Baggage Function on the DL App -- Possible Improvements
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 648
Baggage Function on the DL App -- Possible Improvements
To stimulate discussion. Yes, we are all aware of the deficiencies of DL's IT department. So let's take that as a given and keep this thread focused.
1. Rolling out the baggage function to the Blackberry app. Yes, I know this is supposed to happen. But if you have it programmed for one app, is it that hard to roll out on another? If someone is fluent in both, isn't it a simple matter of translation?
2. Mining bag tag numbers from your PNR. Any good reason we need to manually enter bag tag numbers? The app knows your seat number (and other things) from your PNR. Why does it not know your bag's/bags' "seat number(s)" (i.e., the tag number(s))? Yes, the app stores recent searches, but only 3 tag numbers. A family of 4 will likely have more than 3 bags.
3. Notifications. Other parts of the app and DL.com send notifications. Why must we "pull" information? Wouldn't it be nice if the app "pushed" any of the following as a notification or email: (a) "Bag number [number] is being delivered now ([time] local airport time) to [carousel location] at [airport code]." Much nicer hanging back and watching the smarthphone/app, than jockeying for position where the chute meets the carousel. (b) "Bag number [number] misconnected and has been rerouted on [flight info]. Please contact Delta at [email/phone/etc] for further information.
Thoughts? Unrealistic?
Other ideas?
1. Rolling out the baggage function to the Blackberry app. Yes, I know this is supposed to happen. But if you have it programmed for one app, is it that hard to roll out on another? If someone is fluent in both, isn't it a simple matter of translation?
2. Mining bag tag numbers from your PNR. Any good reason we need to manually enter bag tag numbers? The app knows your seat number (and other things) from your PNR. Why does it not know your bag's/bags' "seat number(s)" (i.e., the tag number(s))? Yes, the app stores recent searches, but only 3 tag numbers. A family of 4 will likely have more than 3 bags.
3. Notifications. Other parts of the app and DL.com send notifications. Why must we "pull" information? Wouldn't it be nice if the app "pushed" any of the following as a notification or email: (a) "Bag number [number] is being delivered now ([time] local airport time) to [carousel location] at [airport code]." Much nicer hanging back and watching the smarthphone/app, than jockeying for position where the chute meets the carousel. (b) "Bag number [number] misconnected and has been rerouted on [flight info]. Please contact Delta at [email/phone/etc] for further information.
Thoughts? Unrealistic?
Other ideas?
#2
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: GSO
Programs: DL PM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 425
2. Mining bag tag numbers from your PNR. Any good reason we need to manually enter bag tag numbers? The app knows your seat number (and other things) from your PNR. Why does it not know your bag's/bags' "seat number(s)" (i.e., the tag number(s))? Yes, the app stores recent searches, but only 3 tag numbers. A family of 4 will likely have more than 3 bags.
#3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: AUS
Programs: Delta FO, United Silver, National Executive, HHonors Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 347
At the risk of getting torched, I must say I have trouble seeing this bag tracking feature as a real value-add.
I EXPECT my bags to fly with me... and the amount of time between deplaning the aircraft and the arrival of bags at the carousel are generally consistent from one trip to the next. I get off the aircraft, swing by the loo to freshen up a smidge, then stroll to baggage claim to gather my bag.
I just find it hard for me to see the point of this feature.
I EXPECT my bags to fly with me... and the amount of time between deplaning the aircraft and the arrival of bags at the carousel are generally consistent from one trip to the next. I get off the aircraft, swing by the loo to freshen up a smidge, then stroll to baggage claim to gather my bag.
I just find it hard for me to see the point of this feature.
#4
Join Date: May 2009
Location: AUS
Programs: Delta 1MM / DM, Avis First, Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond, Hyatt Gold
Posts: 185
The peace of mind is what I like. For instance, I checked in late last week. Once inflight, I could check the app and see my bags were scanned plane side at departure. I knew I had a good chance they were on the a/c. The bane of the high volume flyer is a lack if information to make good decisions. I see this as just another part of my situational awareness. Count me a fan.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: AUS
Programs: Delta FO, United Silver, National Executive, HHonors Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 347
The peace of mind is what I like. For instance, I checked in late last week. Once inflight, I could check the app and see my bags were scanned plane side at departure. I knew I had a good chance they were on the a/c. The bane of the high volume flyer is a lack if information to make good decisions. I see this as just another part of my situational awareness. Count me a fan.
"The bane of the high volume flyer is a lack if information to make good decisions."
Presuming you are in-flight and the iPhone app shows that your checked bags are on their way to Beaffra... while your seat has you enroute to (somewhere-else). How does this data point make for a better decision???
Other than having advanced knowledge that you will be arriving at your destination ahead of your pearls?... what's the decision?..
#6
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta DM, 4MM, SC, AmEx Reserve, UA Plat, SPG/Marriott Platinum, Hertz Gold
Posts: 2,383
My issue with the bag tracker is the limited information provided and the speed at which the app is updated. It typically only provides dropoff scan and plane side scan. I've also seen it not update until after my flight has already taken off. If I'm sitting on the plane, this is not that reassuring for me, if prior to take off I'm trying to figure out in real time if my bag made it on board. However, on the upside, I do like the fact that you can scan the barcode on the bag claim check rather than having to type in the number. I've been doing this lately rather than worrying that I'm gonna lose the stupid bag claim ticket.
#7
Company Representative - Delta Air Lines
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: Delta Air Lines
Posts: 169
Some good questions, here are the answers I can provide.
