Baggage transportation security system and method
In a communications network, such as the Internet system and method for arranging the transportation of baggage for airline passengers. Flight information and baggage information from a user is received via the communications network. Typically this is accomplished via a combination of information capture from an online travel provider (e.g., airline) and user input at a Web page. The baggage to be transported is identified and transported from an origin airport to a destination airport. The baggage is delivered to the user specified destination location. The method may further comprise collecting the baggage from an origin location other than the origin airport (e.g., residence, office, hotel, etc.). Travelers may access updated information concerning the location of their baggage from a desktop or laptop computer, a hand-held communication device, a cellular telephone with Internet access, or other suitable communications device.
1. A method for arranging for the secure transportation of baggage for an airline passenger from an origin location to a destination location via a flight taken from an origin airport and a destination airport, the origin location and destination location being distinct from the origin airport and destination airport, respectively, the method comprising:
(a) obtaining origin location, flight information, and baggage information;
(b) generating a baggage manifest for the baggage and transmitting the baggage manifest to a ground delivery operator;
(c) collecting the baggage at the origin location from the passenger, the step of collecting being performed by the ground delivery operator;
(d) verifying the identity of the passenger;
(e) tagging the baggage;
(f) transmitting baggage information via a communications network and associating said baggage information with flight information of the flight;
(g) the ground delivery operator transporting the baggage from the origin location to a screening facility;
(h) performing pre-flight screening security checks of the baggage;
(i) delivering the baggage to an airport's baggage sortation system; and
(j) maintaining updated information concerning baggage location and delivery status in a database.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of obtaining flight information further comprises interfacing with airline reservation and departure control systems.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of collecting further comprises providing a baggage claim check to the passenger.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of verifying the passenger's identity comprises biometric identification.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of tagging the baggage comprises applying a radio frequency identification tag to the baggage.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the steps of transporting and maintaining includes tracking of the ground delivery operator's vehicle through a positioning system.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing the screening results to the airline.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of obtaining origin location information for the baggage further comprises establishing a baggage-delivery Web site adapted to serve a first Web page to a browser, the first Web page displaying information concerning airline travel planned by the passenger and comprising a form, the form comprising a field for entering the origin location for the baggage.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of obtaining destination location information, and wherein the form further comprises a second field for entering the destination location for the baggage.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising the steps of:
(k) transporting the baggage from the origin airport to the destination airport;
(l) delivering the baggage to the destination location;
(m) receiving a request from a user via a second communications network for information concerning baggage location and delivery status; and
(n) transmitting information concerning baggage location and delivery status to the user.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising providing an identifier to the user for tracking baggage.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the provided flight and baggage information comprises a priority and security tracking status of a bag.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the screening facility in a secure screening facility.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the screening facility comprises at least one explosive detection system machine.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the secure screening facility processes baggage in accordance with a plurality of priority classes.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of priority classes include cold, warm and hot.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the priority class is based on one or more of (i) time remaining until a departure time, (ii) bag size, (iii) destination location, (iv) a screening or security related factor.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of maintaining updated information concerning baggage location and delivery status in a database is aided by at least one of a computer, a cellular telephone, kiosks, a PDA, or other remote computing device linked to the server via the communications link.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the communication link is configured to inform a passenger of the need to addressed a flagged bag.
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein a baggage pickup and delivery Web site provides a user with a login name and a password for accessing the site and, optionally, further provides an estimate of a fee for baggage pickup and delivery to a user for approval.