IATA Launches 10-Year Global Baggage Roadmap to Revolutionize Baggage Operations and Improve Passenger Experience

(IN SHORT) IATA has unveiled a 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap to modernize baggage operations, aiming to improve operational efficiency and meet passenger expectations. The roadmap focuses on three main pillars: enhancing baggage information exchange, introducing advanced baggage tracking and automation technologies, and streamlining the baggage claim process. This initiative is designed to provide passengers with real-time baggage tracking and smoother service, while reducing the airline industry’s spending on outdated systems. The roadmap is part of IATA’s broader efforts to enhance ground operations and improve overall passenger experience.

(PRESS RELEASE) NAIROBI, 2025-May-15 — /Travel PR News/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap aimed at modernizing baggage operations to improve both operational efficiency and traveler satisfaction. Developed in collaboration with airlines, airports, and industry partners, the roadmap sets a clear strategy to enhance baggage management processes and meet the evolving expectations of passengers.

Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, explained, “Baggage is a crucial element for travelers. They expect their checked bags to arrive on time, and if something goes wrong, they want to know where their bags are. IATA polling revealed that 81% of travelers want better baggage tracking, 74% expect real-time updates on their phones, and 67% are open to switching to electronic bag tags. The Global Baggage Roadmap will help us move towards fully automated, digital baggage services that passengers are increasingly demanding.”

The roadmap is structured around three key pillars:

1. Baggage Information Exchange and Data Standardization: This focuses on aligning how baggage information is shared among airlines, airports, and other partners. By replacing outdated systems like teletype with modern messaging standards, baggage reconciliation will become faster, with fewer delays caused by data errors, and more reliable service recovery when issues arise. This shift will also significantly reduce the airline industry’s annual USD 1 billion spend on teletype messaging.

2. Baggage Tracking and Automation: This will ensure better visibility of baggage throughout its journey, including the use of electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and robotics. These technologies will allow passengers to track their bags in real time, ensuring smoother transfers and arrivals.

3. Streamlining the Baggage Claim Process: The roadmap includes measures to combat baggage fraud and improve customer experience, enabling airlines to resolve passenger claims more swiftly and reduce baggage-related fraud.

Mejstrikova added, “This roadmap will build on the progress of past initiatives to modernize baggage processes, taking a holistic view of what needs to be accomplished over the next decade. With the support of all stakeholders, we are better positioned than ever to enhance traveler satisfaction and deliver the digital, automated, and customer-centric service that passengers expect from other sectors.”

IATA’s Global Baggage Roadmap complements its broader efforts to modernize ground operations, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience. IATA will collaborate closely with stakeholders to develop implementation guidance, provide training, and monitor progress as the industry works towards these ambitious goals.

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SOURCE: International Air Transport Association (IATA)