Technology and services company, Air Black Box, has launched a new baggage transfer solution called ThruBag to help airlines and connection airports provide through baggage service for self-connecting passengers.
ThruBag enables self-connecting passengers to check their baggage to their final destination airport and avoid the hassle of rechecking luggage at connecting airports.
While traditional airport and airline baggage processes only work for legacy itineraries where all flights are on the same ticket, ThruBag replicates the convenience of through-checked interline baggage, even for those not travelling on legacy interline itineraries. The connecting-baggage solution is available to self-connecting passengers, as well as all kinds of airlines, including low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers. It is designed for easy deployment across airports and airlines alike, with no need to change underlying systems.
Until now, checked baggage has proven an obstacle for self-connecting passengers. According to OAG, 58% of air travellers are aware of options to self-connect their flight itineraries, but only 40% of those travellers have self-connected. They have had to reclaim their checked bags at their connecting airport and recheck them for their onward flight. Subsequently they have to go through the security checkpoint again and if flying internationally, must also clear customs and immigration.
“This is really a solution whose time has come, and that’s demonstrated by the level of interest we are seeing from airports and airlines worldwide who want to gain a competitive advantage using ThruBag,” said Patrick Edmond, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Black Box. “We’re confident that ThruBag will help our airport partners to position themselves as attractive connecting hubs, while airlines can increase passenger satisfaction and choice, and that means more revenue for both airports and airlines,” he added.
