Managed connection service for large-scale baggage transport

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring and transshipping checked bags between any two large-scale transportation companies. [Solution] A method for interline transport of checked baggage between two unaffiliated airlines, wherein passengers may purchase an interline transport service, which may guarantee that the checked baggage associated with that service will be automatically transferred from their first flight to their next flight. Passengers will not need to retrieve their checked baggage and then re-check it on the second flight, thereby allowing passengers to remain within the airport security zone, if airport flow permits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications. This application claims the benefit of (1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 849,946, filed May 19, 2019, and titled "Managed Connecting Service for Mass Transit Baggage", and (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 993,974, filed March 24, 2020, and titled "Managed Connecting Service for Mass Transit Baggage", the contents of both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application as if set forth in their entirety herein.

[0002] Field of Use. Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of baggage handling services. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for a managed connection service having a through-baggage system, a messaging system, a customer data recording system, an application programming interface (API), and an interface for contacting a customer, which ensures that a bag deposited is properly transferred from one transportation company of a certain mass transit (or utility) to another transportation company. The system is primarily related to use in airlines and airports, but any intermodal transportation company, including land-based (such as trains or buses) or sea-based (such as ferries or cruises), can also benefit from the disclosed system.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, when a passenger books travel with two unaffiliated carriers that require a change of airlines at a transit point (commonly called a stopover) or layover, the passenger is required to retrieve any checked baggage from the first flight segment and then re-check it with the second airline. Consumers have discovered that they can create cheaper itineraries by combining any flight, such as a low-cost carrier (LCC) flight (often for short-haul transport), with a full-service carrier (FSC) flight (often for long-haul transport). [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] This combination of disparate carriers, including non-air carriers, which do not have directly connected or incompatible systems, required customers to retrieve their checked bags from baggage claim after their first flight, thus leaving the airport security area, and then check their bags with the next carrier, i.e., passing through security a second time. Bags cannot be automatically transferred from one carrier's system to another. Bags are not "checked through" to the customer's final destination.

[0005] Due to competitive interests and issues, full cross-border mergers and full domestic interline contracts (contracts for transportation spanning multiple airlines) in the aviation industry are unlikely for the foreseeable future, and there will be a need for further tools to facilitate passenger travel involving non-partner airlines and other transport operators.

[0006] Because the world of interline and intermodal passenger transport by airlines continues to use inferior solutions, there is a global demand for next-generation baggage services such as those described below.

[0007] • To provide customers with better and more appropriate options. • Take into consideration the following stakeholders and the agreements between them: ○ Airports - Hubs, branch lines, domestic, international, multi-terminal, multimodal airports (e.g., rail and air) ○ Airlines - FSCs (Full Service Carriers), LCCs (Low Cost Carriers), HVCs (Hybrid Value Carriers), airlines connected by MITA (Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement), and independent airlines ○ Passengers • Provide solutions that take into account the customer, their travel, and available options, and present customers with easy options to purchase complete solutions for independent travel with participating airlines, including through baggage service at most airports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Below, a simplified overview of the exemplary embodiments is provided to give a basic understanding of some of the embodiments. This overview is not an extensional overview of the exemplary embodiments. It is not intended to identify key or critical components of the exemplary embodiments or to elaborate on the attached claims. Its sole purpose is to present some of the concepts of the exemplary embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented below. It should be understood that both the general description below and the detailed description below are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not limiting.

[0009] As provided in the embodiments disclosed herein, the disclosure relates to a system and method configured for monitoring and transshipping checked bags between any two large transport companies. The system and method of the disclosure is typically related to a first airline and a second airline, but may be related to one or more of the following: a railroad company and an airline, an airline and a cruise provider, two or more airlines, etc.

[0010] The baggage transfer system and method enables checked baggage to be connected to a passenger's final destination even when there is no formal alliance or interline or codeshare agreement, or when the airline does not have the technical capability to achieve such an agreement. The system and method may be computer-based or may comprise one or more applications, software elements, identification tags and scans that process and move checked baggage between two airlines or other large-scale transport companies. Specifically, baggage may be connected between any two participating intermodal transport companies or between any two low-cost carriers (LCCs), or between an LCC and a full-service carrier (FSC), none of which are services or systems that were available prior to this disclosure. Using the system, passengers are not required to retrieve their checked baggage from the baggage check of the first airline, return to check-in, leave the airport immigration / secure area (where permitted by airport flow), and then return through security to check in the retrieved baggage with the second airline. Passengers undergoing the re-check-in process are often under time pressure to catch their next flight, making the entire process extremely stressful. Other benefits may include allowing passengers more time at the terminal for dining and shopping. Another benefit may be the generation of electronic records, which can be beneficial to participating airlines, participating airports, and individual passengers.

