Purpose

Strategic Partners in the Baggage Services Area of Involvement can gain a deeper understanding into industry priorities and challenges, enabling them to better support and serve the baggage community in collaboration with airlines, airports, and other solution providers. They contribute to the review and enhancement of existing standards while helping to drive innovation and the future development of baggage services. 

Baggage Services Strategic Partnerships Summary

Baggage Services are a vital component of aviation ground operations, directly impacting both operational efficiency and the passenger experience. Even minor disruptions in the baggage handling system—such as equipment malfunctions or message failures—can lead to delays in passenger flow and extended aircraft turnaround times.

To address these challenges, IATA is actively committed to enhancing baggage handling through collaboration, innovation, and modernization. This includes updating global standards to reflect advancements in:

  • Real-time baggage tracking
  • Electronic bag tags
  • Bluetooth and smart technology
  • Baggage automation and robotics
  • Modern baggage messaging (MBM) using XML
  • Off-airport baggage handling solutions
  • Prorate and claim processes
  • Data exchange and interoperability

Benefits

  • Enhanced opportunity to contribute to the implementation and dissemination of industry standards 
  • Discounted rates for Baggage Working Group documentation
  • Benefit from preferential Strategic Partner rates to attend IATA’s key annual events including the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC)
  • Have your company featured in the IATA Strategic Partnerships online directory
  • Gain visibility by contributing to the quarterly Strategic Partnerships Newsletter, distributed to more than 14,000 aviation stakeholders
  • Use the exclusive IATA Strategic Partner Recognition Stamp (logo)
  • Secure priority booth locations and enhanced placement opportunities at IATA Events, ensuring maximum exposure to airline executives and industry leaders
  • Access opportunities to join panel discussions and deliver presentations at IATA Events, positioning your company as a contributor to the air transport industry (subject to availability)
  • Enjoy discounts across a broad range of IATA products and services, including IATA Training courses, publications, and selected advertising channels.

> More information is available on the Strategic Partnerships Program Benefits page

Baggage Services Activities 

The Baggage Working Group (BWG) brings together key stakeholders from airlines, airports, ground handlers, and technology providers. The BWG serves as a collaborative platform to address common challenges, share best practices, and drive the implementation of innovative baggage solutions that improve operational performance and elevate the overall passenger journey.

Access to meetings and working groups are subject to individual group terms of reference.

The Baggage Working Group (BWG) is composed of three specialized subgroups, each responsible for advancing and refining IATA’s Baggage Resolutions and Recommended Practices:

Baggage Information Exchange Subgroup (BIX)

The Baggage Information Exchange (BIX) subgroup plays a critical role in modernizing the way baggage data is communicated across the airline industry. Its primary focus is on developing and maintaining global standards for baggage messaging, ensuring seamless and accurate information exchange between airlines, airports, and ground handlers. BIX is actively engaged in:

  • Reviewing and refining existing baggage messaging processes
  • Identifying operational challenges and inefficiencies in current baggage data exchange practices.
  • Driving the industry-wide transition from traditional Type B messaging to XML-based Modern Baggage Messaging (MBM) standards, which offer greater flexibility, richer data structures, and improved interoperability.
  • Collaborating with stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem to ensure that new standards meet operational, regulatory, and customer service needs.

This transition to XML(JSON) messaging is a strategic priority, as it supports enhanced baggage tracking, real-time updates, and better integration with digital platforms—ultimately improving the passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Baggage Automation Subgroup

The Baggage Automation subgroup is dedicated to advancing the automation of baggage operations across the aviation industry. Its core mission is to reduce manual interventions and streamline baggage processes through the strategic use of technology, data standards, and innovation.  

This subgroup focuses on several key areas of activity, including:

  • Auto-reflighting of left-behind baggage: Developing systems that automatically reassign misrouted or delayed baggage to the next available flight, minimizing delays and improving recovery times.
  • Baggage tag technology: Updating and standardizing the use of electronic and RFID-enabled baggage tags to enhance tracking accuracy and reduce mishandling.
  • Electronic Bag Tags (EBTs): Supporting the adoption of reusable, digital bag tags that passengers can update remotely via mobile apps. EBTs enhance self-service capabilities, reduce printing needs, and improve tracking accuracy.
  • License Plate Number (LPN) concept: Promoting the adoption of LPNs as unique identifiers for individual baggage items, enabling more precise tracking and data exchange throughout the journey.
  • Industry-wide baggage tracking implementation: Supporting the rollout of global baggage tracking capabilities in line with IATA Resolution 753, ensuring visibility at key points such as check-in, loading, transfer, and arrival.

Baggage Prorate and Claim Subgroup

The Baggage Prorate and Claim subgroup focuses on activities that are part of the broader baggage handling and customer service processes, especially when dealing with interline travel (multiple airlines) or lost/damaged baggage. This subgroup focuses on streamlining and enhancing processes that support:

  • Baggage prorate settlements: Facilitating accurate and fair financial settlements between airlines when baggage issues occur during multi-carrier journeys. Liability and cost-sharing are determined proportionally based on each airline’s segment of the itinerary, in alignment with IATA Resolution 780.
  • Automation and digitalization of passenger claims: Supporting the development of tools and platforms that allow passengers to report baggage issues more efficiently—whether at the airport or online—using systems like the Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
  • Compensation and liability assessment: Establishing clear, automated processes for evaluating passenger compensation claims based on international conventions and airline policies.
  • Reduction of disputes: Promoting transparency and consistency in baggage handling and claim processes to minimize disagreements between carriers and improve customer satisfaction.

By driving innovation and collaboration across the industry, the Baggage Prorate and Claim subgroup contributes to a more efficient, passenger-centric baggage ecosystem, ensuring that financial and operational responsibilities are managed fairly and effectively.

Focus Areas Summary

  • Data exchange
  • Baggage messaging  
  • Baggage operations and innovation  
  • Baggage tracking 

Designed For

A diverse range of industry stakeholders committed to advancing baggage operations and innovation.
These partners may include:

  • Technology providers specializing in tags such as electronic bag tags
  • Baggage messaging solutions, reconciliation systems, geolocation and real-time tracking technologies
  • Infrastructure providers offering advanced baggage handling systems (BHS) and automation solutions
  • Providers focused on ancillary services such as remote check-in and delivery services.