Qatar Airways rolls out reusable NFC bag tags for contactless luggage check-in
Passengers travelling on flights operated by Qatar Airways can now transfer their flight details to a reusable electronic bag tag attached to the luggage they have checked in via the airline’s mobile app by tapping their NFC smartphone on the device. Qatar Airways reusable NFC bag tags
Once they have updated their flight information on the programmable batteryless bag tag, users can then scan the device at a self-service bag-drop point or check-in desk without needing to print a paper tag and attach it to their luggage before dropping it off for loading.
“The reusable electronic device with functional e-paper can be easily prepared and attached to baggage by travellers at home,” Netherlands-based technology provider Bagtag explains.
BAGTAG was founded in 2014 in the Netherlands, with the purpose of introducing the world’s first flexible and secure electronic bag tag solution.
Having developed in close cooperation with the world’s leading airlines, the company launched its hardware solution in 2018 with the Lufthansa Group and is now leading the market for electronic bag tags.
Follow the instructions to check in your baggage with BAGTAG in the Qatar Airways app: Qatar Airways reusable NFC bag tags
Check in to your flight
Start the process by checking in to your flight on the Qatar Airways app.
Click on the ‘Create baggage label’ option to start checking in your bag and create an electronic label. Follow the steps in the app.
Check-in your baggage
Select your upcoming flight and follow the instructions to check in your baggage.
Transfer to your BAGTAG
When your baggage is checked you receive the baggage tag in the app.
The label is now ready to be transferred to your BAGTAG. Follow the instructions in the app to do so.
You will receive a confirmation e-mail that your bag was successfully checked in and labelled.
Drop off at the airport
As a BAGTAG user, you arrive at the airport fully prepared. You only have to drop off your baggage.
BAGTAGs are accepted at self-service bag drop machines and at manned check-in counters as well.
Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East to introduce NFC bag tags and add support for Bagtag devices sold by other airlines including Air Dolomiti, Austrian, China Southern, Lufthansa, SWISS, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and SkyWest.
Alaska Airlines NFC electronic bag tags
Alaska Airlines revealed its plans to roll out the NFC electronic bag tags in July 2022 – during this initial phase, the use of electronic bag tags for their passengers will be further optimized. Alaska Airlines’ BAGTAG services will be available to all guests in early 2023 and will function on all Alaska Airlines marketed flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and SkyWest Airlines in the United States. Qatar Airways reusable NFC bag tags
It’s always a good idea to label your baggage with your contact information, both on the outside and inside. This will make it easier for airlines or authorities to contact you if your baggage is lost or delayed. Additionally, using a BAGTAG greatly reduces the likelihood of losing your baggage. Why? Due to the fact that an electronic bag tag is much more robust and durable in bad winter weather than a paper label, it is much less likely that baggage handlers will mishandle your bag.
Overall, travelling with check-in baggage during the holiday period can be challenging, but with a little planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Your holiday travels can go off without a hitch if you know the policies and limitations of your airline, pack sensibly, and label your bags properly.
Safe travels!
