Paper 03: Aviation Industry, Ticketing and Frontier Formalities

Module 15: Baggage Handling Systems & Procedures

THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal,

Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam,

Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh

Paper Coordinator Dr. Sandeep Walia,

Head of Department, UITHM, Chandigarh University

Paper Co-Coordinator Dr. Jaswinder Sharma,

Assistant Professor UIHTM, Panjab University Chandigarh

Content Writer Dr. Amit Katoch,

Assistant Professor UIHTM, Panjab University Chandigarh

Content Reviewer Prof. C. M. Parsheera,

Director, IVS, MTA, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
ITEMS DESCRIPTION OF MODULE
Subject Name Tourism & Hospitality
Paper Name Aviation Industry, Ticketing and Frontier Formalities
Module Title Baggage Handling Systems & Procedures

Module Id Module No- 15

Pre- Requisites Understanding of Airport & its procedures
Objectives To study the baggage handling system & baggage types

Keywords Baggage handling system, Baggage types, Baggage security,

Mishandled baggage

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Learning Outcome
2. Introduction
3. The Baggage handling systems
4. Baggage, types & their handling procedures
5. Baggage handling
6. Baggage security
7. Mishandled baggage
8. Summary
 QUADRANT I

Baggage Handling Systems & Procedures

At the end of the module, the learners will know about the:

1. Know about the Baggage handling systems

2. Distinguish the baggage, its types & their handling procedures

3. about the baggage security

5. And the Mishandled baggage

Introduction

Whenever we are planning for new passenger terminal it is exceptionally vital to design a
baggage handling system (BHS) that will necessarily meet the requirements of the a terminal
and its passenger. That's why whenever we are planning of baggage handling systems, the
two important aspects to be considered as the size and operation of the airport terminals. As
these greatly impact the choice of specific design components to create an efficient and
proper baggage handling system for the novel a terminal. Other aspects which influence the
type of baggage handling system the space and necessity off the air terminal, the budget kept
by the owner of the airport, the type of the aircraft, the fleet of the Airlines and the function
standards of the Airlines. All these factors assist the airport designer, planner and baggage
handling system planner or designer to decide the finest design for the air terminal.

Baggage Handling Systems

A baggage handling system primarily consist of various areas that aid various roles
comprising inputs of baggage, screening area, makeup area and claim area. Furthermore, the
support areas for baggage handling system are necessary which contains space used for motor
control rooms, control rooms. Programmable Logic controller vaults and supplementary non
conveyor components of baggage handling system. And the support areas of the BHS may
vary greatly depending on the air terminal cost, design and functions. The input areas to
insert baggage into the baggage handling system are ticket counter areas, baggage check in
areas and any other conveyor lines.

A programmed or electronic inline baggage screening systems which are widely used in the
air terminals is known as the screening area. These programmed baggage screening systems
comprises explosive detection systems (EDS) units which consists of one or more matrixes.

The BHS also has a makeup area that is designated berths or piers or makeup devices
for heaping the luggage onto the related flights. In case the makeup area is without sortation,
the luggage is sorted manually. The claim area comprises of a flat plate or slope bed baggage
delivery and various configurations of oversize baggage delivery.
The baggage and passengers are divided into 6 prominent categories:
1. International Originating Passengers’
2. Domestic Originating Passengers
3. International Destination Passengers’
4. Domestic Destination Passengers
5. International Transfer Passengers
6. Domestic Transfer Passengers

All the volume of the passenger categories decides the type and size of baggage handling
system and the various phases required for their planning. In absence of any accumulated
data of baggage carried. It is advocated that 1.25 to 2.0 bags are carried by international
passengers while 1.0 to 1.25 bags are carried by domestic passengers.

And surely the originating passenger’s arrival summary pooled together with a flight
schedule helps to calculate the baggage volumes of the outbound travel in a day. This in turn
can help to size the input and checked baggage screening and requirement of baggage
makeup systems. And, the same goes with the pattern of arriving flights, where the baggage
volumes arriving passengers pooled together with flight schedule help in estimating the
requirements for inbound baggage handling and baggage claim area.

