Digitizing the Baggage Tag for a Connected Journey
Electronic Baggage Tags (EBT) enable the use of digital bag tags, allowing passengers and airlines to replace traditional paper tags with secure, electronic alternatives. EBT supports the digital issuance, update, and validation of baggage tag information that improves accuracy, efficiency, and passenger convenience across the baggage journey.
When combined with digital baggage messaging standards, Electronic Baggage Tags help create a more connected, automated, and reliable baggage process.
What does EBT Enable?
- Reduced reliance on paper baggage tags
- Improved tag accuracy and validation
- Faster check-in and bag drop processes
- Better integration with digital baggage systems
How EBT Works in the Digital Baggage Ecosystem
Electronic Baggage Tags are designed to work within the existing baggage ecosystem, enhanced by modern digital standards.
- Baggage tag data is issued digitally by the airline
- The electronic tag is updated securely before travel
- The bag enters the baggage handling system as usual
- Tag data is exchanged through Baggage Messaging standards
By aligning EBT with modern messaging and data exchange, airlines and airports can maintain operational continuity while enabling digital innovation.
Benefits
Electronic Baggage Tags enable new operational models and passenger experiences that are not possible with traditional paper tags. By digitizing baggage identification, airlines and airports can extend baggage processing beyond the airport while improving efficiency, sustainability, and operational control.
Greater Passenger Convenience and Flexibility
Electronic Baggage Tags support baggage processing beyond the traditional airport environment, enabling more flexible and passenger-centric travel experiences.
- Check-in from home, hotel, or remote locations, allowing bags to be prepared before arriving at the airport
- Reduced passenger or airline crew queuing at check-in, supporting smoother terminal flow and improved service levels
- Ideal for home pickup and remote bag drop services, enabling fully integrated off-airport baggage processing
Faster and More Responsive Operations
Digital tagging allows baggage to be processed and identified more quickly, particularly in time-critical or disrupted scenarios.
- On-the-go rush bag processing, enabling faster identification and prioritization of time-sensitive baggage
- Improved operational agility through digitally updated baggage information
Enhanced Precision and Situational Awareness
Electronic Baggage Tags can support advanced location and proximity detection capabilities when combined with compatible technologies.
- Improved confidence in baggage positioning within operational environments
Implementation Approach
Electronic Baggage Tags can be introduced in a controlled and scalable manner, without disrupting existing operations.
Key Implementation Considerations
- Compatibility with existing baggage handling systems
- Alignment with baggage tag media standards
- Clear passenger guidance and eligibility rules
- Integration with digital baggage messaging and systems
The IATA Electronic Bag Tag (EBT) Implementation Guide (pdf) provides practical guidance for airlines, airports, and solution providers.
Personal Bluetooth Trackers
An increasing number of passengers use personal Bluetooth tracking devices to monitor the location of their checked baggage, including devices that operate within widely deployed consumer location-finding networks. These technologies reflect growing passenger expectations for enhanced visibility throughout the baggage journey.
When appropriately integrated and supported through industry collaboration, data from personal Bluetooth tracking devices has the potential to complement airline operational tracking, extend visibility beyond traditional infrastructure, and enhance situational awareness across broader baggage handling environments.
In the future, as the collaboration between manufacturers, airports, and airlines matures and enables the integration of data from personal Bluetooth trackers with airlines' operational data, passengers' consent will play a pivotal role in allowing airlines to utilize the information from Bluetooth trackers for improved baggage handling throughout the journey.
Further information on the opportunities and considerations associated with personal Bluetooth tracking devices in baggage operations is available in the IATA whitepaper: