Digital reproduction of original bag tag identifier

Abstract

This disclosure presents a method and system for baggage handling and / or check-in processing for return passengers. After completion of a leg of the passenger's travel with the mobile carrier, the process includes electronically capturing, by at least one electronic capture device, an origin hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) printed on an origin printed bag tag from the mobile carrier on the baggage to create a digital BTI data record linked to the mobile carrier. The method includes accessing the passenger's origin printed bag tag information entered in a manifest file. The method includes printing, by a printing device, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) bag tag for the return travel leg for the return flight linked to the origin printed bag tag.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claim This PCT application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 104,359, entitled "Return Leg Remote Passenger Check-In," filed February 1, 2023, now issued June 20, 2023 as U.S. Patent No. 11,682,241, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This PCT application also claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 406,785, filed Jan. 8, 2024, entitled "Return Leg Passenger Bag Tag Generation," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 332,377, filed Jun. 9, 2023, entitled "Digital Recreation of Original Bag Tag Identifier," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 201,908, filed May 25, 2023, entitled "Return Leg Remote Passenger Check-In from Bag Tag Identifiers," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 311,566, filed May 3, 2023, entitled "Multi-Leg Travel Baggage Tracking," the entire disclosures of each of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to asset management. In particular, the described embodiments relate to systems and methods for extracting otherwise discarded data and reusing it to reduce data entry. [Background technology]

[0003] Mobile carriers generally offer passengers the ability to check in luggage wrapped with their personal items, with or without a baggage fee. The luggage is often weighed to determine whether an additional baggage fee is required. A bag tag is then printed and attached to the luggage by the airline. Each mobile carrier may have its own format for printing bag tags at the mobile carrier counter. This process consumes the manpower of personnel working behind the counter to complete passenger check-in, printing boarding passes, processing baggage, and printing and attaching the bag tag. Air mobile carriers are also investing in self-check-in kiosks that allow passengers to print the bag tag themselves, freeing up some of the counter personnel's time. This allows passengers to print and attach a printed bag tag without involving counter personnel.

[0004] According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the average daily passenger load in fiscal year 2021 was approximately 1.6 million. In fiscal year 2019, the average daily passenger load was approximately 2.9 million. Some of these passengers are traveling on the return leg of their trip. Also, some passengers traveling on the return leg are returning from cruises or luxury resorts.

[0005] Many attempts have been made to reduce the costs of handling baggage, especially baggage from high-volume accommodations, departing travelers, and checking in for return flights. To simplify baggage handling during transit, passengers are offered the option of selecting services from third-party vendors to pick up passengers and / or baggage and transport them to the airport when needed. Baggage may be picked up from any location, such as a home, office, hotel, etc., and / or delivered to any location identified by the passenger without the passenger needing to be present.

[0006] Another attempt at baggage handling involves the use of shared staff at lodging facilities such as hotels. One of the biggest drawbacks of shared staff is that staff are not available for other tasks that may arise in order for passengers to continue enjoying the comfort of their accommodations. Hiring more employees has become a challenge in recent years due to COVID-19. Furthermore, employee costs have risen. For some venues, such as cruise ships, hiring additional staff to handle additional tasks is not only too costly, but also reduces cruise revenues because it means bringing employees on board in exchange for paying passengers. The ability to print bag tags and boarding passes takes up space on cruise ships that could be used for passenger accommodations.

[0007] Some baggage handling services issue a receipt or tag that is attached to the baggage. This process still requires that the baggage receive a printed International Air Transport Association (IATA) bag tag with a bag tag identifier instead of a receipt or tag. This process can be cost-prohibitive for highly competitive lodging businesses competing for customers. Generally, baggage handling services require passengers to order the service using a website or mobile application, but various passenger information may be entered incorrectly, resulting in fees. Passengers can remotely check in for their flight by providing all necessary flight information for their itinerary in advance using a website or mobile application. While this process appears to be problem-free, data entry errors can occur, which, combined with the additional costs of baggage handling and temporary receipts, can be very costly.

[0008] After the passenger arrives at their destination, the bag tag is often removed and discarded to make room for a bag tag for the return journey.

[0009] The average ocean liner cruise ship has a capacity of approximately 3,000 passengers. Some larger cruise ships have a capacity of 5,400 passengers. Each passenger returning using an air mobile carrier must check in for their return flight. Cruise ship personnel handle the advance check-in process for the return flight as well as the number of bags. However, this process consumes valuable, limited human resources available on the cruise ship for disembarkation. A system and process is needed to address these challenges that is cost- and time-effective and easily usable by any passenger. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0010]

[0003] Embodiments relate to a system and method for passenger check-in in a return mode of travel using a digitally reproduced origin bag tag identifier. In one aspect, the method includes electronically acquiring, by at least one electronic acquisition device, an origin paper bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed bag tag from a first mode mobile carrier attached to the passenger's first baggage item after completion of a leg of the passenger's travel by the first mode mobile carrier to create digital BTI data linked to the first mode mobile carrier. The method also includes extracting, by at least one processor, a passenger baggage number from the digital BTI data, and accessing, by the at least one processor, a passenger name record (PNR) from a computer system of the first mode mobile carrier based on the extracted passenger baggage number. The method includes autonomously creating, by at least one processor, a passenger manifest record from the digital BTI data and the PNR using data identifying check-in for a return travel leg of the passenger's travel by a designated return travel carrier, and repeating the method for multiple passengers beginning a stay associated with an accommodation to autonomously form a manifest file using a conduit for checking in the multiple passengers by the designated return travel carrier.

[0011] In one aspect, the computing system includes at least one processor. The computing system also includes memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, are configured to cause the at least one processor to electronically retrieve, from at least one electronic retrieval device, an origin paper bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed bag tag from the first mode mobile carrier attached to the passenger's first baggage item after completion of a leg of the passenger's travel by the first mode mobile carrier to create digital BTI data linked to the first mode mobile carrier. The processor is configured to extract a passenger baggage number from the digital BTI data and access a passenger name record (PNR) from a remote computer system of the first mode mobile carrier based on the extracted passenger baggage number. The processor is configured to autonomously create a passenger manifest record from the digital BTI data and the PNR using data identifying check-in for a return travel leg of the passenger's travel by a designated return travel carrier, and to repeat these steps for multiple passengers beginning a stay associated with the accommodation to autonomously form a manifest file using a conduit for checking in multiple passengers by a designated return travel carrier.

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for checking in a passenger for the return travel leg of a trip, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a partial view of a conventional airline bag tag of the prior art. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional airline bag tag marker of the prior art. [Figure 2C]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a bag tag marker being attached to a passenger's luggage. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a scanner, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a programming module for checking in passengers and generating a manifest for boarding on a leg of a journey, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for checking in a passenger, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a programming module for generating a master inventory, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a computing system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a method for checking in a passenger departing from a lodging facility, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a method for merging passenger manifest and accommodation information, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate similar or equivalent elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale, and they are provided merely to illustrate aspects disclosed herein. Certain disclosed aspects are described below with reference to illustrative, non-limiting, exemplary applications. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are described to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or in other manners. In other instances, well-known structures or operations have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring aspects disclosed herein. The embodiments are not limited by the illustrated order of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events. Moreover, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with an embodiment.

[0015] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth broad ranges are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, the range "less than 10" can include any and all subranges between (and including) a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 10, i.e., any and all subranges having a minimum value greater than or equal to 0 and a maximum value less than or equal to 10, such as 1 to 4.

[0016] The Departure Control System (DCS) controls various airline operations, including airport check-in, passenger bag tag identifier (BTID) generation, and bag tag printing. Bag tags are formatted according to rules published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and include, for example, a 10-digit license plate. Typically, one or more IATA Type B messages are formatted containing the 10-digit license plate and flight information.

[0017] The inventors have determined that what was thought of as trash (i.e., discarded airline bag tags) was in fact the missing element to cost-effective and time-efficient handling of luggage in large accommodation facilities such as, by way of non-limiting example, resorts and cruise lines.

[0018] Typically, passengers are prompted to remove the printed bag tag after collecting their baggage from the baggage carousel at their destination. However, the inventors have determined that the original printed bag tag carries useful information and, instead of discarding the original printed bag tag, can be used 1) in place of printing and / or attaching a temporary receipt tag, and 2) for autonomous data entry and capture to free the passenger or other employee from capturing the passenger's personal information and return flight information.

[0019] Passenger baggage may be tagged with an adhesive marker from the airline carrier, which may also include an IATA license plate barcode. This marker may be placed anywhere on the baggage and may be used in place of a printed and / or temporary receipt tag or the attachment of a missing IATA bag tag. For example, an airline's IATA bag tag may be damaged or detached as a result of transportation through the airline's baggage handling system. Thus, airline baggage markers may be used in the processes described herein.

[0020] In some examples, airline IATA bag tags or other special-purpose bag tags may include a printed IATA license plate and / or radio frequency identifier (RFID) that can be read by an RFID reader. However, RFID technology is not widely available today, accounting for only about 10% of usage. The systems and methods described herein can use, by way of non-limiting example, RFID that is part of the bag tag, especially if the original printed bag tag is damaged or otherwise unscannable by a barcode scanner. As is known, RFID is used because scanning a 10-digit license plate can be a challenge for scanners throughout an airline baggage handling system. This is because the printed text may be damaged or the attached bag tag may be in a position that prevents capture of the barcode. The systems described herein can acquire the 10-digit license plate using an RFID reader in parallel with the barcode scanner or as needed.

[0021] The inventors have found that in addition to using original, non-discarded IATA bag tags in place of receipt tags, the process can be automated using IATA bag tags, resulting in a process that is less prone to data entry errors, less burdensome for passengers, time-saving, and cost-effective.

[0022] The system described herein uses a parallel method for obtaining passenger identifiable information to accommodate situations where an IATA bag tag is damaged or lost, such that the 10-digit license plate can be obtained without passenger or other employee input. For example, all passenger information, particularly return flight information, can be obtained by scanning the original airline IATA bag tag that has not been discarded, autonomously retrieving the passenger record and return flight information, and remotely checking the passenger in and returning home.

[0023] Scanning of all non-discarded bag tags may include scanning dockside at the accommodation facility such as a cruise line, scanning at the arrival airport or intermediate mobile carrier upon arrival, scanning at any accommodation facility such as a hotel resort, and / or scanning at any location between the arrival airport or intermediate mobile carrier and the accommodation facility.

[0024] The inventors have determined that the original printed bag tag / paper bag tag from the first mode mobile carrier has useful information that can be used to automate the process for checking in passengers for the return travel leg of travel by the first mode mobile carrier and / or to create an inventory passenger record for use by the accommodation facility. Instead of removing the original printed bag tag after arriving at the destination associated with the accommodation facility, the code embedded in the license plate of the original printed bag tag can be electronically captured, digitized, and used to obtain personal information or personally identifiable information (PII) associated with the passenger from the first mode mobile carrier, which can then be used by the accommodation facility or other vendor.

[0025] Furthermore, the inventors have determined that the license plate on the original printed bag tag can be used to autonomously obtain return flight information for the passenger without the need for the passenger or lodging facility employee to manually enter the return flight itinerary information.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 for confirming a passenger's return travel leg of a trip, according to one embodiment. The system 100 is shown between lines AA and BB. The system 100 can communicate with a mobile information system 108 of a first mode mobile carrier 104, a mobile information system 110 of an optional intermediate mobile carrier 106, and / or a mobile information system 128 of an accommodation facility 126. In the embodiment described herein, the accommodation facility 126 is a cruise ship. The mobile information systems 108, 110, 128 may include, for example, a web-based server connected to the Internet. One or more components of the system 100 are located locally relative to a destination point (DP) 107, which is also local to the accommodation facility. In some embodiments, the accommodation facility 126 may be a vacation resort.

[0027] The first mode mobile carrier 104 may be any of an air carrier, a bus carrier, and a train carrier. However, for purposes of explanation, the example will be described with reference to the first mode mobile carrier 104 being an air carrier. The optional intermediate mobile carrier 106 may be any of an air carrier, a bus carrier, and a train carrier.

[0028] The dashed line travel leg 140 shows the route of travel legs L1, L2, and L3 of the passenger and passenger luggage 138 from the starting point (i.e., home 102) to the lodging or boarding point at the accommodation 126. Leg L1 is a travel route from home 102 to the first mode mobile carrier 104. Leg L2 is a travel route using the first mode mobile carrier 104 to the destination point 107 or to an optional leg L3 associated with an intermediate mobile carrier 106. Optional leg L3 is a travel route using an intermediate mobile carrier 106 to the destination point 107. For example, the passenger can end their travel route at the end of leg L2 and board a vehicle or another flight of a different mobile carrier to begin travel along leg L3 to the destination point 107. It should further be appreciated that the travel route of leg L3 can include one or more intermediate mobile carriers. In some examples, a passenger's journey may have zero (0) intermediate travel carriers, such as in the case of a direct or nonstop journey to a destination point 107 along the route of the journey 140.

[0029] Destination point 107 is local to the boarding gate of accommodation 126. System 100 or one or more components of system 100 may be controlled and manned by a third-party service provider independent of any travel carrier. System 100 may be controlled and manned by a travel carrier local to destination point 107. Travel carrier local to destination point 107 may be an airline carrier, a train carrier, a bus carrier, a cruise ship carrier, or a combination thereof.

[0030] In some cases, the travel route of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and the travel route of the optional intermediate mobile carrier 106 can be reversed, so that the travel route of passengers on section L2 can be by the intermediate mobile carrier 106, and the travel route of passengers on section L3 to destination point 107 can use the first mode mobile carrier 104.

[0031] Components of the system 100 may include a scanner 116 for scanning a bag tag (BT) 142. An exemplary BT 142 from an air carrier is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2A. The BT 142 is an original bag tag (OP-BT) having an original paper bag tag identifier (O-BTI) 114, such as from a first mode travel carrier 104 on a first leg of travel. The O-BTI 114 may be stored in a database by the first mode travel carrier 104.

[0032] In some embodiments, components of system 100 may also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader or a near field communication (NFC) identification reader, both of which are shown herein as RFID-R 150, shown with dashed boxes to indicate that they are optional. RFID readers receive electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags. In some cases, passenger baggage 138 may use RFID tags or near field communication (NFC) compatible tags that generate 10-digit license plates or equivalent identifiers. However, currently, most baggage still uses printed or paper bag tags as the primary means of identifying passenger baggage 138.

[0033] The term passenger baggage 138 may include one or more luggage items. The one or more luggage items may include the first luggage item. In some cases, only the BT 142 of the first luggage item needs to be scanned to digitally recreate the passenger's bag number.

[0034] The stored digital O-BTI 114 can be converted into a format compatible with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) bag tag code and other standardized formats of the carrier. For example, an airline bag tag may include an IATA code, which includes a three-character alphanumeric geographic code designating an airport and city. The IATA code is also known as the IATA location identifier. IATA also publishes industry-standard rules for creating bag tags for the airline industry. The printed BT 142 may include a 10-digit license plate and corresponding barcode, as shown in FIG. 2A. The O-BTI 114 may include information to create the IATA geographic code, the originating airline flight information, the 10-digit license plate, and other BT information printed on the BT 142, as shown in FIG. 2A. The BT 142 may also use license plates used by other mobile carriers.

[0035] Components of system 100 may include an imaging device 118 for capturing images of passenger baggage 138. Components of system 100 may include an optional printing device 120 configured to print markers (MK) 136 on a substrate. Components of system 100 may include a computing device 122, as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 7 . Computing device 122 may communicate with scanner 116, imaging device 118, and printing device 120 via wireless communications, indicated by reference numeral 130. In some embodiments, computing device 122 may communicate with scanner 116, imaging device 118, and / or printing device 120 using a wired communications protocol. Printing device 120 may be a laser printer, inkjet printer, or other printer device.

[0036] It should be understood from this disclosure that the system herein accommodates many outcomes that various passengers may experience. The need for MK136 arises because some baggage arriving at a destination may not contain the originally printed bag tag or airline marker, both of which may contain an IATA barcode. In such a situation, the system must prepare a marker to temporarily tag the baggage.

[0037] The system can obtain passenger information by scanning a barcode or quick response (QR) code associated with the original flight's boarding pass. In some cases, the passenger's ticket may contain information associated with a 10-digit license plate that can be collected from the passenger and placed on their luggage without the need to print an MK136. For example, a passenger may receive an adhesive-backed marker from an airline attendant when checking in their luggage at the airport.

[0038] The marker may include a 10-digit license plate number or other information that can be used, for example, to identify the luggage to passengers in the event of loss.

[0039] The system may include, by a printing device in communication with the at least one processor, creating an MK136 having a marker identifier that links the passenger manifest record to the first baggage item if an originating paper bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or on the printed bag tag of the first baggage item is damaged or missing, and entering the marker identifier into the passenger manifest record. The marker identifier may be a barcode readable by a barcode scanning device and includes one of the OP-BTI or a new passenger tracking identifier.

[0040] The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, the imaging device 118, and / or the printing device 120 using a near-field communication (NFC) protocol, such as, without limitation, BLUETOOTH®. The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, the imaging device 118, and / or the printing device 120 using Wireless Fidelity (WI-FI) communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, the imaging device 118, and / or the printing device 120 using, for example, ZIGBEE® wireless technology that is compatible with IEEE 802.15. The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, the imaging device 118, and / or the printing device 120 using a long-range communication protocol, a short-range communication protocol, a cellular radio frequency protocol, or other mobile radio frequency protocol.

[0041] In other embodiments, the scanner 116 may be a software application stored on the computing device 122 and programmed to interact with a video or camera device built into, integrated with, or connected via a cable to the computing device 122. In one embodiment, the computing device 122, the imaging device 118, and the scanner 116 may be a single device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other video-enabled handheld computing device, hereinafter referred to as a "smart communication device." In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a local computing device or server 148 for communicating with the smart communication devices and the mobile information systems 108, 110, and / or 128. The local computing device (i.e., the server 148) communicates with at least one smart communication device and / or mobile information system 108, 110, 128 using wired or wireless communication.

[0042] In one embodiment, the computing device 122, the imaging device 118, the scanner 116, and the RFID-R 150 may be a single device such as a smartphone, tablet, or other video-enabled handheld computing device, also referred to later in this specification as a “smart communication device.”

[0043] Imaging device 118, scanner 116, and / or RFID-R 150 may be electronic devices that capture barcodes or other information associated with IATA license plates, such as 10-digit license plates. As will be appreciated from this disclosure, although the IATA standard uses 10-digit license plates, other license plate formats with more or fewer digits may be used.

[0044] Components of the system 100 may include an optional baggage receptacle 124 for transporting received baggage, such as on a conveyor belt. While passenger baggage 138 moves on the conveyor belt, at least one scanner 116 and at least one imaging device 118 may scan or capture information representative of the O-BTI 114. In some embodiments, the imaging device 118 may capture an image of one or more passenger baggage 138. Additionally, the RFID-R 150 may scan RFID or NFC tags located on the baggage receptacle 124. In some embodiments, the scanner 116 may scan QR Code®-enabled bag tags. RFID, NFC, and QR Code-enabled bag tags may contain specific personal information (PU). This passenger's personally identifiable information and information in the passenger name record (PNR) 112 may be used to verify the personal information. The RFID or NFC tag must be compliant with, for example, IATA RP 1740c.

[0045] In other embodiments, the baggage receptacle 124 may include a designated pad or surface for placing a single passenger baggage 138 with a scanner, imaging device 118, and / or RFID-R 150 proximate to the pad to scan the O-BTI 114 and / or capture an image of the passenger baggage 138. The scanner 116 and imaging device 118 may be the same device, but operate to locate and scan a barcode using the O-BTI 114 in one operation and, in a second optional operation, to locate a portion or side of the body of the passenger baggage 138 to capture specific baggage characteristics. In some embodiments, the scanned O-BTI data receiver 402 may be bypassed if the printed BT 142 is not readable. In this example, the user may directly input the 10-digit license plate 210, which is then input into the license plate analyzer 404 to identify the mobile carrier identification and the passenger bag number. The scanner 116, imaging device 118, and RFID-R 150 may be integrated into the same device, with the RFID-R 150 reading the RFID or NFC tag if a printed bag tag is not present and creating personal information for inventory.

[0046] A process that captures identifying characteristics of the luggage, such as using computer vision, may determine that the passenger luggage 138 does not contain the original paper bag tag. In this case, information received from the RFID-R 150 may be used. In some cases, the passenger luggage 138 may have both an RFID or NFC tag and an original paper bag tag, because the original paper bag tag may contain information associated with the mobile carrier for the return leg near the home 102.

[0047] The computing device 122 and / or server 148 of the system 100 generates a communication session with the mobile information system 108 or 110 to access the PNR 112 based on the scanned BT 142 and obtain information representing the original O-BTI 114 with an embedded code of the passenger's bag number, as described below. The mobile information system 108 or 110 generates a communication with passenger file data 132, which includes the passenger's return trip segment information and personally identifiable information (PII). The received passenger file data 132 is assembled into a manifest file 134 or transmitted to the mobile information system 128, which creates the manifest file 134. In some cases, the server 148 can create the manifest file 134. One of the computing device 122 and / or server 148 can communicate the manifest file 134 to the mobile information system 128 of the accommodation 126.

[0048] The computing device 122 and / or server 148 merges all passenger file data 132 into a single manifest file 134 for the checked-in passenger. The computing device 122 and / or server 148 then communicates the manifest file 134 to the travel information system 128 for the accommodation 126.

[0049] A departure control system (DCS) may control the management of the check-in process for the air mobile carrier. The mobile information system 108 or 110 may include a check-in indicator 144 that indicates that a passenger is checked in for travel within a particular window. In some embodiments, the mobile carrier may include a check-in database 146 for passengers checked in for travel.

[0050] An exemplary scenario will now be described in detail. A passenger, ready for a travel leg, begins, for example, at home 102, where passenger baggage 138 departs, traveling leg L1 of travel itinerary 140. Passenger baggage 138 can travel with the passenger or via a baggage transport service to a first mode travel carrier 104, where travel leg L2 begins. Assume first mode travel carrier 104 is an airline. At first mode travel carrier 104, as shown in FIG. 2A , passenger baggage 138 receives a BT 142. BT 142 includes printed information representing an O-BTI 114 that conforms to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) bag tag format. BT 142 may be printed on paper or a paper composite at an airline counter, by an airline agent, via a baggage transport service, or by the passenger at a self-check-in kiosk. If used, BT 142 remains on passenger baggage 138 as it travels along leg L3 of its travel, as described below.

[0051] The passenger's itinerary 140 includes an accommodation 126. In this example, the accommodation 126 is a cruise ship. In some embodiments, before the passenger boards the cruise (i.e., at the accommodation 126), the BT 142 with the O-BTI 114 is scanned by a scanner 116 to digitize a printed representation of the O-BTI 114.

[0052] In various situations, passenger travel leg 140 may include leg L2 and leg L3. For example, if only a first mode of travel carrier 104 is present, leg L3 is omitted. In this example, the first mode of travel carrier 104 may provide direct service to a city or destination that is proximate or local to accommodation 126. In other examples, passenger travel leg 140 may include an intermediate travel carrier 106 to provide leg L3. For example, passenger travel leg 140 may include at least one connecting leg or leg to a city or destination that is proximate to accommodation 126. The connecting leg of travel may be shown as leg L3 of travel beginning at the end of leg L2 and ending at destination point 107.

[0053] FIG. 2A shows a partial view of a printed, prior art, conventional airline bag tag 200 (i.e., BT142). Bag tag 200 is half of a bag tag. Bag tag 200 includes two sides that may be mirror images of each other so that the ends of bag tag 200 can be secured to each other. In the illustrated example, bag tag 200 includes a three-digit departure airport flight identifier 202 and a three-digit arrival airport flight identifier 204. Bag tag 200 includes at least one barcode flight identifier 206. In this illustration, bag tag 200 includes a first barcode flight identifier 206 with the bars of the barcode oriented in a first orientation and a second barcode flight identifier 208 with the bars of the barcode oriented in a second orientation different from the first orientation. Bag tag formats may vary slightly from country to country and from mobile carrier to mobile carrier.

[0054] The bag tag 200 includes a 10-digit license plate 210 that is compatible with IATA regulations. The 10-digit license plate number includes an initial integer ranging from 0 to 9, followed by a three-digit airline code, followed by the six-digit license plate number. The last six digits of the license plate number correspond to the passenger baggage number. Numeric fonts can be difficult to capture. The 10-digit license plate 210 is included adjacent to the first barcode flight identifier 206 and / or the second barcode flight identifier 208.

[0055] The human-readable license plate 210 has either a two-letter or three-digit IATA carrier code. For example, it may be either "AA509795" or "001509795." "AA" is the two-letter IATA code for American Airlines, and "001" is the three-digit IATA carrier code. In either case, the barcode is always the full 10 digits.

[0056] The first barcode flight identifier 206 is a label that conceals personal information and flight information. For example, the first barcode flight identifier 206 is coded to include the passenger's name and information about where the baggage is going (i.e., destination), as well as other information such as the name of the arrival airport, the departure time, the IATA airport code of the arrival airport, the airline code and flight number, and the name of the passenger identified with the baggage (e.g., in first name and last name format). The first barcode flight identifier 206 is a modified version of a license plate 210.

[0057] The bag tag number includes a two-character airline code and six digits. The six digits represent the passenger's bag number. The passenger's bag number can be used to locate the PNR 112. In some embodiments, the passenger's bag number also conceals the passenger's personal information.

[0058] The air carrier generates and stores one or more B-type messages 152. The B-type messages 152 may include one or more of a Baggage Transfer Message (BTM), a Baggage Source Message (BSM), a Baggage Processing Message (BPM), a Baggage Unloaded Message (BUM), a Baggage Not Read Message (BNS), a Baggage Control Message (BCM), a Baggage Manifest Message (BMM), and a Baggage Request (BRQ). The bag tag number is part of the baggage message.

[0059] The license plate 210 embedded in either the first barcode flight identifier 206 or the second barcode flight identifier 208 is known as an index number (IN) that links to a baggage source message (BSM) sent by the carrier's departure control system (DCS) to the airport's baggage handling system, where each digit in the license plate 210 has a specific meaning. For example, the BSM contains flight details and passenger information from the second leg L2.

[0060] The inventors have determined that an index number (IN) embedded in the license plate 210, the first barcode flight identifier 206, or the second barcode flight identifier 208 can be used to access the passenger's PNR 112.

[0061] The example in Figure 2A is a self-tagging airline bag tag 200 printed by a passenger via a self-check-in kiosk at an airport. All bag tags for an airline contain the same license plate format.

[0062] 2B shows a conventional prior art airline bag tag marker 212. The airline bag tag marker 212 may include a passenger name, a departure airport flight identifier 214, an arrival airport flight identifier 216, a 10-digit license plate 218, and an adjacent barcode flight identifier 220.

[0063] In some embodiments, the airline tag marker 212 is attached to the end of a conventional airline bag tag 200 and can be removed for the passenger to keep. The airline bag tag marker 212 is also printed on paper or a paper composite.

[0064] The MK 136 printed by the printing device 120 may include personal information for the PNR 112 to enter the passenger's name. In some cases, the MK 136 may include a temporary bag tag with an embedded code for the accommodations 126 or the return travel leg.

[0065] 3 illustrates a scanner 116 according to one embodiment. The scanner 116 includes a software application (i.e., scanner application 310) loaded onto a computing device 302, such as computing device 122. A user of the scanner 116 aims a camera lens 308 at the printed bag tag 200. The camera lens 308 is located on the rear side of the device opposite the display screen 304. A processor of the computing device 302 causes an image (input) representing the printed bag tag 200 captured by the camera lens 308 to be displayed on the display screen 304.

[0066] The scanner application 310 may provide a barcode window 306, shown with dashed lines, to highlight the printed barcode and identify it in the image or to orient the user toward the barcode, for example, so that the window 306 is positioned to capture all the bars of the second barcode mail identifier 208. Alternatively, or in addition, the scanner application 310 may scan the first barcode mail identifier 206. The window 306 may be displayed automatically upon launch of the scanner application 310. The scanner application 310 may, for example, translate the barcode of the first barcode mail identifier 206 or the second barcode mail identifier 208 and search for a linear or one-dimensional (1D) barcode to generate a series of digits representing, for example, the license plate 210. A person can see the license plate 210. However, entering each digit can be time-consuming and susceptible to human error.

[0067] The first barcode flight identifier 206 or the second barcode flight identifier 208 associated with the license plate 210 can be used as an index number (IN) to link, for example, a baggage source message (BSM) along with passenger information to locate and access the PNR 112 for the passenger and its return flight information.

[0068] In some embodiments, the scanner application may also be used to capture a QR code bag tag identifier on a QR code bag tag attached to passenger baggage 138. This information may be used to verify the PNR 112 or to access personal information.

[0069] 4 shows a block diagram of a programming module 400 for checking in passengers and generating a manifest for boarding a leg of a trip, according to one embodiment. Programming module 400 may reside on computing device 122, server 148, or a combination thereof.

[0070] One or more programming modules 400 may include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware. Computing device 122 and / or server 148 may include at least one processor and / or hardware for executing instructions of programming modules 400.

[0071] The programming module 400 may include a scanned O-BTI data receiver 402 and a license plate analyzer 404. The scanned O-BTI data receiver 402 may receive the 10 digits embedded in the captured barcode of the first barcode flight identifier 206 or the second barcode flight identifier 208, and the license plate analyzer 404 may parse the series of digits received from the scanner application 310. The license plate analyzer 404 may track the digits to identify a passenger carrier identification (ID) via a mobile carrier identification (ID) locator 420. The license plate analyzer 404 may track the digits, such as the last six digits, to find the package number via a package number locator 422.

[0072] The license plate analyzer 404 can extract the first digit of the converted barcode. In this example, it is the number 7. This digit may be discarded. The license plate analyzer 404 can then extract the next three digits using the mobile carrier ID locator 420. In this case, the next three digits include "001," which corresponds to the mobile carrier ID. In this case, the mobile carrier ID corresponds to American Airlines. The license plate analyzer 404 can then use the baggage number locator 422 to extract the next six digits, which include "509795." These six digits correspond to the passenger's bag number.

[0073] In some embodiments, if the printed BT 142 is not readable, the scanned O-BTI data receiver 402 can be bypassed. In this example, the user can directly input the 10-digit license plate 210, which is then received by the license plate analyzer 404 to identify the mobile carrier identification information and the passenger bag number.

[0074] The programming module 400 may include a communication session generator 406 for communicating with at least one of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or the intermediate mobile carrier 106. The communication session generator 406 may include a travel operator Internet Protocol (IP) address lookup database 424 and PNR access instructions 426. The mobile carrier ID of the license plate 210 may be used to locate predefined instructions for generating electronic communication packets to a server of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or the intermediate mobile carrier 106 associated with the mobile carrier ID. The communication session generator 406 also retrieves stored instructions for accessing return travel segment information from the stored PNR access instructions 426 using a digitally generated passenger bag number extracted from the first barcode flight identifier 206 or the second barcode flight identifier 208 associated with the license plate 210. The communication instructions may identify information regarding tools (i.e., programming instructions) corresponding to Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0075] In some embodiments, the instructions may identify a link with passenger information in the baggage source message (BSM) of the scanned license plate 210 to locate and access the passenger's PNR 112 and their return flight information. In some embodiments, the link may be, but is not limited to, an HTTP compatible link.

[0076] During the communication session, the computing device 122 can execute programming instructions of the passenger travel return travel leg obtainment unit 408, where the return leg is the travel path or portion of the travel path to return to home 102. For example, if the passenger returns to home 102 using the same travel carrier as the original printed bag tag, the PNR 112 will include the return flight information. Otherwise, the return flight information may be marked as null by the system 100.

[0077] The programming module 400 may include a passenger baggage recognition module 410. Image data from the imaging device 118 may be processed by machine learning software to generate an image of the passenger baggage 138. This image may be stored in a database for passenger baggage recognition processing. In some cases, a passenger's baggage may need to be found or identified. The computing device 122 or server 148 may store an image of the passenger baggage 138 that can be retrieved at a later time. Machine learning algorithms may then be used to recognize the baggage and match the passenger to the baggage.

[0078] The computing device 122 or the server 148 may use machine learning algorithms to identify whether a particular package has been processed by one or more components of the system 100.

