Bag Tag Scanners
Sep 2, 2019, 9:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 6
Bag Tag Scanners
I've recently noticed ramp workers and baggage agents carrying PDAs (personal digital assistants) at several airports, RDU and PNS to name two. This morning I noticed the ramp workers at RDU scanning every bag before they loaded it on the plane. Anyone know if we are going to be able to track our bags soon?
Sep 3, 2019, 10:39 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: California
Posts: 1,123
In the past few weeks, every time I see a tarmac baggage handler I see them scanning every bag before it goes on the belt. I'm guessing this is the reason why bags have been dog slow lately to bag claim. And it's the same reason why bags on WN used to be so fast vs other airlines since they never scan them.
Sep 3, 2019, 3:20 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: LAS-DEN
Programs: WN CP & B-list. Disillusioned fmr UA-1P/2P,F9-Ascent; Fmr AA-Plat,CO-Gold,NW-Silver,TWA-Elite
Posts: 1,630
In July 2019, I flew a quick island hop (OGG --> KOA) on Hawaiian. They scanned my bags.
I would have used Southwest for this island hop, but they don't currently have a non-stop. Wanted to fly me back to HNL, a 5 hour project compared to less than 1 hour on Hawaiian. Maybe someday on Southwest!
I would have used Southwest for this island hop, but they don't currently have a non-stop. Wanted to fly me back to HNL, a 5 hour project compared to less than 1 hour on Hawaiian. Maybe someday on Southwest!
Sep 3, 2019, 4:02 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 836
In July 2019, I flew a quick island hop (OGG --> KOA) on Hawaiian. They scanned my bags.
I would have used Southwest for this island hop, but they don't currently have a non-stop. Wanted to fly me back to HNL, a 5 hour project compared to less than 1 hour on Hawaiian. Maybe someday on Southwest!
I would have used Southwest for this island hop, but they don't currently have a non-stop. Wanted to fly me back to HNL, a 5 hour project compared to less than 1 hour on Hawaiian. Maybe someday on Southwest!
Sep 3, 2019, 6:02 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: HH Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 10,458
I don't know, except that the poster would have taken WN if it had a nonstop at the right time?
BTW, I flew AA last night and they've been scanning bags religiously over the past couple of years now. So, it's about time that WN does the same. It does help to know where the luggage was last scanned, when it does not show up on the carousel at the final destination.
BTW, I flew AA last night and they've been scanning bags religiously over the past couple of years now. So, it's about time that WN does the same. It does help to know where the luggage was last scanned, when it does not show up on the carousel at the final destination.
Sep 3, 2019, 7:13 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,941
In July 2019, I flew a quick island hop (OGG --> KOA) on Hawaiian. They scanned my bags.
I would have used Southwest for this island hop, but they don't currently have a non-stop. Wanted to fly me back to HNL, a 5 hour project compared to less than 1 hour on Hawaiian. Maybe someday on Southwest!
I would have used Southwest for this island hop, but they don't currently have a non-stop. Wanted to fly me back to HNL, a 5 hour project compared to less than 1 hour on Hawaiian. Maybe someday on Southwest!
I don't know, except that the poster would have taken WN if it had a nonstop at the right time?
BTW, I flew AA last night and they've been scanning bags religiously over the past couple of years now. So, it's about time that WN does the same. It does help to know where the luggage was last scanned, when it does not show up on the carousel at the final destination.
BTW, I flew AA last night and they've been scanning bags religiously over the past couple of years now. So, it's about time that WN does the same. It does help to know where the luggage was last scanned, when it does not show up on the carousel at the final destination.
Last edited by Cledaybuck; Sep 3, 2019 at 7:20 pm
Sep 4, 2019, 2:05 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
An actual baggage tracking system has been rumored to be coming at some point for Southwest for many years now. RFID tags and customer access to location info online and via app, such as that offered by other carriers, was to be part of the new system.
That said, however, my guess right now is that agents scanning bags as they load the plane is most likely in response to FAA scrutiny following failures to accurately track the combined weight of checked bags.
FAA investigating Southwest Airlines for baggage weight discrepancies
That said, however, my guess right now is that agents scanning bags as they load the plane is most likely in response to FAA scrutiny following failures to accurately track the combined weight of checked bags.
"The FAA has directed the development of a comprehensive solution to the methods and processes used by Southwest Airlines to determine this (weight and balance) performance data," the spokesman said. "The FAA will not close its investigation until it is satisfied that Southwest's corrective actions are consistent and sustained."
Sep 12, 2019, 8:28 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: STL
Programs: Southwest A+/CP, Hilton Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 170
As a frequent and almost exclusive flyer on WN, they are the slowest and always last to implement anything. This isn't surprising at all. The last time they lost my bag and I complained it was ridiculous they had no clue where it was, the agent's response was "scanners cost money, how do you think we still don't have bag fees like everyone else?"
Sep 12, 2019, 9:26 am
#12
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 822
As a frequent and almost exclusive flyer on WN, they are the slowest and always last to implement anything. This isn't surprising at all. The last time they lost my bag and I complained it was ridiculous they had no clue where it was, the agent's response was "scanners cost money, how do you think we still don't have bag fees like everyone else?"