[0011] In one embodiment, the through-check baggage service may be provided by the airline when purchasing a ticket, or by an intermediary including, but not limited to, a traditional travel agency or an online travel agency (OTA). This may enable the service provider (airline, travel agency, and / or airport) to add value and generate additional income by providing the service, or this may be used as a way to differentiate the service.

[0012] In one embodiment, the itinerary of checked baggage can be viewed directly by the user via an app that provides messages or notifications to the passenger as the bag progresses through various stages of its itinerary, or indirectly by the user via an application programming interface that allows a third party to incorporate this information into a broader app or service. Details about the virtual interline connection may be entered into the respective passenger service systems (PSS) of the two airlines (inbound and outbound) along with other relevant information.

[0013] Ports, train stations, and airports (transportation hubs) can benefit from a through-baggage system, as checked baggage can be seamlessly transferred between any two participating airlines / transporters using the hub. The airport or hub becomes a connecting hub for all participating transporters. Stopover passengers spend more time in security zones, resulting in additional spending at retailers. Airports or transportation hubs also become known for a better passenger experience, as passengers realize they do not need to retrieve and re-check their bags when disembarking at the airport as a stopover. This creates a direct relationship between the airport and passengers. This also improves the services provided to airline partners. By providing a through-baggage system for checked baggage, airports can increase air transport volume and expand their arrival and departure destination maps by enabling interline transport of baggage.

[0014] In one embodiment, a passenger books two independent flights, and one of the airlines and the stopover airport upsells the customer for services provided by the system and methods of the Disclosure. The passenger checks in independently for each flight and checks in one or more bags for the first flight. The system issues baggage tags, which are attached to the checked baggage. The bags are loaded onto the first flight, and upon arrival at the stopover airport, they are unloaded from the first flight and delivered to the second flight by the airport / airline ground handling team, where they are loaded and then transported on the second flight all the way to the passenger's final destination baggage claim. The tagged bags typically follow the same basic route as bags in a connecting itinerary.

[0015] In one embodiment, the system of the Disclosure provides a managed connectivity service for baggage, which can intelligently generate messages retrieved from an entire library of messages at each stage of the bag's journey. The system may also automate the process of establishing customer eligibility in the selection of ground service points such as flights, airlines, airports, ferry terminals, and train stations, thereby preventing errors. The system can be adapted to all forms of baggage tags, including both currently manufactured and future-specified types such as RFID. The system of the Disclosure is the only solution that can adapt any participating airline and / or airport and / or baggage system to any form of interline.

[0016] In one embodiment, the system includes a managed connection service, a through-bag service, a messaging system, the ability to allow any service provider to handle through-baggage connections for the end customer, an app or application program interface that enables the end customer and service provider to track, time-track, engage, and provide information, and a function to ensure clear handoff and change of storage to the airport, then, upon completion of the transition, a new bag tag and a second change of storage are made, and the status of the bag is notified when the bag arrives at the departure airport belt on time in the window for automated check-in.

[0017] Further advantages, embodiments, and features of the Disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Here, preferred embodiments of the Disclosure are illustrated and described by illustrating merely one of the best modes most suitable for carrying out the Disclosure. Other different embodiments of the Disclosure are possible, without departing from or limiting the scope of the Application, and some of its details are subject to modification in various obvious embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be considered as illustrative and not limiting in nature. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of through-gauge processing. [Figure 2] It is a flow block diagram of another embodiment of through-gauge processing. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an embodiment of the interaction of system components. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a messaging system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The drawings are of exemplary embodiments. They do not show all embodiments. As additional or alternative, other embodiments may be used. Details that may be obvious or unnecessary may be omitted for space savings or for a more effective explanation. Some embodiments may be implemented with additional components or steps and / or may be implemented without using all of the illustrated components or steps. When the same numbers appear in different drawings, they indicate the same or similar components or steps.

[0020] In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the embodiments. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and / or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0021] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, other ones will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be understood, these embodiments are capable of being modified in various obvious ways without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Therefore, the graphs, drawings, and their detailed description should be regarded as essentially illustrative and not restrictive. Further, the presence or absence of reference to a particular embodiment shall not be construed as limiting the scope of protection.

