Title: The state of RFID for effective baggage tracking in the airline industry

Authors: Peter D. DeVries

Addresses: Department of Finance, Accounting and CIS, University of Houston – Downtown, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Abstract: This article examines the state of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as a solution to the problem of tracking baggage within the commercial aviation industry. The benefits and drawbacks of RFID are examined. The cost of RFID tags is still a major barrier to implementation for leaders within the industry. The technology will definitely benefit those with successful implementations as it will lead to improved customer service and satisfaction. The challenge is in building the business case, which involves cooperation between airports and airlines in providing RFID infrastructure. Benefits must be analysed over cross-functional processes owned by different departments and organisations.

Keywords: radio frequency identification; RFID; baggage handling; baggage tracking; airline industry; customer service; Delta Airlines.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2008.016574

International Journal of Mobile Communications, 2008 Vol.6 No.2, pp.151 - 164

Published online: 11 Jan 2008 *

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