When should I use a green Star Alliance "Transfer" flag on my airline bag tag?
When checking in for my TAP Air Portugal flight this week at Heathrow Airport, I noticed that the self check-in kiosks had stacks of bright green bag tag flags. These flags were printed with the Star Alliance logo and the word "TRANSFER". I had a connection in Lisbon to another TAP flight; while I didn't use the green tags, I wondered if I should have.
Are these tags used to identify bags that are transferring between Star Alliance airlines, or within the same airline, or something completely different? When should I put one in my bag tag?
Best Answer
General information on baggage handling:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bag_tag
- What does the 10 digit code on luggage tags represent?
- https://www.iata.org/brm/ ($$$)
- https://www.iata.org/en/programs/ops-infra/baggage/standards/ ($$$)
- http://www.jtaer.com/statistics/download/download.php?co_id=JTA20080110 (for the upcoming RFID based luggage handling)
When should I use a green Star Alliance “Transfer” flag on my airline bag tag? When should I put one in my bag tag?
When you feel like it or if it generally makes you feel happy. They serve no direct operational purpose mentioned in any IATA manual (obviously barring discretionary airport guidelines on baggage management systems).
Having said that, certain star alliance hubs have additional 360° scanners that recognize such tags if attached to the official baggage tag. I am not aware of any system that makes routing or sorting decisions based on this.
Are these tags used to identify bags that are transferring between Star Alliance airlines, or within the same airline, or something completely different?
They merely serve as visual hints, however all luggage handling has to run by LPN number (10 Digit License Plate). This number will provide a link to your itinerary in the BRS (Baggage Reconciliation System), which in turn will know your transfer route. It's imperative for baggage handling systems that luggage during transfer be not significantly faster nor slower than the passenger transfer time.
Star Alliance priority tags are sometimes recognized in baggage loading/unloading and sorting processes by certain star alliance hubs (mostly during solar eclipse). You might have seen those before:
Pictures about "When should I use a green Star Alliance "Transfer" flag on my airline bag tag?"
What should you not write on a luggage tag?
Since your luggage tag is attached to the outside of your suitcase, potential thieves could easily take a picture of your tag and rob your house while you're away. That's why you shouldn't write your home address, home phone number, or your friend's address there.What airlines are part of the Star Alliance network?
Air Canada, Air India, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.What is the point of Star Alliance?
Star Alliance was created in 1997. Its central idea was to offer ease of access and smooth transitions when flying on different airlines across its vast network of routes.Should you put a tag on your luggage?
Attach luggage tags to both carry-on and checked luggage. Carry-on Luggage. Attach luggage tags to all carry-on luggage; you may end up having to store it far away from your seat. In the case of smaller carriers or overbooking, you may also be asked to check your carry-on luggage as you begin to board the plane.The BEST Way to Use Amex MR Points for TRAVEL
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