[0022] Before the method and system are disclosed and described, it should be understood that the method and system are not limited to a particular method, particular components, or particular examples. Also, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing only particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023] When used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural objects unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. A range may be expressed in this application as "about" a particular value and / or "about" to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other embodiments include from the above particular value and / or to the above other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms other embodiments. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range mean both related to the other endpoint and independent of the other endpoint.

[0024] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described thereafter may or may not occur, and the description includes examples where the above event or situation occurs and examples where it does not occur.

[0025] Throughout this description and claims, the phrases “comprise” or “include” (such as “comprise” and its conjugations, “comprising” and “comprises”) mean “include, but not limited to,” and are not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers, or steps. “Essential” means “an example of,” and is not intended to represent a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Like” is used for illustrative purposes, not in a restrictive sense.

[0026] The disclosed elements are components that may be used to carry out the methods and systems of this disclosure. Where these and other components are disclosed, and where combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc., of these components are disclosed, there may be no explicit reference to each of these various individual and collective combinations and substitutions, but each of them is understood to be specifically intended and described in this application for all methods and systems. This applies to all embodiments of this application, including but not limited to the steps of the disclosed methods. Therefore, where various additional steps may be performed, each of these additional steps may be performed in conjunction with any particular embodiment of the disclosed methods, or combinations of embodiments.

[0027] The method and system can be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples contained herein, as well as by referring to the drawings and the preceding and following descriptions thereof.

[0028] As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the Method and System may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or a combination of software and hardware embodiments. Furthermore, the Method and System may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied on the storage medium. More specifically, the Method and System may take the form of computer software implemented on the web. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be used, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices. The storage device may be local or remote, for example, in a cloud computing environment.

[0029] Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowcharts of the methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products. It will be understood that each block in the block diagrams and flowcharts, and each combination of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded into a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing machine to generate a machine, thereby generating means for instructions executed in the computer or other programmable data processing machine to implement the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart.

[0030] These computer program instructions may also be stored in computer-readable memory, which may instruct a computer or other programmable data processing machine to function in a particular way, thereby generating a product in which the instructions stored in computer-readable memory produce computer-readable instructions for implementing a function specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart. The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing machine, which may execute a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing a function specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart.

[0031] Therefore, the blocks in block diagrams and flowcharts support combinations of means for performing a specified function, combinations of steps for performing a specified function, and program instruction means for performing a specified function. It will also be understood that each block in block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in block diagrams and flowcharts, may be implemented by a computer system based on special-purpose hardware that performs a specified function or step, or by a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0032] In the following description, the specified terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” indicates the degree or extent of complete or near-completeness of an operation, characteristic, nature, state, structure, article, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is completely or near-completely within the housing. The strictly acceptable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may, in some cases, depend on the particular context. However, generally speaking, proximity to completeness is such that it has the same overall result as if absolute and overall completeness had been achieved. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in negative references indicating a complete or near-complete lack of an operation, characteristic, nature, state, structure, article, or result.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally indicate a displacement of 5% or less from the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the terms “approximately” and “about” may indicate a displacement between 0.001% and 10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0034] Here, various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for illustrative purposes, numerous specific details will be described to provide a detailed understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it may become apparent that various embodiments may be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate the description of these embodiments.

[0035] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the terms “computer,” “computer system,” “calculating device,” “mobile calculating device,” “electronic data processing device,” or “server” refer to any device that processes information using an integrated circuit chip, and include, but are not limited to, personal computers, mainframe computers, workstations, servers, desktop computers, portable computers, laptop computers, embedded computers, wireless devices including cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, tablets, tablet computers, smartphones, portable game players, wearables, smart devices, and handheld computers.

[0036] As used herein, the term “Internet” refers to any collection of networks that utilize standard protocols, including Ethernet, Teletype, Type B messaging, Edifact, Token Ring, Wi-Fi, ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), CDMA (code division multiple access), GSM (global systems for mobile communications), LTE (long term evolution), or any combination thereof.

[0037] As used herein, the term “website” means any document written in a markup language, including but not limited to HTML (hypertext mark-up language) or VRML (virtual reality modeling language), dynamic HTML, XML (extended mark-up language), WML (wireless markup language), JSON (javascript object notation), or any other computer language relating thereto, and any collection of such documents reachable via one particular Internet Protocol address or on one particular World Wide Website, or any document available via any particular URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Furthermore, the terms “web page,” “page,” “website,” or “site” mean any of the various documents and resources on the World Wide Web in HTML / XHTML format that have hypertext links enabling navigation from one page or section to another, or similar such resources used on the Internet.

[0038] Glossary - Definitions of designated acronyms, initial words, and their meanings. Unless otherwise stated, the following acronyms and initials have the following meanings in this application.

[0039] • DCS (Departure Control System) - A departure management system. A master system for checking passengers onto flights. This may be integrated with either a PSS (Pass Service System) or a third-party system. • PSS (Passenger Service System) - Passenger Service System • PNR (Passenger Name Record) - Essentially a customer reservation • BIM (Baggage Information Messages) - Electronic communications sent to different participating systems at different airports, etc. • BSM (Baggage Service Messages) - Baggage service messages or BSM (Baggage Handling Messages) - Baggage handling messages • BTM (Baggage Transfer Message) - Also known as baggage transfer message or transfer BSM. • BUM (Baggage unload message) - Baggage unloading message. This bag will be unloaded from the air freight. • BPM (Baggage processed message) - Baggage processing message. • BHS (Baggage Handling System) - A baggage handling system. A mechanical and software system for handling bags at airports. Typically owned and managed by the airport. Ground handling and airlines typically lease this service from the airport. • Bag tags - baggage tags, stickers, or inserts, including QR codes®, barcodes, chips, radio frequency identification devices, scanners, RFID-equipped paper, etc., which are attached to or physically associated with luggage / baggage and / or any technology that can assign a unique ID to a bag without a physical tag and are used to ensure correct routing to the destination via designated transit points. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a special radio tag that transmits its information (bag tag data) to an external reader. This is specified by IATA. • IATA (International Air Transport Association) - The largest association of airlines (mostly full-service airlines). • APP - Mobile application software. Also called an app. API (Application Programming Interface) - An application programming interface. A system for interoperability between machines. • OTA (Online Travel Agent) - Online travel agency - For example, Expedia (registered trademark). • IBE (Internet Booking Engine) - An internet booking engine (usually accessed through the airline's website). • Interline baggage - checked baggage transported by two or more airlines An airline is typically a travel company that provides air transport services, but for the purposes of this disclosure, an airline may be any type of carrier, including but not limited to cruises, trains, buses, ships, etc. An airport is typically a physical location that provides transportation-related services, such as a complex of runways and buildings for aircraft takeoff, landing, and maintenance, along with facilities for passengers. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, an airport may be any transportation hub, including but not limited to a combination of ports, train stations, transit points, etc. • While an airfare typically refers to a route taken by airplane from one airport to another, for the purposes of this disclosure, an airfare can also refer to a journey by any type of transport, including trains, cars, trucks, buses, ships, cruises, etc.

[0040] Figure 1 is a flowchart block diagram of one embodiment of through baggage processing using an Internet Booking Engine (IBE) operated by an airline or an intermediary such as an online travel agency (OTA). Figure 1 shows the method as seen by the actions performed by the user when using an airline or OTA IBE. As shown in Figure 1, the method may include searching for flights via an airline's IBE or via an intermediary such as an OTA 102, selecting two or more flights with two different (partner or non-partner) airlines 104, having the passenger select the option to use a through baggage interline system 106, linking / entering / loading information for the second flight to the transit airport and / or the first airline's PSS and / or DCS 108, having the passenger check in for both flights 110, checking in at least one bag at the departure airport and attaching only one required tag to the bag 112, having the bag unloaded from the first aircraft and transferred to a ground handling team, which then loads it onto the second aircraft 114, without the passenger needing to retrieve and re-check the bag while remaining at the airport 114, and receiving the bag at the final destination 116.

[0041] Figure 2 is a flow block diagram of another embodiment of through baggage processing. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the system of passenger actions when a third-party service provider is used. This method involves a user (such as a person, online, telephone, or travel agency) booking two consecutive independent flights having the same airport for the arrival of the first flight and the departure of the second flight 202; the passenger accessing a through baggage service app or website to purchase or sign up for the through baggage service and enter the flight information into the service 204 (this service may be provided, for example, by an independent third party or transit / stopover airport); and linking / entering / uploading the information of the second flight to the first airline's PSS / DCS 2 06 and the passenger checking in for both flights 210, checking in at least one bag for the first flight and generating / issuing a single bag tag for the checked bag 212, during the stopover the passenger remains in a security zone (if airport flow permits), the passenger is not required to retrieve the checked bag and re-check it for the second airline, the bag is automatically transferred from the first aircraft to the second aircraft via one or more ground handling teams 214, and the passenger receives the checked bag at the final destination 216.

