Experienced travelers know that one of the surest ways to continue to find cheap fares, whether they be cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages, is for the airlines to continue to find ways to reduce costs. Many travelers are willing to help so long as the airlines dont pass additional fees onto them. Three airlines (American, Air Canada, and Delta) are working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to gain approval for trial programs that will allow travelers to tag their own checked bags.
Self tagging of luggage is common at foreign airports. Currently in the U.S. only airline agents are allowed to do this task.
Airlines operating in the U.S. have become interested in passenger self tagging because it helps speed customers through the check in process. Self tagging will not incur additional security risks, according to the airlines, because it will not change how bags are screened by TSA after they are dropped off.
One of the trial programs will be at the Boston Logans airport where airline passengers will be able to print baggage tags from several customized self service kiosks and then secure them to their luggage without agent supervision. Passengers checking bags will still have to see an agent who will check ID, scan the tag to validate it, and place bags on a conveyor belt.
American and Air Canada do not have a start date yet, since TSA must give final approval, but hope to start this trial at Logan prior to the busy year-end holidays. The plan is to expand this trial to other airports if the Boston test is deemed successful.
32 airlines overseas use self tagging and at some airports, including Amsterdam and Stockholm, customers are allowed to tag and drop off their luggage at specified spots without having to check in with an agent. This approach eliminates frustration related to waiting in line and removes cost and hassle for the airlines.
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