Alaska Airlines recently announced that it will launch an "electronic" bag tag designed to simplify the checked baggage process. It is the first U.S. airline to offer this service. However, the bag tag must be purchased, and it is reportedly intended to last for life.
After watching the demo video, though, it seems this "electronic" bag tag is basically just a baggage tag plus a QR code. When you fly, you use the Alaska app to scan the tag and link it to your trip. Then, when checking your bag, you just scan the ticket information on your phone, so there is no need to print out a long paper baggage tag again.
British Airways had launched something similar before, but not many people ever bought it, and it has since even been discontinued.
In my view, if they really wanted to make a truly electronic tag—something more like an Apple AirTag that could track your bag’s current location—that would actually be useful. It could help prevent someone from taking your bag by mistake or the airline from losing it.