[0042] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the interaction of system components. The managed through baggage system may be controlled by a computer-based through baggage system including an app or billing / reporting module / system 309, an application program interface, an eligibility server 302, a notification and message server 311, and a PNR database 303. The servers, interfaces, and software of the through baggage system control and guide the appropriate information and messages sent and received to enable the transfer / interline transport of checked baggage from a first airline to a second airline using a single tag and without requiring passengers to retrieve and re-check their bags.

[0043] In some embodiments, a passenger's eligibility to have their bags transferred via the system described herein is checked against a set of factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to, whether an airline is participating in the system, whether the ground handling team has sufficient time to properly and physically transfer the bags to a second airline, the length of the connection time, and the like.

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates that a customer may choose to use a single-tag through baggage interline transport service through different service providers, including but not limited to OTAs, airline IBEs, one or more airports, or third-party service providers 300. Once selected, the user may be required to pay for the service, and the purchase / selection of the service is reported / uploaded 309. Through baggage service is typically purchased when a user books / purchases two connecting / consecutive flights. When a user books these flights, passenger / flight information for the passenger is generated within each of the carrier's PSSs 301. The system may include a system eligibility server 302 that receives / retrieves passenger / flight information from the two PSSs 301. An eligibility check is performed to determine if through baggage service is available on the passenger's itinerary. If the itinerary is eligible, the complete travel / manifest information is added to the PNR database 303. The manifest information is shared by system 399 with the PSSs of both airlines 304. DCS305 may be integrated into each of the PSSs, or it may be a separate third-party system. DCS305 / PSS301 here has the information necessary to enable the issuance of interline bag tags, thereby enabling the bag to reach its final destination. The system may utilize a messaging system 306 to enable the sharing of messages between both airlines, the first departure airport, the second airline, the stopover airport, and / or the final destination airport. Thus, when a bag tag is issued, all future scans of the tag are shared with all participating systems and databases. System 399 receives the baggage tag details generated by the DCS 307.

[0045] The operator of system 399 may provide a baggage interline connection guarantee 308 at stopover airports. This may be an insurance-like service requiring an additional payment 309 by the airline / airport. There may be conditions 310 governing the responsibilities and operating parameters of using the system. System 399 may send notifications to airlines and reformatting baggage handling messages (BHMs) and baggage service messages (BSMs) sent by the first airline into baggage transfer messages (BTMs) that can be operated by the second airline's system. In various embodiments, the notification server 311 and / or reporting application 309 may send notifications to airlines or passengers about the status of a passenger's checked baggage.

[0046] Notifications to the passenger system may include, but are not limited to, automated messages, opt-in messages, opt-out messages, or requested messages sent to passengers, including, but are not limited to, messages that the bag has been received / loaded into the through baggage system, the bag is being held by the airline, the bag has been sent for loading, the bag has been loaded onto the first flight, the bag and the first flight are on their way to a stopover, the bag has arrived at the stopover airport, the bag is currently being held by the first ground handling team, optional - additional tags have been added, optional - the bag is currently being held by the second ground handling team, the bag is being sent for loading, the bag has been loaded onto the second flight, the bag and the first flight are on their way to their final destination / second stopover; and / or, the bag has arrived and is on its way to baggage claim.

[0047] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the messaging system. The flow of the messaging system 400 is determined by the current messaging systems of the relevant airports and airlines and system 399 based on a through baggage interline server. Typically, the relevant airports need to have an automated baggage sorting or reconciliation system capable of sending and receiving electronic messages and notifications. In Figure 4, the messaging system 400 follows flow 498 when a bag is moving between airline XX123, airline YY456, airport AAA (departure), airport BBB (stopover airport), and airport CCC (final destination airport). There may be not just one, but two, three, or more stopover airports. Once the user has purchased tickets from airline XX123 and airline YY456 and has chosen to have the interline transport service provided by system 399, system 399 provides flight information 450,451 to airlines 1 401 and 2 421.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, a passenger checks in with airline 1 401, checks in at least one bag, and at least one bag tag is printed on 401. The baggage information is linked to the passenger in airline 1 401's PSS / DCS. A local BSM is generated by airline 1 401 and sent to bag message 490 402. Bag message 490 may be an existing bag messaging system used by airports and airlines to manage and track bags as they travel their itinerary. Bag message 490 may be generated, for example, by a transportation logistics company, SITAR. In other embodiments, bag message 490 may be part of system 399 or a module or system controlled by system 399. A local copy of the BSM 403 is sent to the baggage handling system (BHS) of airport AAA 491. Bag message 490 sends the local BSM to bag connection 492 404. The bag connection 492 may be a baggage connection system used by airports and airlines to manage baggage that needs to be unloaded from one flight and loaded onto another flight. The bag connection 492 may be an independent system, or it may be a module or system that is part of or controlled by system 399. The bag message 490 and the bag connection 492 are configured to recognize that the through baggage interline transport system 399 is connected, and they may send a copy of the local BSM to system 399 405. In one embodiment, referring to option 1, the bag connection 492 may generate a pseudo transshipment BSM 406 (orange) and send it to the bag message 490. The bag message 490 may forward the pseudo transshipment BSM 407 (orange) to the transshipment airport bag handling system (BHS) BBB 493. If necessary, bag message 490 may forward the pseudo-transshipment BSM 408 (orange) to system 399, which will process / reformat the BSM and then send it to airline 2 421.In this way, the bag tag information is entered into airline 421's DCS (Distribution Control System).

