Baggage Services Strategic Partnerships Program

Baggage Services Strategic Partnerships Summary

Baggage Services are a vital component of aviation ground operations, directly impacting both operational efficiency and the passenger experience. Even minor disruptions in the baggage handling system—such as equipment malfunctions or message failures—can lead to delays in passenger flow and extended aircraft turnaround times. To address these challenges, IATA is actively committed to enhancing baggage handling through collaboration, innovation, and modernization. This includes updating global standards to reflect advancements in:

• Real-time baggage tracking
• Electronic bag tags
• Bluetooth and smart technology
• Baggage automation and robotics
• Modern baggage messaging (MBM) using XML
• Off-airport baggage handling solutions
• Prorate and claim processes
• Data exchange and interoperability

At the heart of these efforts is the Baggage Working Group (BWG), which brings together key stakeholders from airlines, airports, ground handlers, and technology providers. The BWG serves as a collaborative platform to address common challenges, share best practices, and drive the implementation of innovative baggage solutions that improve operational performance and elevate the overall passenger journey.

Benefits

Participation in the relevant group(s) below. 

Activities

Access to meetings and working groups are subject to individual group terms of references.

The Baggage Working Group (BWG) is composed of three specialized subgroups, each responsible for advancing and refining IATA’s Baggage Resolutions and Recommended Practices:

Baggage Information Exchange Subgroup (BIX)

The Baggage Information Exchange (BIX) subgroup plays a critical role in modernizing the way baggage data is communicated across the airline industry. Its primary focus is on developing and maintaining global standards for baggage messaging, ensuring seamless and accurate information exchange between airlines, airports, and ground handlers. BIX is actively engaged in:

• Reviewing and refining existing baggage messaging processes
• Identifying operational challenges and inefficiencies in current baggage data exchange practices.
• Driving the industry-wide transition from traditional Type B messaging to XML-based Modern Baggage Messaging (MBM) standards, which offer greater flexibility, richer data structures, and improved interoperability.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem to ensure that new standards meet operational, regulatory, and customer service needs.

This transition to XML(JSON) messaging is a strategic priority, as it supports enhanced baggage tracking, real-time updates, and better integration with digital platforms—ultimately improving the passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Baggage Automation Subgroup

The Baggage Automation subgroup is dedicated to advancing the automation of baggage operations across the aviation industry. Its core mission is to reduce manual interventions and streamline baggage processes through the strategic use of technology, data standards, and innovation.  

This subgroup focuses on several key areas of activity, including:

• Auto-reflighting of left-behind baggage: Developing systems that automatically reassign misrouted or delayed baggage to the next available flight, minimizing delays and improving recovery times.
• Baggage tag technology: Updating and standardizing the use of electronic and RFID-enabled baggage tags to enhance tracking accuracy and reduce mishandling.
• Electronic Bag Tags (EBTs): Supporting the adoption of reusable, digital bag tags that passengers can update remotely via mobile apps. EBTs enhance self-service capabilities, reduce printing needs, and improve tracking accuracy.
• License Plate Number (LPN) concept: Promoting the adoption of LPNs as unique identifiers for individual baggage items, enabling more precise tracking and data exchange throughout the journey.
• Industry-wide baggage tracking implementation: Supporting the rollout of global baggage tracking capabilities in line with IATA Resolution 753, ensuring visibility at key points such as check-in, loading, transfer, and arrival.

Baggage Prorate and Claim Subgroup

The Baggage Prorate and Claim subgroup focuses on activities that are part of the broader baggage handling and customer service processes, especially when dealing with interline travel (multiple airlines) or lost/damaged baggage. This subgroup focuses on streamlining and enhancing processes that support:

• Baggage prorate settlements: Facilitating accurate and fair financial settlements between airlines when baggage issues occur during multi-carrier journeys. Liability and cost-sharing are determined proportionally based on each airline’s segment of the itinerary, in alignment with IATA Resolution 780.
• Automation and digitalization of passenger claims: Supporting the development of tools and platforms that allow passengers to report baggage issues more efficiently—whether at the airport or online—using systems like the Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
• Compensation and liability assessment: Establishing clear, automated processes for evaluating passenger compensation claims based on international conventions and airline policies.
• Reduction of disputes: Promoting transparency and consistency in baggage handling and claim processes to minimize disagreements between carriers and improve customer satisfaction.

By driving innovation and collaboration across the industry, the Baggage Prorate and Claim subgroup contributes to a more efficient, passenger-centric baggage ecosystem, ensuring that financial and operational responsibilities are managed fairly and effectively.

Focus Areas Summary

• Modern Baggage Messaging (MBM):

Transitioning from legacy Type B messaging to XML-based MBM standards for improved data exchange and operational efficiency

• MBM Transportation Requirements & Pilot Testing:

Defining transportation-related requirements for MBM and establishing pilot scenarios to validate implementation strategies.  

• MBM Implementation Guidelines:

  Developing comprehensive guidelines to support consistent and effective deployment of MBM across the industry.

• MBM Enhancement for ULD and Rich Data Transfer:

Expanding MBM capabilities to include Unit Load Device (ULD) elements and enabling the transfer of additional data such as baggage images. 

• Automated Baggage Reflighting:

  Creating new processes and standards to support the automatic reassignment of left-behind baggage to subsequent flights.  

• Real-Time Baggage Tracking: 

  Collaborating with airlines and airports to implement end-to-end baggage tracking in line with IATA Resolution 753.  

• Electronic Bag Tag Implementation:

  Advancing the adoption and integration of electronic bag tags to support self-service, reduce paper usage, and enhance tracking.  

• Automation of Baggage Claim and Prorate Processes: 

  Driving digital transformation in claim handling and interline cost-sharing to reduce disputes and improve passenger service.  

• Baggage Customs and Security:

  Addressing off-airport check-in, advance baggage data sharing with authorities, pre-clearance procedures, screening, and door-to-door delivery.

• BagID and Baggage Reference Manual (BRM) Updates: 

 Maintaining and updating key industry references to reflect evolving standards and technologies

• Enhancement of Baggage Resolutions and Recommended Practices:

Continuously improving the standards published in the Passenger Services Conference Resolution Manual (PSCRM) to align with industry needs and innovations.  

Designed For

A diverse range of industry stakeholders committed to advancing baggage operations and innovation.

These partners may include:

• Technology providers specializing in tags such as electronic bag tags,
• Baggage messaging solutions, reconciliation systems, geolocation and real-time tracking technologies.
• Infrastructure providers offering advanced baggage handling systems (BHS) and automation solutions
• Providers focused on ancillary services such as remote check-in and delivery services

> View the full list of Strategic Partnerships Program Benefits