British Airways Announces New Electronic Baggage Tags

British Airways is hoping to eliminate the need to visit its baggage counter or kiosk with a brand new, high tech baggage tag. The idea is that you don't have to get a new baggage tag every time you go to the airport; instead, update the tag yourself and drop off your bag. The tag is updated via your smartphone, which scans the electronic tag and automatically updates it with a unique barcode containing flight details and an easy-to-see view of the bag’s destination.

"This is a fantastically simple, yet smart device that gives each customer the choice to have their own personalized electronic baggage tag that changes with the swipe of a smartphone – every time they fly," said Frank van der Post, British Airways’ managing director, brands and customer experience. "As the saying goes, 'good things come in small packages,' and this innovative device is no exception. Along with other initiatives we are investing in, we believe it has the potential to revolutionize the way our customers check in and pass through every airport around the world in the future."

British Airways says trials of the new electronic bag tag will begin next month, though there's no indication as to when the rest of us can expect to see this technology. British Airways didn't mention anything about the technology behind the tags, such as what kind of display the devices will use, how they'll communicate with our smartphones, if they'll be rechargeable (or if not, how long they'll last), nor do we know how much they will cost.