[0049] In one embodiment, referring to option 2, bag message 490 directly sends a pseudo BTM to airline 2 421's PSS / DCS 409. In this way, bag tag information is added to airline 2 421's DCS / PSS. Airline 2 421 generates its own transshipment BSM and sends it to bag message 490 410. Bag message 490 sends the transshipment BSM to the BHS of transshipment airport BBB 493 411, and optionally to system 399 419. If airport BBB 493 supports baggage handling message (BPM) information and shares it with bag message 490, bag message 490 can forward it to system 399 412.

[0050] As part of Option 2, if airline 2 421 has the capability to generate a termination BSM, airline 2 421 may forward the termination BSM to bag message 490 430. Bag message 490 may forward the termination BSM to terminal airport CCC 494. Alternatively, bag connection 492 may generate a pseudo-termination BSM, which is then sent to bag message 490 432, which is then sent to terminal airport CCC 494 434.

[0051] In various embodiments, the ground baggage handling teams of a first, second, and third airport, and of two or more participating airlines, may use bag tags to ensure that checked bags are properly and physically moved from the first flight to the second flight. Typically, any identification system (barcode or RFID) may be used on the bag tags, which will be scanned so that a computerized scanner can quickly notify the ground baggage handling team of what to do with the checked bags to ensure that the checked bags are loaded onto the second flight.

[0052] The operational embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in software modules executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software modules may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, DVD discs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. The exemplary storage medium is connected to the processor so that the processor reads information from and writes information to the storage medium. In an alternative example, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC, or as discrete components in another device.

[0053] Furthermore, one or more versions may be implemented as methods, apparatus, or products using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to generate software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof that control a computer implementing the disclosed embodiments. Non-transient computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips), optical discs (e.g., CDs (compact disks), DVDs (digital versatile disks)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks). Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

[0054] Some parts of the detailed description above have been presented with respect to algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits in computer memory. These descriptions and representations of algorithms are the means used by those skilled in the data processing technique to most effectively communicate their work to others skilled in the technique. In this application, an algorithm is also generally considered to be a consistent set of actions to produce a desired result. These actions require the physical manipulation of physical quantities.

[0055] However, it should be noted that all of these terms and similar terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to those quantities. As is evident from the above description, unless otherwise specified, throughout this disclosure, any description using the terms set forth in the appended claims should be understood to describe the operation and processing of a computer system or similar electronic device that manipulates data represented as physical quantities (electronic quantities) in the registers and memory of a computer system to convert such data into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the memory or registers of a computer system or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0056] The technology shown in the drawings may be implemented using code and data stored and executed in one or more electronic devices. Such electronic devices store and communicate code and data (internally and / or using other electronic devices on a network) using computer-readable media such as non-temporary computer-readable storage media (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory devices, phase-change memory) and temporary computer-readable transmission media (e.g., electrically, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagating signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, or digital signals).

[0057] The processes or methods shown in the drawings may be executed by processing logic comprising hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), firmware, software (e.g., materialized in a non-temporary computer-readable medium), or a combination thereof. Although the processes or methods are described above in relation to several sequential operations, it should be recognized that some of the operations described may be executed in a different order. Furthermore, some operations may be executed in parallel rather than sequentially.

