Baggage Improvement Program: Looking back to move forward

2010 saw IATA bring the total number of airports visited as part of the Baggage Improvement Program (BIP) up to 46. The total number of airports participating in the self-help program went up to 27.

Lessons learnt: Baggage mishandling is still an industry-wide issue. The most valuable solution in the IATA BIP toolkit is the introduction of baggage tracking, especially the introduction of arrival bag scanning - as this can confirm a bag was actually delivered to an airport. The general increase in tracking has greatly improved baggage visibility, especially in the USA where all major carriers have introduced comprehensive baggage tracking projects.

The most adopted IATA BIP toolkit solution was agent training - both at the check-in area and at the transfer baggage system output points. Small changes in these areas can greatly reduce the number of problem bags at an airport. Read rates are increased by ensuring baggage labels are straight and visible, damage is reduced by using tubs correctly and baggage jams are prevented by tidying straps away and placing bags with wheels facing up. For information and updates visit the BIP website.