The results are in, and Self Bag Drops (SBD) were voted as the top emerging Baggage Handling System (BHS) technology to be adopted as standard equipment over the next ten (10) years. Not surprising though, with SBDs being installed all over the U.S. over the last couple of years. Most notably the 86 new units in use at Denver International Airport (DEN) and the fully automated unit installed at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) by Spirit Airlines. Below are some quick facts about SBDs:
1. SITA produced/installed the first version of the SBD in 1997 for Air Alaska.
2. US airports have been slow to adopt fully automated SBD technology due to the TSA’s requirement to have a ticketing agent verify a passenger’s identity.
3. DEN Recently installed and commissioned 86 Materna IPS units as part of the Great Hall Project. With a go live for Southwest and United Airlines check-in in early November 2021.
4. Spirit Airlines installed and commissioned a fully automated Materna IPS SBD at DFW in late 2021. This unit allows the passenger to check bags without ticketing agent identification verification using built in biometrics that verify the passenger’s identity by scanning and comparing their face to their driver’s license/passport.
Contact us to see how Logplan can help you with your next BHS project.
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