The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new data highlighting significant strides in baggage tracking implementation by airlines and airports worldwide. According to a recent survey of 155 airlines and 94 airports, 44% of airports have fully implemented IATA’s Resolution 753, which mandates baggage tracking at critical points during the travel journey, with an additional 41% actively working towards compliance.

The survey revealed a regional disparity in adoption rates, with 88% of airlines in China and North Asia fully embracing the resolution, compared to 60% in the Americas, 40% in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and 27% in Africa. Overall, 75% of the surveyed airports now possess the capability to track baggage in accordance with Resolution 753.

Optical barcode scanning remains the prevalent technology that 73% of airports use for baggage tracking. However, RFID technology, deemed more efficient, has been implemented by 27% of the surveyed airports and is favoured by 54% of the world’s largest airports, handling over 40 million passengers annually.

Since the adoption of Resolution 753 in June 2018, baggage mishandling has decreased by nearly 60% between 2007 and 2022. Despite this improvement, a report by SITA last year indicated a surge in baggage mishandling rates attributed to the resumption of international flights post-COVID-19, staffing shortages, and airport congestion.

IATA is leading the transition from the traditional ‘Type B’ baggage tracking messaging to a modern XML-based standard, with a pilot project slated for this year. Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, commented on the advancements: “Tracking bags at acceptance, loading, transfer, and delivery will give the industry the data it needs to improve. With 44% of airlines already fully implementing Resolution 753 tracking and a further 41% in progress, travellers can have even more confidence that their bags will be at the carousel on arrival.”

The shift to modern messaging standards is expected to facilitate clearer communication among airlines, airports, and ground handling staff regarding passenger luggage, further reducing mishandling incidents and paving the way for future innovations in baggage management systems.