Aviation has always been a fast-paced industry, with the constant need for efficiency and seamless operations. Use of technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), QR (Quick Response) codes, etc. has totally transformed the way passengers check in and experience their plane journey. The baggage tracking and baggage claim has also been streamlined now, giving flyers real-time updates on their luggage.
In past few years, the integration of QR (Quick Response) codes in aviation has revolutionized the way passengers board flights and retrieve their baggage.
Before we explore the benefits and practical applications of QR codes in aviation and how they facilitate fast boarding and efficient baggage claim processes, let’s see what a QR code is.
A QR code is a 2D barcode image in the shape of a square, with black and white patterns inspired from the popular game GO. It was first developed by Masahiro Hara, a Japanese engineer at Denso Wave Company, in 1994, Japan.
QR codes are more efficient and as the name suggest Quick Responsive. A QR can hold more data than a traditional UPC barcode. You can write a QR code with texts (more than 200 words), phone number, address, image, PDF, URL etc.
Digiyatra and QR Based Boarding Pass
When it comes to QR codes uses in aviation industry, the Indian aviation department has started the digiyatra app where passengers can check in and board their flight without having to get in long queue during check in. The digiyatra app allows flyers to store their valid govt. IDs and biometrics (facial recognition) which lets them in quickly and boarding the flight becomes easier. Flyers can carry their QR based boarding pass in their phone and have a smooth flying experience.
QR Codes and Fast Boarding
Electronic Boarding Passes
QR codes have replaced traditional paper boarding passes, allowing passengers to conveniently access their boarding information on their mobile devices. The QR technology makes your boarding pass completely electronic and eliminates the need to print and carry physical tickets, reducing paper waste and increasing convenience.
Streamlined Check-in
QR code on boarding pass has successfully streamlined the check-in process by providing passengers with a personalized, scannable code that contains all necessary information, including flight details and seat assignments. The check-in process is accelerated as passengers can simply scan the QR code at self-service kiosks or designated checkpoints.
Enhanced Security
The information in QR codes can be encrypted which enhances the security measures, making it more difficult for counterfeit boarding passes to be used. The unique and dynamic nature of QR codes adds an extra layer of authentication, increasing passenger safety as well.
Efficient Baggage Claim with QR Codes
Baggage Tagging
QR codes enable efficient baggage tagging, simplifying the identification and tracking of luggage. In this process (baggage tagging), each bag is assigned a unique QR code that contains essential information such as the passenger's name, contact details, and flight details ensuring accurate and streamlined baggage handling processes.
Real-time Tracking
QR codes also facilitate real-time tracking of luggage, allowing passengers to monitor the progress of their bags from check-in to final destination. Passengers are alerted about the boarding and deboarding of their luggage from the airports and this transparency reduces the risk of lost or mishandled baggage and provides passengers with peace of mind. This significantly improves the flyer experience as well. Efficient management of luggage by the airlines also reduces the losses airlines often face. Nearly 220,000 bags were mishandled by US airlines in April 2022 alone as per this report by US air transportation department.
Self-Service Baggage Retrieval
QR codes can be scanned by passengers themselves at self-service kiosks in the baggage claim area eliminating the need for long queues and minimizing staff involvement, resulting in faster baggage claim time. This also helps with flyer experience as people often are stuck with baggage claim, looking for their luggage.
To summarize, QR codes have significantly contributed to the efficiency and convenience of air travel by expediting the boarding process and enhancing baggage claim procedures. From eliminating the need for physical boarding passes to the real-time tracking of luggage, these codes have redefined the aviation industry.
As more airlines adopt new age technologies such as QR code and RFID tags, and BLE beacons, the flyer experience will significantly improve resulting in less chaos and more fulfilling air travel across the world.
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