The space and structure of the air terminal decide the corporal arrangement of departures,
arrivals, and baggage make-up facilities. If, the air terminal is a multi-storied building, then
arrival and departure locations can be present on the different levels. On contrary, if the
terminal is a single level facility, then in that case the facilities for arrival and departure can
be present on the same level. Generally, the large and multi-storeyed structures have
departure levels above the arrival levels. But, each service area for traveller should give best
service or excellent level of service.

During the peak seasons, retractable walls can be designed in the claim areas to provide
excellent services to the travellers and at the same time give excellent level of service. Hence,
the airport owner should also take into account the budget of BHS keeping in mind the
requirements of the arrival and departure services.

The outbound baggage have five types of inputs that is staffed check-in counters, self-service
check-in kiosks, bag drop counters, self-tagging stations, curb side check-in.

The baggage flows which need to be considered are of nine types, that is:

1. Domestic Check-in. comprises of all levels of service (LOS) provided within the
same area i.e. first class, business, and coach class check-in.

2. International Check-in: is present where the flow of international travelers is huge

and of course the terminal is bestowed to check in facilities of international traffic. If,
the domestic & international is catered at the terminal, then it can use the same
conveyor belt; until there are no scheduled international departures.

3. Remote Check-in: In case the airport terminal has high flows of family vacationers
or travelers going for business conference. In that case, for check-in and transfer of
luggage, there are appropriate secured vendors, though for suitable baggage screening
proceeding to departure.

4. International Recheck: may be present in case the international domestic passengers

are going via domestic flights.
 5. Odd-Sized Check-in: in case the baggage of the international or domestic travelers is
large or of odd size. In that case the operation cannot be performed by normal
conveyor belt and would require an odd-sized belt system or handled manually.

6. Group Check-in: These checks in counters are present at vacation destinations and
have the belt which nourishes outbound baggage system.

7. Transfer Baggage: In the main hub destinations, huge capacities of baggage transfer
is not possible unless there are separate load belts which feed the outbound baggage
system which is further connected to automated or manual sortation system.

8. Early Bag Storage systems (EBSSs): are used in some facilities, when huge amount
of transfer bags arrive prior than flight departure. These systems are separate than the
outbound baggage systems and feed the Baggage Handling Systems for sortation &
delivery. A dedicated transfer load belt or an alteration from the outbound sortation
system may facilitate the early originating bags.

9. Special handling items: Such as pets, firearms, sports gears, bikes, wheel chairs,
medical instruments are non-conveyable in nature and require specialized procedures
for handling & delivery.

Baggage Sortation Systems: are used in the sorting of baggage & luggage. They are broadly
of four types:
1. Centralized sortation (localized to terminal)
2. Decentralized sortation (localized to gates)
3. Common-use sortation system
4. Manual sortation

Centralized sortation (localized to terminal): It collects all the baggage. Then, initiating
and transferring to one location and further transferring luggage to sortation system. These
systems use automated tag readers (ATR’S) for automated scanning and universal encoding
consoles (UECs) for manual sortation, in case the automated scan fails.
Decentralized sortation (localized to gates): sorts the bag at two or more locations and
actual sortation performed adjacent to the individual airplane.

Common-use sortation system: combines all of the bags of all airlines into a common
sortation and delivery system. These sort the bags by carrier destination.

Manual sortation: do not use automated tag readers (ATR’S) and universal encoding
consoles (UECs). The baggage sorting occurs manually by using UEC i.e. manual encode
stations in the baggage make up area.

In order to do appropriate operation of the baggage sortation, the following elements are
important such as:

1. Drive aisle/drive-through rights-of-way and circulation

2. Baggage cart staging
3. Building column spacing
4. Maintenance and bag jam clearing access
5. BHS control room
6. Human–machine interface graphics
7. Motor control panel locations
8. Programmable logic controller vaults
9. BHS maintenance room
10. BHS spare parts room
11. BHS remote monitoring locations

The two main types of mechanical baggage claim areas are flat plate units comprising the
configuration as “L,” “T,” or “U”. Bags are loaded on the secured non-public side, then pass
through the wall, and are claimed by passengers and sloped bed units can be present
anywhere and the feed conveyors able to reach unit from above or below.
The odd-sized baggage is moved in three ways i.e. oversized belt (45 to 65 inches broad),
oversized slide (6 to 10 feet in width) and the manual lay down.