[0079] The programming module 400 may include a marker generator 412. The marker generator 412 may generate a barcode for use in the format of an MK136 that may be printed by the printing device 120 and affixed to passenger baggage 138. As previously mentioned, the MK136 may be used when the original bag tag or airline marker is unavailable or cannot be scanned due to damage, etc.

[0080] Programming module 400 may include a passenger manifest record generator 414, a return trip segment manifest generator 416, and a manifest communicator 418. A passenger manifest created from non-discarded originally printed bag tags may be used to coordinate passengers arriving at lodging facilities 126 and determine room or cabin numbers. Non-discarded printed bag tags entered into the manifest may be used, for example, to transport passengers' luggage to their rooms and / or lodging facilities 126 without the need to generate temporary receipt tags. Non-discarded printed bag tags may also be used, for example, for passenger departures from lodging facilities 126 back to home 102 without the need to print yet another temporary receipt tag.

[0081] The passenger manifest record generator 414 may store passenger information 428 and associated PNRs 112 for passengers whose passenger baggage 138 was scanned by the system 100 in one or more files. The passenger information 428 may include the passenger's first name, middle name or initial, last name, and contact information. For example, the contact information may also include the passenger's address. The passenger information 428 may include personally identifiable information (PII).

[0082] Components of the system 100 can store a list of passengers for one or more accommodations 126 local to the destination point 107 so that passenger baggage 138 for passengers not intended to travel through the accommodation 126 is not commingled with passenger baggage 138 for the accommodation 126. In some embodiments, the passenger information 428 file can include passenger information associated with a prepaid service with a third-party service provider, a first mode mobile carrier 104, or an accommodation 126. In some embodiments, the passenger information 428 file can include cabin numbers assigned to passengers. Thus, the marker generator 412 can communicate with the passenger manifest record generator 414 to obtain information such as cabin number and passenger name so that fields of the marker printed by the marker generator 412 can be formatted and populated.

[0083] The return leg manifest generator 416 can extract information for the PNR 112, including return leg movement information, including, but not limited to, the travel carrier for the return leg mode, the departure time for the return leg mode, the flight number, and / or the estimated number of baggage that needs to be checked in for the return leg home. The return leg manifest generator 416 can enter the return leg movement information into corresponding data fields in the manifest file 134.

[0084] The manifest file 134 includes a conduit for checking in multiple passengers with a designated return travel carrier. The conduit may include a graphical user interface for remotely checking in each passenger leaving the accommodation 126 within a designated window prior to the return flight. In some embodiments, the passenger manifest record includes the digital BTI data, the PNR 112, and data used to identify the check-in of the passenger for the return travel leg with the designated return travel carrier.

[0085] The inventory communicator 418 is configured to establish a communication session with a travel information system 128 associated with the accommodation 126. The inventory communicator 418 may have different instructions for each of multiple cruise ship operator's travel information systems 128. The communication instructions may identify information regarding tools (i.e., programming instructions) corresponding to Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0086] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for checking in a passenger according to one embodiment. The method 500 creates a digital license plate number from a printed bag tag, for example, for use in obtaining return flight information. At block 502, the method 500 begins after completion of a leg of travel by a first mode travel carrier. At block 504, the method 500 includes obtaining an origin bag tag identifier, such as a 10-digit license plate. Obtaining the origin bag tag identifier includes scanning an origin bag tag identifier (O-BTI) on the printed bag tag of the first baggage item with a scanner to create scanned or digital BTI data, where the printed O-BTI is linked to the first mode travel carrier. As a non-limiting example, the scanner may be a barcode scanner.

[0087] In some cases, obtaining the origin bag tag identifier may include receiving an RFID signal including information representative of the origin bag tag identifier. In other embodiments, obtaining the 10-digit license plate may include reading an airline marker having an adhesive backing that may be attached to the baggage. In some cases, the adhesive-backed airline marker is part of the original boarding pass received from an airline agent upon check-in for the original flight.

[0088] In summary, assume that the first mode mobile carrier is an airline carrier. Then, electronic capture by the at least one electronic capture device may include at least one of: i) scanning, with a barcode scanner, an origin paper bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) on a printed paper bag tag from the airline attached to the passenger's first baggage item; ii) scanning, with a barcode scanner, the OP-BTI on a printed marker from the airline attached to the first baggage item; and iii) scanning, with a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reader, RFID information associated with the OP-BTI.

[0089] At block 506, method 500 may include extracting, by at least one processor, a passenger baggage number from the scanned O-BTI data. Block 506 may include extracting a mobile carrier code from the scanned or digital BTI data.

[0090] At block 508, the method 500 may include, by at least one processor, accessing a passenger reservation record (PNR) from a second processor associated with the first mode mobile carrier based on the digitally generated passenger baggage number or the digitally generated 10-digit license plate number. At block 510, the method 500 may include, by at least one processor, autonomously creating a passenger manifest record from the accessed PNR 112 for the return leg of the passenger's travel by the designated return mobile carrier. The passenger manifest record may include the digital BTI data and the PNR along with data used to identify check-in for the return leg of the passenger's travel by the designated return mobile carrier. The passenger manifest record may read the scanned O-BTI or the mobile carrier code embedded in the accessed PNR 112. The passenger manifest record may be associated with the digital BTI data linked to the passenger to track and process the passenger's baggage before and after the passenger stays at a mass lodging facility. For example, the mass lodging facility may be located on a Disney™ property or other resort with lodging facilities.

[0091] At block 512, method 500 includes repeating blocks 504-510 for multiple passengers boarding the leg of the trip involving accommodations. At block 514, method 500 may include performing a check-in process for the return leg of the trip at each passenger's designated return travel carrier using a graphical user interface (GUI) populated with information from the passenger manifest record. Repeating blocks 504-510 may be for multiple passengers beginning a stay associated with accommodations to autonomously form a manifest file having a conduit for checking in the multiple passengers at the designated return travel carrier.

[0092] In some embodiments, the method 500 may include ingesting, by at least one processor, a manifest file having each created passenger manifest record for an accommodation.

[0093] Block 508 of method 500 may include identifying a mobile carrier from the scanned O-BTI data and identifying a stored communication session procedure for communicating with the mobile carrier based on the scanned or digital O-BTI data. The stored communication session procedure may identify, by the at least one processor, a communication protocol for accessing the passenger name record (PNR) from a remote second processor (i.e., mobile information system 108 or 110) associated with the mobile carrier over a communication network.

[0094] Communication formats may include tools compatible with Transmission Control Protocol / INTERNET Protocol (TCP / IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0095] For the return travel leg by the designated return travel carrier, the process for performing the check-in process of block 514 may also use stored communication instructions to control a remote second processor to check in the passenger for the return travel leg of the passenger, e.g., within a predetermined check-in window.

[0096] 6 shows a block diagram of a programming module 600 for generating a master inventory, according to one embodiment. The programming module 600 can communicate with multiple computing devices having the programming modules 400 running on them. The programming modules 600 may be stored by a computing device associated with the mobile information system 128 or other mobile management system. In some embodiments, one or more of the programming modules 600 may be stored on a computing device associated with the server 148 and the mobile information system 128.

[0097] In some embodiments, server 148 and mobile information system 128 may be integrated into the same computing system. In other embodiments, server 148 may be integrated into mobile information system 108 or 110.

[0098] The programming modules 600 may include an inventory merger 602, a master inventory generator 604, and a return leg sorter 606. One or more of the programming modules 600 may include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware. A computing device associated with the mobile information system 128 may include at least one processor and / or hardware for executing instructions of one or more of the programming modules 600.

[0099] The programming module 600 includes a manifest graphical user interface (GUI) 608 that may include a manifest merger 602 for merging passenger manifest files from multiple computing devices 122, servers 148, or systems 100 for the current voyage. For example, a computing device associated with the travel information system 128 may communicate with multiple systems 100, and each system 100 may have multiple computing devices 122. The passenger manifest file includes multiple passenger manifest records generated by the passenger manifest record generator 414 and the return journey leg manifest generator 416, which are populated with information accessed from the PNR 112.

