SITA’s Baggage IT Insights 2024 finds a decline in the number of mishandled bags, dropping from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023 and a rise in passenger numbers to 5.2 billion.
The report suggests that the decreased rate of mishandling despite the increase in passenger traffic indicates investments in technology are paying off, noting that tech advances are reducing mishandling incidents whilst giving passengers enhanced visibility and control over their baggage journey.
Additionally, the findings highlighted growing trends for self-service technologies with two-thirds of airlines offering unassisted bag drop services, and 85 per cent of airports introducing self-service bag drop technology in 2023.
David Lavorel, SITA CEO, said:
“Automation removes human error and reduces how much companies rely on manual processes. And advanced tracking systems allow real time monitoring and swift recovery of mishandled bags. Self-service tech, like biometrics and touchless systems, are pivotal in enhancing baggage mishandling rates. What’s clear is that the industry is absolutely set on giving passengers complete visibility and control over their baggage journey.“
Looking forward, the report suggests that through data-driven approaches, passengers will soon have a clearer understanding of their baggage journey, and the industry will deliver on greater operational efficiencies.
For more details on the long term improvements in regional performance, read the full report here.
For more on baggage see:
- Changi trials new autonomous baggage handling vehicle
- Air New Zealand expands in app baggage tracking
- SITA and Lufthansa address the industry’s $2.2 billion pain point with the automation of reflighting of baggage
