFID) chips are used to keep track of inventory. Why not use them in luggage, as a superior alternative to those too-easily-lost tie-on paper labels?
They would be built into new luggage; old luggage would get them at check-in, embedded in a rugged ultra-sticky band-aid thing provided by the airlines.
At check-in, the airline would associate the RFID number with the passenger. In the event that the passenger didn't get on the plane, the luggage would be comparatively easy to find, using a RFID locator.
At baggage claim, instead of everyone trying to differentiate the dozens of near-identical bags, a RFID reader would note the number as the luggage appears, and the owner's name would flash above. Eventually we'll have RFID readers small enough to carry on a keychain, which will beep when our luggage moves past us.
Lost luggage would be a thing of the past, since the RFID cannot be lost, in contrast to those seemingly made-to-tear paper tags.
It's a hassle, trying to locate luggage. An RFID chip would be greatly simplifying, and offer improved security.
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My dad rulz.
I am thinking like this: You would get the tags issued by thetravel agent, and could embed them in your luggage, so they could not externally be removed (by accident or on purpose)
At the carousel, you would have a console which you enter in the codes for your tags, either with a tag corresponding to the tag on the luggage, or a smartcard with your tag IDs programmed on the card.
this is an innovative idea for a new technology with practical benefits. Having just come from the airport, I love it.
I'm wondering if there's another application. As a new father, we spend a lot of time looking for our daughter's pacifier, clotinig, and toys. Can we put RFID chips in them and have a central location in the home (a display in the kitchen would be great for my wife showing where they are) or perhaps a mobile finder (like a metal detector) to help locate them?
I like this idea. I would add a way to scan all baggage going on the plane, and if no RF tag was picked up inside a given piece of luggage, it would be immediately pulled. All passengers would be redundantly warned when getting tickets that their bags will be pulled (and perhaps hard to find) if they aren't tagged.
At the same time, there could be added a means of scanning passengers at the gate, perhaps an RF tag in the tickets, and then once the door is closed, a computer can check all baggage codes against passengers on board codes and make sure all baggage has a respective passenger on the plane. If not, the crew is immediately notified and the detective work begins.
This may slow boarding a tiny amount, but if you know that going to the airport, you have no reason to complain.
This won't stop suicide bombers obviously.
I read the other day that a major airline, Delta maybe, is moving to actually do this. It was just a mention in an article about RFID, so the airline's application of the technology wasn't described -- just that they were going to put RFID chips in luggage.
Probably some Delta person reads this web site (kidding).
Well I always thought which idiot designed the airport luggage checkin and checkout system? What prevents one passenger from walking out with a luggage that is not his?
RFID chips should be packaged into everything so that anything lost can be tracked back to the owner. That way police can verify ownership within seconds of someone running down the street with product in their hand, or get the VIN number of a vehicle while driving past it. Some RFID's have longer ranges and can be checked up to 600 feet from the chip.
This occurred to me recently while traveling. I'm surprised it hasn't been implemented yet.