[0100] For purposes of this disclosure, it should be understood that there may be multiple local destinations, each serviced by a different system 100. For example, destination point 107 may be at a local train station local to the port of accommodation 126. Destination point 107 may be at a regional bus station proximate to the port of accommodation 126. Destination point 107 may be at a regional airport proximate to the port of accommodation 126. The term "proximate" refers, for example, to a travel distance of less than 5-20 miles, 20-50 miles, or 51-100 miles from accommodation 126. For example, an accommodation may dock at a port with multiple airports, multiple train stations, multiple bus stations, etc., any of which may be used by a passenger to arrive as close to the port as possible based on the passenger's own starting point and travel costs.

[0101] The inventory GUI 608 can interface with a master inventory generator 604 and a return leg sorter 606. The master inventory generator 604 can merge files received from one or more systems 100 and a list of booked passengers stored by the mobility information system 128 into a master inventory file populated with information derived from the digitized O-BTI. The master inventory file is populated with accessed information for PNRs 112 associated with the return leg of travel for passengers whose BTs 142 were scanned and processed by the system 100.

[0102] For example, at a cruise ship port, some passengers may arrive the same day as boarding the cruise ship. In other instances, passengers may arrive one or more days prior to boarding. Furthermore, PNRs 112 for passengers boarding the same cruise voyage may be merged into a master manifest file. As a non-limiting example, a third-party service provider may manage the baggage of multiple cruise ships at a port.

[0103] Each cruise ship has its own master manifest file. The manifest passenger records, populated based on the information in the PNR 112, can be displayed on a display device using the manifest GUI 608. The manifest GUI 608 is, for example, a computer program that allows a user to view passenger information records and their return travel leg flight information. The passenger records may also include the passenger's cabin number for the current voyage. The return travel leg flight information may include, but is not limited to, one or more of: travel carrier information, travel carrier geolocation information, flight number, flight departure time, and flight arrival time.

[0104] The master manifest generator 604 can display the generated master manifest file using a manifest GUI 608. The manifest GUI 608 can also include a return leg sorter 606 that allows the personnel to sort the manifest by data associated with the return flight mode or return leg mode of the trip that matches the check-in window for the return leg of the trip.

[0105] Without wishing to be bound by theory, automating the process of accessing PNR 112 data based on a digital reproduction of the 10-digit license plate and using the accessed data to enter passenger manifests and / or check-ins for the return travel leg of a trip saves valuable human resources on the cruise ship and resources of the return flight travel carrier.

[0106] The processor may sort the master manifest file having information associated with the passenger manifest records using a graphical user interface (GUI) of the manifest GUI 608, such as sorting by return leg flight time or other designated time. The processor may perform check-in processing for the return leg of each passenger with a designated return leg carrier based on the sorted master manifest file. In some embodiments, the master manifest file is for a resort destination, which may include at least one hotel.

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 7, in a basic configuration, a computing device 700 (i.e., a computing device 122 or a local computing device) may include any type of fixed computing device, a server 148, a personal computer (PC), or a mobile computing device.

[0108] Computing device 700 may include one or more processing devices 706 and system memory within a hard drive. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device 700, the system memory may be memory (such as random access memory (RAM 702)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM 704), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. The system memory may store an operating system and one or more applications 724, and may include program data for executing at least one of programming modules 400 described above in connection with FIG. 4 and programming modules 600 described above in connection with FIG. 6.

[0109] The computing device 700, via the application 724, can execute one or more blocks of the method 500 of FIG. 5 described herein. The computing device 700 can also have additional features or functionality. By way of non-limiting example, the computing device 700 can also include additional data storage media devices 708 (removable and / or non-removable), such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. The computer storage media devices 708 can include volatile and non-volatile, non-transitory, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of data such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory, removable storage, and non-removable storage are all non-limiting examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM 702, ROM 704, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage device, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or any other physical medium that can be used to store desired data and that can be accessed by computing device 700. Any such computer storage media may be part of computing device 700.

[0110] The computing device 700 may also include or have an input / output (I / O) interface 712 for one or more input modules 714, such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. The input module 714 may include a video device, an imaging device 118, and / or a scanner 116, as shown in FIG. 1 . The computing device may include or have an I / O interface 712 for connecting to output devices, such as a display, a presentation module 716, speakers, etc. A graphical user interface (GUI) 718 may be displayed on the presentation module 716. The computing device 700 may include a peripheral bus 710 for connecting to peripherals. The computing device 700 may include communication connections that allow the device to communicate with other computing devices, such as over a network or a wireless network.

[0111] By way of example, and not limitation, communication connections may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. Computing device 700 may include a network interface 720, such as a network interface card, for connecting to a network or other communication path 722 (via a wired or wireless connection).

[0112] Computer program code for performing the operations described above may be written in a variety of programming languages, including, but not limited to, high-level programming languages ​​such as C or C++, Python®, or Java, based on development convenience. In addition, computer program code for performing the operations of the embodiments described herein may be written in other programming languages, such as, but not limited to, interpreted languages. Some modules or routines may be written in assembly language or microcode to improve performance and / or memory usage. It will be further understood that any or all functionality of the program modules may be implemented using discrete hardware components, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmed digital signal processors (DSPs), or microcontrollers. The program code of the embodiments may be included in RAM, ROM, or flash memory as firmware. Alternatively, the code may be stored on a tangible computer-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic tape, a flexible diskette, a hard disk, a compact disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a digital versatile disc (DVD).

[0113] Embodiments may be configured for use in a computer or data processing device that includes a central processing unit (CPU), memory such as RAM and ROM, and a storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0114] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method 800 for checking in passengers departing from a lodging facility, according to one embodiment. While the exemplary method 800 depicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the illustrated operations may be performed in parallel or in a different order without substantially affecting the functionality of the method 800. In other examples, different components of an exemplary device or system implementing the method 800 may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order. According to some examples, the method 800 includes, at block 802, checking in passengers from the lodging facility for a return flight. If the first mode of travel carrier is an airline, the method 800 may determine whether a check-in window is open. For example, the airline may allow passengers to check in for the flight within 24 to 48 hours of the departure of the return flight. Train carriers may have different windows.

[0115] According to some examples, method 800 includes generating a bag tag identifier and an IATA license plate at block 804. According to some examples, method 800 includes printing the bag tag with the license plate at block 806. When a passenger is checked in for a flight, one or more IATA B-type messages are generated that include arriving and departing flight numbers and dates, baggage details such as a 10-digit bag tag identifier, passenger name, and PNR information.

[0116] The process for checking in the passenger for the return flight may include electronically communicating the boarding pass to the passenger, such as to the passenger's mobile phone or computing device. The communication may include an email of the boarding pass for the return flight. The communication may include a text message of the boarding pass for the return flight.

[0117] In some embodiments, the communication may include information associated with the 10-digit bag tag identifier so that, on the return journey of the final leg of the journey, the passenger can locate and track their baggage using, for example, the IATA 10-digit bag tag identifier.

[0118] Various remote check-in processes are known, for example, U.S. Patent No. 11,348,040, entitled "INTEGRATED END-TO-END TRAVEL INSTRUMENT (TI) DEVICE GENERATION SYSTEM AND INTEGRATED INSTRUMENT DEVICES," which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0211418, entitled "BAGGAGE TAGGING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING DATA FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0119] Method 800 may include, during a remote check-in process, obtaining, by at least one processor, airline bag tag information for a return leg of travel for checked-in baggage for the passenger, and printing, by a printer, new bag tags for the return leg of travel that are compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate for each checked-in baggage of the passenger.

[0120] The method 800 may include replacing the printed bag tag from the first mode travel carrier with a new bag tag for the return travel leg of the travel.

[0121] Method 800 may include, during a remote check-in process, obtaining, by at least one processor, boarding pass information for a return travel leg of the passenger's travel, and communicating, by the at least one processor, the boarding pass information to an electronic communication device of the passenger.

[0122] The boarding pass information may include barcoded boarding pass information. The boarding pass information may be in an electronic ticketing format.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 for merging passenger manifest and accommodation information, according to one embodiment. While the exemplary routine depicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the illustrated operations may be performed in parallel or in a different order without substantially affecting the functionality of the routine. In other examples, different components of the exemplary device or system implementing the routine may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order. According to some examples, the method 900 may include, at block 902, searching and locating accommodation information from an accommodation database for each passenger in the manifest file. As a non-limiting example, the accommodation database may include guest room, suite, or cabin numbers.