The Blackberry team is working on getting this update out on that platform. But to answer your question, most often times you don't run into cross platform fluencies. You'll run into people that know how to work under more than one platform but more often than not they'll really just have expertise in one and just working knowledge on another.
I see what you're saying about "linking" bag tags to a particular PNR, I'm not sure what sort of enhancements are in the works for tracking bags.
And the recent searches on the applications should store for both bag tag (single bag) as well as file reference number (multiple bag tags).
We're always looking at how to update what notifications we send out.
2. Mining bag tag numbers from your PNR. Any good reason we need to manually enter bag tag numbers? The app knows your seat number (and other things) from your PNR. Why does it not know your bag's/bags' "seat number(s)" (i.e., the tag number(s))? Yes, the app stores recent searches, but only 3 tag numbers. A family of 4 will likely have more than 3 bags.
And the recent searches on the applications should store for both bag tag (single bag) as well as file reference number (multiple bag tags).
3. Notifications. Other parts of the app and DL.com send notifications. Why must we "pull" information? Wouldn't it be nice if the app "pushed" any of the following as a notification or email: (a) "Bag number [number] is being delivered now ([time] local airport time) to [carousel location] at [airport code]." Much nicer hanging back and watching the smarthphone/app, than jockeying for position where the chute meets the carousel. (b) "Bag number [number] misconnected and has been rerouted on [flight info]. Please contact Delta at [email/phone/etc] for further information.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: AUS
Programs: Delta FO, United Silver, National Executive, HHonors Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 347
If you are obsessing about your checked bag so much that you need to check on it in flight... perhaps you should have carried it on-board.
Then, again... ... ...
#9
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: US
Programs: DL GE
Posts: 1,654
At the risk of getting torched, I must say I have trouble seeing this bag tracking feature as a real value-add.
I EXPECT my bags to fly with me... and the amount of time between deplaning the aircraft and the arrival of bags at the carousel are generally consistent from one trip to the next. I get off the aircraft, swing by the loo to freshen up a smidge, then stroll to baggage claim to gather my bag.
I just find it hard for me to see the point of this feature.
I EXPECT my bags to fly with me... and the amount of time between deplaning the aircraft and the arrival of bags at the carousel are generally consistent from one trip to the next. I get off the aircraft, swing by the loo to freshen up a smidge, then stroll to baggage claim to gather my bag.
I just find it hard for me to see the point of this feature.
#10
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,151
If I have to stand around and wait for 20 minutes not knowing, I'm wasting time. I would rather have a known 30 minute wait, than an unknown 17 minute wait, I can get a lot done in 30 minutes.
#11
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CHA/TYS
Programs: The Mac Daddy of Heimlich County (and low-ball status)
Posts: 2,868
My issue with the bag tracker is the limited information provided and the speed at which the app is updated. It typically only provides dropoff scan and plane side scan. I've also seen it not update until after my flight has already taken off. If I'm sitting on the plane, this is not that reassuring for me, if prior to take off I'm trying to figure out in real time if my bag made it on board. However, on the upside, I do like the fact that you can scan the barcode on the bag claim check rather than having to type in the number. I've been doing this lately rather than worrying that I'm gonna lose the stupid bag claim ticket.
#12
Join Date: May 2009
Location: AUS
Programs: Delta 1MM / DM, Avis First, Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond, Hyatt Gold
Posts: 185
2. If you bags are now headed to someplace else, you know that. If they are still at the hub and can conceivably be on the next departure, you know that. If they never left you origination, you know that. You can have some idea of how long you will be without your bags - plan your day accordingly to be back at the a/p and pick them up vice them being given over to the "we get there when we feel like it" delivery service.
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 648
Separately, any other possible improvements?
#14
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ATL
Programs: 4MM/DM, Marriott Lifetime PM, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 1,370
Thanks Danny for the update.
I too would love to see the bag app for my berry. As much as I hate it (the berry), it isn't going away anytime soon. Knowing where my missing bag is goes a long way to knowing how to plan my day around the MIA bag.
The DL app for the blackberry right now is just too weak for usage on a regular basis. Making the features similar across all platforms is the way to go.
I too would love to see the bag app for my berry. As much as I hate it (the berry), it isn't going away anytime soon. Knowing where my missing bag is goes a long way to knowing how to plan my day around the MIA bag.
The DL app for the blackberry right now is just too weak for usage on a regular basis. Making the features similar across all platforms is the way to go.
#15
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LHR / BHX / MAN / ATL
Programs: DL DM 2MM - IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,055
1. If you bags are not on the flight to your final destination, then you don't have to sit around waiting for every single bag to come up to know that. You can head to baggage service now and start the paperwork.
2. If you bags are now headed to someplace else, you know that. If they are still at the hub and can conceivably be on the next departure, you know that. If they never left you origination, you know that. You can have some idea of how long you will be without your bags - plan your day accordingly to be back at the a/p and pick them up vice them being given over to the "we get there when we feel like it" delivery service.
2. If you bags are now headed to someplace else, you know that. If they are still at the hub and can conceivably be on the next departure, you know that. If they never left you origination, you know that. You can have some idea of how long you will be without your bags - plan your day accordingly to be back at the a/p and pick them up vice them being given over to the "we get there when we feel like it" delivery service.
As for the other posters that indicated that pax should carry their bags on board, this is not always an option due to size/weight/contents. I'm glad that option works for some people, but it is absurd to assume that it would work for every pax in every situation.