Baggage, types & their handling procedures

Baggage on luggage comprises bags or the materials, suitcase, hand baggage, containers etc.
which are carried by the Traveller during their journey or transits. The word baggage has
been derived from the French word baggage or from bagues which means tie up or bundles.

The baggage broadly comes in three categories:

 Cabin baggage
 Checked baggage
 Special baggage

Cabin baggage or hand baggage or carry-on baggage:

The cabin baggage is baggage that is carried and can be stored in the cabin and is in full
control and custody of the passengers it is also known as carry-on baggage. It includes items
like purse, laptop. And, it contains other special items but information of that has to be given
in advance such as Holy human remains in urns.

Prior to carriage of cabin baggage assessment of the size, number and weight of items should
be done as per the air operators standards. Also, the weight aspect with regard to the cabin
baggage should be checked. In case the carry-on baggage exceeds the free allowance weight
or size. Then it should be hold checked and charged accordingly. A traveller prior to boarding
of an aircraft should be well aware about the dangerous food items and be honest enough to
convey it to the airline operator.

Usually all types of baggage including the cabin baggage is a handover to airline handling
agent at the check in Counter. And there after the passengers receive the boarding pass prior
to boarding an aircraft.

If the cabin baggage does not meet the cabin standards then in that case it can be
accommodated in and checked baggage.

As told earlier, all types of baggage including the checked baggage is collected at the check
in area of the airport. The Traveller is permitted to carry-on luggage with him/her in the
cabin. The size or dimensions of the hand baggage in India should be equal to 115 cm {height
55 cm (22 inch) plus length 35 cm (14 inch) plus with 25 cm (10 inch)} for Boeing and
Airbus totalling the dimensions in case of international sectors and 110 cm for domestic
sector (height 55 cm 22 inches loves length 35 cm 14 inches plus width 20 cm 8 inch). The
maximum weight omitted for hand by gauges is 8 kg for passengers.

When a new-born infant or infant if is doing journey present along with an adult, a carrycot
or fully collapsible stroller etc. Apart from the above hand baggage allowances, one of the
following items of baggage is also allowed such as ladies handbag over and over coat,
Orange, camera or Binocular, reasonable amount of reading material for the flight, infants
feed, collapsible wheelchair etc.

The infant or toddler is not given seat or free baggage allowance. Though, the adult
accompanying the child can carry a carrycot or a collapsible stroller in cabin space, if
available or in checked baggage. An abnormal sized luggage will not be allowed in the cabin.
Though, apart from the one piece of cabin baggage, the traveller may be allowed to carry one
item such as an overcoat, lady’s hand bag, camera or binoculars, overcoat or wrap, reading
material, Collapsible wheelchair, a pair of crutches or braces, Folding umbrella, Walking
stick, Medicines, laptop etc. The traveller’s will not be allowed to carry liquids, gels or
aerosols such as toothpaste, cream, lotions, hair gels, sprays, liquid cosmetics etc.

Due, to security reasons, travellers going to some cities such as Srinagar in Jammu &
Kashmir are not allowed to carry any hand baggage. Also, the Sikh travellers are allowed to
carry kripan, but not exceeding 9 inches within India. The power banks can be carried in hand
baggage; however lithium battery driven devices are prohibited.

Checked Baggage

The checked baggage is the baggage which the air carrier takes into his custody and
issues a baggage check full stop and then this baggage goes for storage in the hold of the
aircraft. The air operator has full right to refuse the check in baggage if it is improperly or
inadequately packed for Air carriage on the ground of weight, size and nature. Every baggage
on the aircraft should display his name with the baggage tag. All the passengers travelling in
aircraft are entitled to a predetermined checked baggage allowance which is fixed by the air
operator. Incase of checked baggage allowance two concepts are used. The weight concept is
used which measures the total weight of checked baggage and whose limit is lay down
depending upon the category of cabin class. In some airlines the piece concept is also used
and measure of the number of the checked baggage is done.

In case the checked baggage exceeds the weight of piece concept, in that case excess baggage
per kg or number is charged. In domestic airlines within India the child baggage allowance
varies from first class to economy class. It is 40 kg in case of first class, 35 kg in case of
business class, 25 kg in case of economy class and 10 kg in case of infants for all classes.

