Baggage handling systems are basically a machine which helps you to transport your bags without putting physical efforts. They simply transfer your bag from one place to another. You can easily see these baggage handling systems at airports and railway stations.
This type of conveyor system helps in transferring the checked luggage from customer areas to the assigned luggage area at the airport. It provides a smooth traveling experience to the passengers. Baggage handling systems play an important role in airports, as it delivers irritation-free travel.
Efficient baggage handling systems attract more passengers as it makes their journey hassle-free. People, who travel via airways, know how hectic the luggage transfer is. They just hate this part of the journey because this process takes more time and test their patience. But with these new baggage handling systems, the luggage process gets simplified.
Functions of Baggage Handling Systems
There are some main functions of these systems which make sure that the luggage reaches their assigned space at the airport. Apart from this function, it performs some more functions like detection of bag jams, bag tracking, load balancing, automatic tag reader (ATR), vertical sortation unit, tilts tray sorters, volume regulation, and others.
Besides all the function, baggage handling systems has the main function to facilitate the movement of luggage of a passenger. Which includes moving luggage from the check-in area to the departure area, moving luggage from one gate to another while transferring, and moving luggage from the arrival area to the baggage claim area.
Technologies involved in these systems
Every machine consists of some technologies which help it to do its assigned functions. These technologies are inbuilt in the machines to facilitate its working. There are many different technologies like RFID sensors and barcode scanners, which baggage handling systems use to help them in processing.
Many airport authorities are investing more in renovating the airport infrastructure to offer a better and comfortable baggage handling experience to passengers. Moreover, technologies like radio-frequency identification (RFID) and destination coded vehicle systems (DCV) helps in making the BHS more effective and efficient.
These technologies make sure that passengers get a smooth and comfortable journey. It facilitates the BHS to serve better with their better performance. The sensors and barcode scanners help the authorities to track luggage and helps to make the process smoother.
Process of baggage handling
When a bag enters into the baggage handling system, it gets a unique barcode attached to it. Airlines also incorporate RFID chips in the tags to trace bags in real-time and to reduce the number of mishandled bags cases.
Then, the BHS scan and sort the bags. After that, a series of diverters with conveyor belt transfer the bags into the baggage handling area. However, the main function of a BHS is the transportation of bags. A typical BHS performs other functions that involve helping a bag to find the correct location at the airport.
Afterward, the BHS tracks the bag, keeps a count of the bags, and reads the tags attached to them. BHS also load and unload bags at the arrival and departure location. During this loading and unloading process, the BHS detect bag jams and also evenly spread the bag volume.
Parties involve in baggage handling
There are at least five parties that get involved in baggage handling. Each party put on some demand on the process and generate their potential conflict of interest. So the parties involved in the process are:
Airports- They focus on achieving maximum quality within the limited budget. To maximize the quality and eliminate their errors and delays in baggage handling, airports aim to improve the baggage handling process.
Passenger- They are a very important part of the process, as all the things aim to provide them better facility. Passengers want a fast, reliable, and hassle-free transfer of luggage which motivates the authorities to invest more and improve the facilities.
Airline- They integrate passenger satisfaction and utilization with minimum investment. All the costs of error and delivery are borne by the airlines, so they invest more in lower down these rates.
Handling agents- They mostly focus on the costs involved. Further, they estimate the airport to offer areas and systems which enable maximum ease of processing.
Security agents- They hold a strong demand for baggage handling. Security anticipates the airport to combine the in-line security process and offer areas for handling.
Conclusion
The Baggage handling systems are very important to simplify the transportation of luggage. It eases down the transfer and help in managing bags and detecting bag jams. These conveyors are implied at airports, railway station and other places where luggage transfer become a hectic job.
Factors like rising air passenger volume, increasing focus on improving the operational efficiency at airports, and major developments in intermodal transport, helps in boosting the baggage handling system market.