Electrically powered baggage handling systems at airports are complex and efficient systems designed to automate the process of transporting passengers' luggage from check-in counters to aircraft and vice versa. These systems involve various components and stages to ensure a smooth and timely handling of baggage. Here's a general overview of how they operate:
Check-In: Passengers drop off their luggage at the check-in counters, where airline staff attach barcode labels with destination information and flight details to each piece of baggage. This barcode is crucial for tracking the baggage throughout the handling process.
Baggage Screening: Before the baggage enters the system, it usually goes through security screening to ensure that no prohibited items are being transported. Once cleared, the baggage is ready to be sorted and transported.
Baggage Sorting: The baggage handling system has a complex network of conveyor belts, sorters, and chutes that route the baggage to the appropriate areas based on their destination. The barcode information is used to determine the correct path for each bag.
Transportation: Baggage is transported through the system using a combination of conveyor belts, rollers, and sometimes even automated guided vehicles (AGVs). These vehicles can move baggage between different areas of the terminal, including the check-in area, security screening, and aircraft loading.
Make-Up Area: The "make-up" area is where bags are grouped according to their respective flights. Here, the baggage is organized based on the flight's departure time and gate. This ensures that the bags are ready to be loaded onto the correct aircraft.
Loading onto Aircraft: Once the baggage has been organized in the make-up area, it is loaded onto carts or containers that are then transported to the aircraft either manually or using specialized equipment. These carts are usually driven to the aircraft on the tarmac and loaded into the cargo hold.
Unloading from Aircraft: Upon arrival at the destination airport, the process is reversed. Baggage is unloaded from the aircraft's cargo hold and transported to the baggage claim area through the same conveyor and sorting system.
Baggage Claim: In the baggage claim area, passengers can retrieve their luggage. Baggage claim carousels rotate, displaying bags for passengers to identify and collect. Barcode scanners might be used to ensure that passengers pick up their own bags.
Reconciliation: Baggage reconciliation systems help ensure that all passengers' baggage is accounted for and that no bags are left behind. These systems match the baggage with the passengers on the flight manifest.
Lost Baggage Handling: In case a passenger's baggage is lost or misplaced, airports usually have procedures in place to track and locate the bag using the barcode system. This involves checking the baggage's last known location and using tracking software.
Throughout the entire process, various sensors, scanners, and control systems manage the movement of baggage, ensuring that it reaches the right destination. The goal of these electrically powered baggage handling systems is to increase efficiency, reduce manual handling, and improve the overall passenger experience.