[0058] While this disclosure describes specific modifications and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that it is not limited to the modifications and drawings described herein. Furthermore, where the methods and steps described above indicate a predetermined event performed in a predetermined order, those skilled in the art will recognize that the order of the predetermined steps may be changed, and that such changes constitute modifications of the invention. Also, some of the steps may be performed sequentially as described above, as well as simultaneously in parallel processing where possible. To the extent that there are modifications of the invention that fall within the spirit of this disclosure or are equivalent to the inventions described in the claims, this patent is intended to cover such modifications as well. Accordingly, this disclosure should be understood as being limited only by the appended claims and not by the specific embodiments described herein.

[0059] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to create or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should correspond to the broadest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0060] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, no method described herein is ever intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a specific order. Therefore, where a claim of a method does not actually state the order of its steps, or where the claim or specification does not specifically state that the steps are limited to a particular order, it is never intended to imply any order. This applies to any possible unexpressed basis for interpretation, including issues of logic regarding the arrangement of steps or operational flows, literal meanings arising from grammatical construction or punctuation, and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations may be made without deviating from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the specification and the embodiments disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit are intended to be indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing managed through baggage service for interline baggage, The above method includes providing a computer-based through-baggage system comprising a through-baggage software application and a through-baggage passenger name record (PNR) database. The above-mentioned through-baggage software application and the above-mentioned through-baggage PNR database communicate electrically with each other. The passenger has booked the first flight on the first airline departing from the first airport and arriving at the second airport, The passenger mentioned above has booked a second flight on a second airline departing from the second airport and arriving at the third airport. The first flight and the second flight described above constitute a passenger itinerary. The above method includes presenting the passenger with the option to have one or more checked bags interline transported from the first airline to the second airline during a stopover at the second airport. The passenger chooses to have one or more of the checked bags automatically interline transported from the first airline to the second airline at the second airport. The above method, In the above PNR database, a complete manifest itinerary for the above passenger journey is generated, including multiple passenger information, multiple flight information, and multiple airport information. The computer-based through baggage system shares the complete manifest itinerary with the passenger service system of the first airline and the passenger service system of the second airline, such that the passenger service system of the first airline has a plurality of pieces of information necessary to generate one or more bag tags configured to be associated with one or more checked bags. The above passengers checked in for the first flight and the second flight, The passenger checks in one or more checked and tagged bags such that one or more bag tags are generated and associated with the one or more checked bags, The information relating to one or more checked and tagged bags described above is shared with the computer-based through baggage system described above. The above method includes ensuring, by means of a computer-based through baggage system and a bag message system, that the one or more checked and tagged bags are unloaded from the first flight and loaded onto the second flight, without requiring the passenger to retrieve the one or more checked and tagged bags at the second airport and re-check them onto the second flight. method.

2. The first and second airlines mentioned above are not affiliated with each other, and without the computer-based through baggage system, the passenger service system of the first airline will not share information with the passenger service system of the second airline. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 1.

3. The above-mentioned through-baggage software application includes a consumer-facing app configured to be displayed on one or more passenger devices. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 1.

4. The computer-based through baggage system further comprises a notification server that enables the transmission of one or more notifications relating to the status of one or more checked and tagged bags to one or more passenger devices. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 3.

5. Since the passenger is not required to retrieve and re-check the one or more checked and tagged bags in order for them to arrive at the third airport, the passenger may remain within the security zone of the second airport during the stopover. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 1.

6. The above computer-based through-baggage system further comprises the above bag messaging system and through-baggage eligibility server, The above method includes determining, by the eligibility server, that the passenger itinerary is eligible for managed through baggage service. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 1.