The passenger handovers the checked baggage in the check in area to the airport staff. First of
all the air staff checks for the security sticker and condition of the baggage. And makes sure
that the baggage has be screened properly and do not contain any dangerous articles. If the
baggage exceeds the free baggage allowance, extra money or allowance is recharged on the
basis of weight of item. And a baggage tag is attached to the baggage. All the registered or
check in baggage is segregated in the baggage makeup area (BMA), reconciled by the airline
employee, consolidated in trolleys and then dispatched to the region of aircraft movement and
parking (RAMP). In the BMA area, the airline employee has to remain vigilant so that no
pilferage occurs.

The various functions of baggage makeup area include the segregation of the checked
baggage and consolidated in the trolleys according to the type of baggage. All the tags such
as security tags and passenger baggage tag are also checked.

Special baggage

Special baggage includes the bulky and oversize baggage, cabin seat baggage, crew baggage,
sporting equipment, wheelchairs and mobility aids, pets etc. All the special baggage items
should have baggage tag specifying the type of the luggage or baggage also the ULD in
which the special baggage is to be stored over it has to be seen whether it is in good
condition.

Once the check in stops, the baggage supervisor reviews the total number of pieces for each
ULD (Unit Load Device). Thereafter the checked baggage is removed which has the name
former security number and an electronic record to locate a ULD. In some countries high
standards of baggage screening are adopted and the special luggage is removed in a phased
manner depending on the category of the special baggage.

Baggage security
For baggage security IATA has issued strict instructions in IATA Security Manual and
Operating airline ground operations manuals. Whether, it is the passengers or the cabin crew,
they will have to get their hold baggage identified prior to loading. And, there should be no
chance for the interchanging cabin baggage for hold baggage, which may have items which
may be used in illegal ways. If the weapons are being carried, they have to be kept in secured
locations. The items removed by security personnel during security screening are only
accepted for hold luggage.

When the baggage has been collected from the hold baggage during transfer process, it
should be considered as originating baggage. But, if the baggage is collected & transferred in
sterile area, then re-screening is not important. Reconciliation of passenger or baggage
maintained for all flights that is for standby travellers, check in of passengers in group or off
airport or in case of voluntary or involuntary deplaning. In case of online and transfer
passengers, the checked baggage comes under the additional security controls.

In case of interline passengers, baggage of non- confirmed passengers should not be loaded
as hold baggage. In case of disembarking travellers, the baggage (both checked and cabin)
should be offloaded, prior to his station of arrival.

After receipt of checked baggage, it is kept in a safe area and the cabin baggage individually
identified and marked as crew. The norms for dangerous goods carriage should refer to the
IATA dangerous goods regulations (DGR).

Mishandled baggage

In case of mishandled or unclaimed or unidentified baggage, its details should be entered into
the tracing system, kept in a safe area and should be subjected to additional security controls
before being loaded in the airline craft such as manual search, Simulation chamber, X-ray,
vapour or trace analysis. Also, for it the RUSH tag should be used and the unaccompanied
baggage kept in the Aft bulk hold of the aircraft. The mobility aids which have been delayed,
damaged or missing handled on the priority basis and instantaneously arrange for its
replacement.

Summary

Whenever we are planning for new passenger terminal it is exceptionally vital to design a
baggage handling system (BHS) that will necessarily meet the requirements of the a terminal
and its passenger. A baggage handling system primarily consist of various areas that aid
various roles comprising inputs of baggage, screening area, makeup area and claim area. All
the volume of the passenger categories decides the type and size of baggage handling system
and the various phases required for their planning. The outbound baggage have five types of
inputs that is Staffed check-in counters, Self-service check-in kiosks, Bag drop counters,
Self-tagging stations, Curb side check-in. Baggage Sortation Systems are used in the sorting
of baggage & luggage. The baggage broadly comes in three categories that is cabin baggage,
checked baggage and special baggage. For baggage security IATA has issued strict
instructions in IATA Security Manual and Operating airline ground operations manuals.
Whether, it is the passengers or the cabin crew, they will have to get their hold baggage
identified prior to loading. The norms for dangerous goods carriage should refer to the IATA
dangerous goods regulations (DGR).In case of mishandled or unclaimed or unidentified
baggage, its details should be entered into the tracing system, kept in a safe area and should
be subjected to additional security controls.