
a patent pending reusable, lockable, trackable baggage-tag designed to improve on-ground bag tracking measures & save airlines on lost bag fees.

bags aren't lost in the air
Sure, airlines have made some efforts for bag tracking visibility in recent years (i.e. in-app status updates), but the fact remains: bags continue to disappear.
The current standard (paper barcode-based luggage tags) still require human scanning and well, there's a reason we rely on tech...
This is a problem...
~3.4M
Mishandled Bags in North America (2023)
7.3M
Passengers affected by mishandled bags (2023)
$7.3B
Direct Costs & Compensations from Lost + Delayed Baggage (2023)
86%
Direct Costs & Compensations from Lost + Delayed Baggage (2023)



Process & Implementation
Tagging
At the check-in stage, after the check-in clerk gathers the passenger's information, they begin the process of encoding this data onto the RFID tag before securely attaching it to the luggage.
The check-in agent affixes the RFID tag to the traveler's luggage, utilizing its flexible connector and lockable feature for a seamless attachment. This process not only enhances efficiency at the check-in counter but also sets a new standard in luggage tracking technology.
As the luggage is tagged with the reusable RFID device, it becomes part of an advanced tracking system that optimizes the tracking process at various checkpoints

Sparrow will make check-in process streamlined and efficient, thus resulting in a more secure and environmentally conscious solution for luggage tracking.
Luggage Transfer
After the RFID tag is securely attached to the luggage, it is placed on the conveyor belt behind the check-in counter. As the luggage passes through the plastic door at the first checkpoint, the RFID reader picks up the RFID tag's unique identifier, initiating the automated tracking process. This ensures that the luggage is sent to the correct location in the airport and ultimately reaches the correct passenger destination, all without the need for manual scanning, streamlining the entire baggage handling process.

Baggage Tractor (departure)
After the bags are loaded onto the baggage tractor in the baggage handling area, they undergo scanning with an RFID reader mounted on the internal roof of the baggage tractor's trailer, facing downward. This RFID reader is powered by a solar panel installed on the external roof of the cart, supplemented by a small battery for cloudy or rainy day. Since RFID readers consume minimal power, their sizing can be adjusted accordingly in the future.

Loading
RFID readers will be positioned on the baggage conveyor cart, ensuring that bags are properly loaded onto the correct aircraft, assigned to that specific airline or gate. As bags pass through, these RFID readers will update the airline's database with the bags' current locations.

Arrival & Baggage Claim
When the flight arrives at the destination airport, the luggage is unloaded and transported to the baggage handling area. Utilizing the same automated process as described above.
The bags are scanned a final time and removed via a lock system at the baggage claim area, guaranteeing their accurate dispatch to the designated destination.
Tags are carefully placed into a data-clearing station where it will be transported to the check-in counter, ensuring the removal of RFID personal data, and preparing them for the next flight.


Finally, the bag seamlessly proceeds to the baggage carousel for prompt passenger collection, yielding a smooth end-to-end baggage handling process.