7. The above bag tag comprises one or more of RFID and barcodes. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 1.

8. A method for providing managed through baggage service for interline baggage, The above method includes providing a computer-based through-baggage system comprising a through-baggage software application, a through-baggage eligibility server, and a through-baggage passenger name record (PNR) database. The above-mentioned through-baggage software application, the above-mentioned through-baggage eligibility server, and the above-mentioned through-baggage PNR database all communicate electrically with each other. The above method, A passenger makes a reservation for the first flight on the first airline departing from the first airport and arriving at the second airport, This includes the passenger booking a second flight on the second airline departing from the second airport and arriving at the third airport when the first airline arrives at the second airport, The first flight and the second flight described above constitute a passenger itinerary. The above method, To present to the passenger that one or more checked bags will be interline transported from the first airline to the second airline during a stopover at the second airport, The passenger chooses to have one or more of the checked bags automatically interline transported from the first airline to the second airline at the second airport. The above eligibility server determines whether the above passenger itinerary is eligible for managed through baggage service, In the above PNR database, a complete manifest itinerary for the above passenger journey is generated, including multiple passenger information, multiple flight information, and multiple airport information. The computer-based through baggage system shares the complete manifest itinerary with the passenger service system of the first airline and the passenger service system of the second airline, such that the passenger service system of the first airline has multiple pieces of information necessary to generate one or more bag tags configured to be associated with one or more checked bags, The above passenger will check in for the first flight and the second flight, The above passenger will check in one or more checked bags to the above-mentioned first flight, To generate one or more bag tags, Associating one or more checked and tagged bags with one or more bag tags, The passenger service system of the first airline mentioned above shares multiple pieces of information related to one or more checked and tagged bags with the computer-based through baggage system mentioned above. To provide a bag messaging system configured to manage multiple messages related to one or more checked and tagged bags between the first airline, the second airline, the first airport, the second airport, and the third airport. This includes ensuring, through the computer-based through baggage system and the bag message system, that the one or more checked and tagged bags will be unloaded from the first flight and loaded onto the second flight, without requiring the passenger to retrieve the one or more checked and tagged bags at the second airport and re-check them onto the second flight. method.

9. The first and second airlines mentioned above are not affiliated with each other, and without the computer-based through baggage system, the passenger service system of the first airline will not share information with the passenger service of the second airline. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 8.

10. The above-mentioned through-baggage software application includes a consumer-facing app configured to be displayed on one or more passenger devices. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 8.

11. The computer-based through baggage system further comprises a notification server that enables the transmission of one or more notifications relating to the status of one or more checked and tagged bags to one or more passenger devices. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 8.

12. The step of offering the passenger the option of having one or more checked bags interline transported from the first airline to the second airline during a stopover at the second airport is offered by a group of entities consisting of the second airport, an online travel agency, an internet booking engine, and a third-party provider. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 8.

13. The above computer-based through-baggage system further comprises the above bag messaging system. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 8.

14. The above bag tag comprises one or more of RFID and barcodes. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 8.

15. A system that provides managed through baggage services for interline baggage, The above system comprises a computer-based through-baggage system that includes a through-baggage software application and a through-baggage passenger name record (PNR) database. The above-mentioned through-baggage software application and the above-mentioned through-baggage PNR database communicate electrically with each other. The above system is configured to allow passengers to book a first flight on the first airline departing from the first airport and arriving at the second airport. The above system is configured to allow the passenger to book a second flight on a second airline departing from the second airport and arriving at the third airport. The first flight and the second flight described above constitute a passenger itinerary. The passengers mentioned above are offered the option to have one or more checked bags interline transported from the first airline to the second airline at the second airport during their stopover at the second airport. The passenger chooses to have one or more of the checked bags automatically interline transported from the first airline to the second airline at the second airport. In the above PNR database, a complete manifest itinerary for the above passenger journey is generated, including multiple passenger information, multiple flight information, and multiple airport information. The computer-based through baggage system shares the complete manifest itinerary between the passenger service system of the first airline, which includes the departure management system of the first airline, and the passenger service system of the second airline, which includes the departure management system of the second airline, such that the passenger service system of the first airline has multiple pieces of information necessary to generate one or more bag tags configured to be associated with the one or more checked bags. The above passengers checked in for the first flight and the second flight, The passenger checks in one or more checked and tagged bags such that one or more bag tags are generated and associated with the one or more checked bags, The information relating to one or more checked and tagged bags described above is shared with the computer-based through baggage system described above. The computer-based through baggage system described above ensures, using a bag messaging system, that the one or more checked and tagged bags are unloaded from the first flight and loaded onto the second flight, so that the passenger can remain within the security zone of the second airport during the stopover without having to retrieve the one or more checked and tagged bags at the second airport and re-check them onto the second flight. system.

16. The first and second airlines mentioned above are not affiliated with each other, and without the computer-based through baggage system, the passenger service system of the first airline will not share information with the passenger service system of the second airline. A system for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 15.

17. The above-mentioned through-baggage software application includes a consumer-facing app configured to be displayed on one or more passenger devices. A system for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 15.

18. The computer-based through baggage system further comprises a notification server that enables the transmission of one or more notifications relating to the status of one or more checked and tagged bags to one or more passenger devices. A system for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 17.

19. The above computer-based through-baggage system further includes a through-baggage eligibility server. The above eligibility server determines whether the above passenger itinerary is eligible for managed through baggage service. A system for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 15.

20. The above bag tag comprises one or more of RFID and barcodes. A method for providing managed through baggage services for interline baggage according to claim 15.

Images