[0124] According to some examples, method 900 may include updating the inventory file with lodging information at block 904. According to some examples, method 900 may include selectively providing the lodging information to the passenger from the updated inventory at block 906. According to some examples, method 900 may include providing the updated inventory to the accommodation facility at block 908. The updated inventory includes the lodging information from the accommodation facility and passenger information such as passenger name, return flight information for at least the first mode of travel carrier, and original bag tag ID.

[0125] The identification data for check-in for the return travel leg of the travel may include at least a flight time and an air carrier for the return travel leg. The method may include sorting, by at least one processor, a master manifest file by information associated with the return flight times of the plurality of passengers, and performing, by the at least one processor, a remote check-in process for the return leg of the travel by each passenger's designated return flight travel carrier based on the sorted master manifest file.

[0126] The "steps" for performing the functions claimed herein are specific algorithms, which may be illustrated in the text of the specification as mathematical formulas and / or in flow charts. The instructions in a software program create a special-purpose machine for performing the particular algorithm. Thus, in any means-plus-function claim herein in which the disclosed structure is a computer or microprocessor programmed to execute an algorithm, the disclosed structure is not a general-purpose computer, but rather a special-purpose computer programmed to execute the disclosed algorithm.

[0127] A general-purpose computer or microprocessor can be programmed to execute algorithms / steps to create a new machine. A general-purpose computer becomes a special-purpose computer when it is programmed to perform specific functions according to instructions from the program software of the embodiments described herein. The software program instructions that execute the algorithms / steps electrically modify the general-purpose computer by creating electrical pathways within the device. These electrical pathways create a special-purpose machine for performing the specific algorithms / steps.

[0128] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0129] In particular, unless otherwise specified as will be apparent from the description, throughout the description, descriptions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" will be understood to refer to the operations and processing of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and converts data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other such data storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0130] "Communication media" typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communication media also includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, any of the functions and programming modules described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products, system-on-a-chip systems, complex programmable logic devices, etc.

[0132] As used herein, the terms "module" and "component" generally refer to software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In a software implementation, a module or component represents program code that performs specified tasks when executed on a processor. The program code may be stored in one or more computer-readable memory devices, otherwise known as non-transitory devices. A feature of the embodiments described herein is platform-independent, meaning that the techniques can be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety of processors (e.g., set-top boxes, desktops, laptops, notebooks, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, smartphones, game consoles, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.).

[0133] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent the terms "including," "includes," "having," "has," "with," or variations thereof are used in either the detailed description and / or claims, such terms are intended to be as inclusive as the term "comprising." Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as first, second, etc., does not denote any order or importance; rather, terms such as first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0134] While various disclosed embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Many modifications, omissions, and / or additions to the subject matter disclosed herein can be made in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments. Also, equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Moreover, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature can be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desirable or advantageous for any given or particular application. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the embodiments without departing from their scope.

[0135] Moreover, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public at large, particularly scientists, engineers, and practitioners of the relevant art who are not familiar with patent or legal terminology or language, to quickly determine the nature and substance of the present technical disclosure from a cursory inspection. The Abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0136] Thus, the breadth and scope of the subject matter provided herein should not be limited by any of the above explicitly described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the embodiments should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0137] Computer and Software Technology The present invention can be implemented on a variety of platforms. The following provides a preliminary foundation of information technology that can be utilized to enable the present invention.

[0138] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, machine-readable media may include read-only memory (ROM); random-access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.); and the like.

[0139] Furthermore, firmware, software, routines, and instructions may be described herein as performing particular operations, however, it should be understood that such description is merely for convenience and that such operations actually result from a computing device, processor, controller, or other device executing the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

[0140] A machine-readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this specification, a computer-readable storage medium may be any non-transitory tangible medium that contains or can store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Storage and services may be on-premise or remote, such as in the "cloud," through vendors operating under the brands MICROSOFT AZURE, AMAZON Web SERVICES, RACKSpace, and KAMATERA.

[0141] A machine-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal in which machine-readable program code is embodied, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A machine-readable signal medium may not be a computer-readable storage medium, but may be any machine-readable medium capable of communicating, propagating, or carrying a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. However, as noted above, due to the legal subject matter limitations on circuits, claims to the invention as a software product may be embodied on a non-transitory software medium, such as a computer hard drive, flash RAM, optical disk, etc.

[0142] Program code embodied on a machine-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including, but not limited to, wirelessly, via wire, via fiber optic cable, via radio frequency, or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. Machine-readable program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, C#, C++, Visual Basic, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. Additional languages ​​may include scripting languages ​​such as PYTHON, LUA, and PERL.

[0143] Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by machine-readable program instructions.

[0144] Claim glossary BTI stands for "bag tag identifier." A bag tag identifier, also known as a bag tag or baggage label, is a small tag or label attached to a passenger's baggage that contains identifying information about the passenger and their flight. It is used by airlines to track and handle the passenger's checked baggage. The tag typically includes the passenger's name, flight information (flight number, departure and destination airports, and travel date), and a unique identifier such as a bag tag number or barcode. The bag tag identifier number is unique for each piece of baggage and is used by airlines to track the baggage through the baggage handling system, match the baggage to the passenger's flight and route, and as a basis for identifying the baggage owner in the event of misplaced, lost, or delayed baggage. Bag tag identifiers are typically issued at check-in; passengers attach the bag tag identifier to their baggage before leaving it at the baggage claim counter.

[0145] First Mode Mobile Carrier (FMTC), according to the present invention, means the first carrier to collect a passenger PNR and then affix a tangible, machine-readable indicia to a passenger's baggage that is used to build a passenger manifest for one or more return trips without the need to manually re-enter the data.

[0146] The International Air Transport Association (IATA) refers to the worldwide association of airlines (for both cargo carriers and mobile carriers) that regulates the aviation industry by promulgating standards, procedures, and practices.

[0147] License plate refers to the 10-digit numeric code on the bag tag issued by the carrier to the agent during check-in for the leg of travel. The term "license plate" in this context is the official term used by IATA. License plates are encoded with a machine-readable barcode, but may also be presented in human-readable form with either a two-letter or three-digit IATA carrier code. For example, they may be either "CZ728359" or "784728359." "CZ" is the two-letter IATA code for China Southern Airlines, and "784" is the three-digit IATA carrier code. For American Airlines, the IATA designation code would be "AA" and the IATA code would be "001."

[0148] Accommodation means a business or enterprise that provides lodging services, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a hotel, a resort, or a cruise ship.

[0149] Passenger manifest refers to a record containing an array of data including data for check-in of a passenger for return travel by a designated return flight travel carrier.

[0150] PNR stands for "Passenger Reservation Record." It is a record in an airline or travel agency's database that contains all details of a passenger's itinerary and travel information. This information includes the passenger's name, contact information, flight details, seat preferences, and any special requests. The PNR also contains information about the reservation, such as the reservation date, fare, and ticketing status. It is used by airlines and travel agencies to manage and track passenger itineraries and travel plans. The PNR number is unique for each passenger and serves as a reference for passengers, airlines, and travel agencies. The PNR is also used for check-in, flight status confirmation, and reservation changes. The PNR number itself is typically six characters long and often contains a combination of letters and numbers. While regulatory bodies such as IATA (see above) have not specified a universal format for PNRs, each PNR has five required fields, including: (1) the traveler's or agent's phone number; (2) the person who last modified the PNR; (3) the itinerary, which must include at least one leg of the journey; (4) the name(s) of one or more passengers, including their full first and last names; and (5) specifications regarding how and when tickets are issued.

[0151] Radio frequency identification (RFID) refers to a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

[0152] Return Travel Carrier (RTC) refers to the company (e.g., airline) that a passenger takes with them at the end of their stay at a lodging facility. The RTC in this invention is extracted in a process that uses the license plate printed by the FMTC to access the passenger's PNR to build a passenger manifest for the return journey. Among other benefits, this reduces or eliminates data entry for lodging facilities that check passengers in specifically for the RTC.

[0153] The above advantages, and those that will become apparent from the above description, are efficiently achieved. Because certain changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. 1. A method for facilitating check-in of a passenger having a first baggage item traveling to or from a destination, comprising: After the first baggage item arrives at the destination, a) electronically capturing, by at least one electronic capture device, an origin hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed bag tag from the origin air carrier on the passenger's first baggage item to create a digital BTI data record linked to the origin air carrier, the BTI data record being a unique identifier; b) accessing, by a processor, a B-type message including a passenger name record (PNR) number corresponding to the passenger using the unique identifier from a computer system associated with the originating air carrier; c) using information associated with the PNR number to retrieve check-in information for the return travel leg of the passenger's travel on a designated return travel carrier; d) checking in, by the processor, the passenger within a check-in window on the designated return mobile carrier based on the retrieved check-in information; A method comprising:

2. The electronically capturing by the at least one electronic capturing device comprises: a) scanning with a bar code scanner an OP-BTI on a printed paper bag tag from the air carrier attached to a first baggage item; b) scanning, with a barcode scanner, the OP-BTI on a printed marker from the airline attached to the first baggage item; c) reading, with an RFID reader, an RFID tag associated with said BTI data record; The method of claim 1 , comprising one of:

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the OP-BTI comprises an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate, and the BTI data record represents the license plate.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the retrieved check-in information includes a return flight time.

5. obtaining, by the processor during the check-in, airline bag tag information for a return travel leg of the journey for checked-in baggage for the passenger; printing, by a printer, a new bag tag for each checked bag of said passenger for the return leg of the trip that is compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate; The method of claim 4 further comprising:

6. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of exchanging the printed bag tag from the originating air carrier with the new bag tag for the return travel leg of the trip.

7. obtaining, by the processor during the check-in, boarding pass information for the return leg of the passenger's travel; communicating, by the processor, the boarding pass information to an electronic communication device of the passenger; The method of claim 4 further comprising:

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the boarding pass information comprises barcoded boarding pass information.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the boarding pass information is in an electronic ticketing format.

10. 1. A system for facilitating check-in of a passenger having a first baggage item traveling to or from a destination, the system comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to, after the first baggage item arrives at a destination: a) electronically capturing, from at least one electronic capture device, an origin hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed bag tag from the origin air carrier that is on the passenger's first baggage item to create a digital BTI data record linked to the origin air carrier; b) accessing a B-type message containing a passenger reservation record (PNR) number corresponding to said passenger using a unique identifier representing said digital BTI data record from a computer system associated with the originating air carrier; c) using information associated with said PNR number to retrieve check-in information for the return travel leg of said passenger's travel by a designated return travel carrier; d) checking in the passenger within a check-in window on the designated return mobile carrier based on the retrieved check-in information; a memory storing instructions configured to: A system comprising:

11. and at least one electronic capture device, the at least one electronic capture device comprising: A barcode scanner and a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reader; The system of claim 10, comprising at least one of:

12. the OP-BTI comprises an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate, and the BTI data record represents the license plate; The system of claim 10 , wherein the retrieved check-in information includes a return flight time.

13. a printer, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to further: obtaining, during said check-in, airline bag tag information for a return travel leg of said travel for checked-in baggage for said passenger; 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the printer prints a new bag tag for each checked-in bag of the passenger for the return leg of the trip that is compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate.

14. The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to: obtaining boarding pass information for the return leg of the journey for the passenger during the check-in; The system of claim 10 , further comprising: communicating the boarding pass information to the passenger's electronic communication device.

15. 1. A method for facilitating check-in of a passenger having a first baggage item traveling to or from a destination, comprising: a) electronically capturing, by at least one electronic capture device, an origin hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed bag tag from the origin air carrier on a first baggage item of the passenger to create a digital BTI data record linked to the origin air carrier; b) accessing, by a processor, a B-type message including a passenger reservation record (PNR) number corresponding to the passenger using a unique identifier representing the digital BTI data from a computer system associated with the originating air carrier; c) using information associated with the PNR to retrieve, by the processor, check-in information for the return travel leg of the passenger's travel on a designated return travel carrier; d) checking in, by the processor, the passenger within a check-in window on the designated return mobile carrier based on the retrieved check-in information; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the B-type message containing the passenger reservation record (PNR) number corresponding to the passenger is one of a baggage transfer message (BTM), a baggage source message (BSM), a baggage processing message (BPM), a baggage unloading message (BUM), a baggage control message (BCM), a baggage manifest message (BMM), or a baggage request (BRQ).

17. a) electronically capturing, by at least one electronic capture device, an origin hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed bag tag from a mobile carrier on a passenger's baggage to create a digital BTI data record linked to said mobile carrier; b) accessing, by at least one processor, passenger return flight information from a computer system associated with the mobile carrier based on the BTI data record; c) printing, with a printing device, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) bag tag for the return leg of the return flight associated with the accessed passenger return flight information; A method comprising:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the OP-BTI associated with the mobile carrier on the passenger's luggage is obtained from radio frequency communications.

19. the mobile carrier is an air carrier, and the electronically acquiring by at least one electronic acquisition device includes: a) scanning with a barcode scanner an OP-BTI on a printed paper bag tag from the air carrier attached to the baggage; b) scanning with the barcode scanner an OP-BTI on a printed marker from the air carrier attached to the baggage; c) receiving, by a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reader, RFID information associated with the OP-BTI; d) receiving, by a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader, an NFC signal associated with the OP-BTI; 18. The method of claim 17, comprising one of:

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the OP-BTI comprises an IATA license plate.

21. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said accessing, by said at least one processor, said passenger return flight information includes accessing a B-type message using said digital BTI data record, said B-type message including a passenger reservation record (PNR) number.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the B-type message comprises a Package Sender Message (BSM).

23. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of checking in, by the at least one processor, the passenger for the return flight with a return flight carrier.

24. During the check-in, obtaining boarding pass information for the passenger's return flight; communicating, by the at least one processor, the boarding pass information to an electronic communication device of the passenger; 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

25. a) electronically capturing, by an electronic capture device, an origin hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) printed on an origin printed bag tag from a mobile carrier on a passenger's baggage to create a digital BTI data record linked to said mobile carrier; b) accessing, by at least one processor, passenger origin printed bag tag information entered in a manifest file; c) printing, by a printing device, an IATA bag tag for the return travel leg for the return flight linked to the origin printed bag tag from information in the manifest file; A method comprising:

26. the mobile carrier is an air carrier, and the electronically acquiring by the electronic acquisition device comprises: a) scanning with a barcode scanner the OP-BTI on a printed paper bag tag from the air carrier attached to the baggage; or b) scanning with the barcode scanner an OP-BTI on a printed marker from the air carrier attached to the baggage; 26. The method of claim 25, comprising one of:

27. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the OP-BTI comprises an IATA license plate.

28. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising checking in, by the at least one processor, the passenger with a return flight carrier for the return flight.

29. During the check-in, obtaining boarding pass information for the passenger's return flight; communicating, by the at least one processor, the boarding pass information to the passenger's electronic communication device; 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

30. 1. A system comprising: a capture device that electronically captures an origin hard copy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) printed on an origin printed bag tag from a mobile carrier that is on a passenger's baggage to create a digital BTI data record linked to said mobile carrier; at least one processor that accesses passenger origin printed bag tag information entered in a manifest file; a printing device that prints an IATA bag tag for a return travel leg for a return flight linked to the origin printed bag tag; A system comprising:

31. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the mobile carrier is an air carrier and the electronic capture device includes a barcode scanner that scans the OP-BTI.

32. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the OP-BTI comprises an IATA license plate.

33. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to check in the passenger for the return flight with a return flight carrier.

34. The at least one processor, during the check-in, obtaining boarding pass information for the passenger's return flight; communicating the boarding pass information to the passenger's electronic communication device; 34. The system of claim 33, further configured to:

35. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the information accessed in the manifest file includes cruise ship information.

36. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the information accessed in the inventory file includes accommodation information.

37. a) electronically capturing, by an electronic capturing device, an origin hard copy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) printed on an origin printed bag tag from an air mobile carrier that is on said passenger's baggage; b) utilizing said OP-BTI as a unique identifier by at least one processor to query a database to retrieve return flight data; c) printing, by a printing device, an IATA bag tag for the return leg of the return flight from the retrieved return flight data; A method comprising:

38. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the database is queried with at least a substring of integer characters that includes the OP-BTI.

39. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the database is a mobile information system of the air mobile carrier.

40. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the return flight IATA bag tag includes a human readable string of characters.

41. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising formatting the return flight data to IATA bag tag specifications before printing.

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